Spotlight on Giving: Star of the Month Donations
For the team at Caltech, giving back has always been a priority. Since our earliest days—when the team consisted of just two surveyors—Caltech has prioritized supporting the communities we serve.
Since 2021, Caltech has proudly implemented the “Star of the Month” program to ensure our community support aligns with the values important to our team. This initiative serves to celebrate and recognize outstanding staff members each month, reinforcing our commitment to our people. Open to all Caltech employees, this award highlights those who exemplify our core values, showcasing the spirit and excellence that drive our organization forward.
Since its creation, the award has included a donation from Caltech to the charity of the employee’s choosing. More than $18,000 has been contributed to Canadian charities so far. The most popular causes? Animals, health care, kids and sports.
If you ask Caltech employees, they’ll tell you this award is a great way to give back to the causes they believe in.
Kim Fitzpatrick, CAD Technician
When Kim Fitzpatrick received her Star of the Month award, she immediately knew where she wanted her donation to go. Kim’s mother lives in Inverness, Cape Breton, and Kim spends a lot of time at the beach there. After a local resident experienced injuries that confined him to a wheelchair, the community made the beach more accessible and inclusive. “The day I won the award, I was at the beach and I saw a lady around the same age as me that was in a wheelchair who had a smile that could light up a room,” Kim says. “The reason I chose the Inverness Beach Accessibility Equipment program was so there can be more smiles. Enjoying the ocean brings a sense of peace and enjoyment that everyone should be able to experience.”
Photo Credit: Inverness Beach Accessibility Program
Jason DaCosta, Vice President, Strategic Growth
For Jason DaCosta, his award was used to support a family in crisis. Jason created a Go Fund Me campaign to support the family of a close friend who passed away from a massive heart attack. Jason’s co-worker, Andrew McFarlane, chose to donate his award to the same effort after being inspired by Jason’s contribution. “I am so proud of our donation program,” Jason says. “It shows Caltech’s commitment to the communities where we work and live, and I love that Caltech sees valuing in supporting and recognizing their staff.”
The contributions from the two Caltech team members helped the surviving family members cope with their tragic loss and make plans for their future.
Kent Linder, CAD Technician
In Kent Linder’s case, this Star of the Month Award made it possible for him to contribute a lot of enjoyment to residents of the Sunset Special Care Home facility in Regina. Kent used the award to purchase a commercial popcorn machine for residents of the facility.
“The donation program gives each person a chance to have their hard work and dedication to Caltech make a difference,” Kent says. “In our case, the donation of my award made it possible for all residents to have a warm bag of popcorn when watching their movies. The residents are still talking about how grateful they are almost a year later.”
Kent Linder at the Sunset Special Care Home
“We look at the Star of the Month program as an excellent way to support our team and our community at the same time,” says Jade McLeod, Caltech’s President. “Our people are the key to our success, and it’s a great way for us to recognize our team member’s outstanding contributions and at the same time support groups that are making a big difference in our communities.”
While every donation has its own unique and compelling history, one fact that is consistent is the joy that comes from helping others. And for others that have contributed to the program, they get to witness the significant impact their efforts have had on organizations that truly matter to them, making a meaningful difference.