A Christmas Get-Together

Last Saturday my wife Sandy and I hosted our staff at our home. At Costless Express we have our main Christmas Party in February once all the holiday hub bub dies down. So this was a chance for staff and families to gather and meet in a informal setting. It was great to have a chance to reconnect with what I call "our support group".

You see, the families of our staff are just as important to our continued success as our staff themselves. They too make sacrifices - like when our designer Erin pulled a 20 hour all nighter to meet our 2008 catalogue deadline -there was Dave to support her, make her a bath and whip up some breakfast. Or Darrin our controller when he travels for business - there's his wife Sharon to step in and care for both of their children 24/7. Or Alecia who stepped into cover a co worker on the night shift for two weeks. She works days and I know that is a tough transition for her and her family. RESPECT to all!!

We run 24 hours a day, so several of our staff are working untraditional hours and don't get the time to spend with their families as much as they might like. A BIG THANK YOU to all our staff and their families. You are all the best!

Our staff open house was a huge success with over 50 staff and families visiting and of course......eating!

Everyone is looking forward to our "Adult" Party in February. We have had some legendary ones in the past and I know this year will be no exception.

I must send a special thanks to Sandy and my boys for their support. I couldn't ask for a more supporting and loving family.

Calvin

Saint Nick Visits Sport BC

Last night was the annual Christmas gathering for Sport BC, the amateur sports association in British Columbia. KidSport is the charitable arm of Sport BC and a charity Costless Express has supported for years.

Last night I stopped in to present a donation from Costless Express to KidSport and was able to personally pass off our cheque to good old Saint Nick himself! The money donated will be used to assist underprivileged children play sports. All kids deserve a chance to play sports regardless of their economic situation, and KidSport assists with paying dues, travel costs and equipment.

Assisting children in making sports accessible is very near and dear to my heart. As a child in a single parent home, we didn’t have much money growing up. I played goal in Port Moody hockey for 8 years because the equipment was supplied at no cost for goalies. Being able to play hockey was paramount in my development as a child. I learned discipline, teamwork, competitiveness and how to lose gracefully and still feel good about myself. I loved Hockey! They are still some of my best memories as a child.

Sports are as important as academics in my opinion during a child’s early school years. It gives a sense of belonging and pushes children to build character that will define them in their future. Sports also keep children too busy to get into trouble. “Idle hands are the work of the Devil,” my mother says.

Great work Sport BC and KidSport!
From all of us at Costless Express, Happy Holidays and a wonderful 2008.

Calvin

United Nations International Volunteer Day

Today is United Nations International Volunteer Day. I received a lovely email from my good friends at BC Children’s Hospital thanking me for the support over the past year.

For 2008 I have been invited to join the Children’s Hospital Wholesale and Retail Council. Last year this group was responsible for organizing and raising $3.1 million and includes notable companies such as Costco, Overwaitea Food Group and Sleep Country Canada. The council’s goal is to work with the wholesale and retail community in BC and help companies organize fund raising initiatives that will support BCCH.

It is quite an honor to contribute my time to such a great organization and to work with some fantastic people. A few weeks ago I attended the first meeting and was happy to see the group of 9 people was quite informal. We all met early in the morning at the Sleep Country Store at Metrotown and held the meeting sitting on the edge of some very comfortable mattresses. The 2-hour meeting was fast paced and the talent in the room was incredible, this group knows how to get thing done quickly and efficiently. This year our council is looking to launch a new signature event. Keep an eye out and we will launch something soon. It’ll be Great!

Again this year Costless Express will also be involved in JEANS DAY, contributing the snacks and beverages for the kick off BBQ’s downtown and at the hospital on April 24th, 2008. Last year, we had over 2000 attendees in the rain dancing to Nearly Neil while he sung Forever In Blue Jeans. Have a look at my April 26, 2007 Calvin’s Corner entry. Please click on the Jeans Day link and get involved with your company if you are not already, it’s a great event and we raised just over $1 million dollars.

Calvin