“I was motivated to take civil/environmental engineering because of an inner desire to do third world development.  I started working 22 years ago and before you know it I’m 50 and haven’t done any significant third world work!  However the Urban Systems Foundation has changed all that.  I have been to Uganda twice now to support the installation of gravity water supply systems. I do not know of any other engineering firm where I could have fulfilled my life long dream as part of my working life.  I am very grateful to Urban Systems and the Urban Systems Foundation.”

 

Chris Town, P. Eng., Kamloops

 

 

 

 

 

"The Foundation gives me a chance to give back to my community by using my professional skills and knowledge.  It feels great to know that I’m making a difference and being involved in the Foundation helps me to feel more a part of Urban Systems.”

 

Mercedes Braun, Planning Technician, Richmond

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"I'm happy to be working at a place that lets me give something back. Urban Systems takes giving back seriously. Take a look at the CNIB outdoor classroom project and you'll see how serious we are. The changes that have taken place there in the landscape are astonishing. What's more astonishing is the way the project has changed everyone involved. I'm thankful for the opportunity."

 

Jan Korinek, EIT, in Calgary

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

" Humanity- The Foundation for me brings back into focus what is truly important in all of our lives, and that’s the fact that we are all  stuck on this planet together so why not help out where it’s needed. With the simple donation of our time we can and do make a huge impact on someone else’s life, and for me focusing in on someone else fades all my issues into the back, and we all need to have our lives put into perspective occasionally. The “Backyard Project” is something I am proud to take part in. I see the reaction of the “Littles” we do activities with through the Big Bunch program, spending a few minutes interacting with these kids can often steer them onto a different path in their lives.”

  

Natalie Clarke, CADD Technician, Fort St. John

 

 

 

 

“The motivation I have to be involved in the Foundation comes from a natural desire to help people. I want people to be able to live their best life, and if I can help in someway, even in a little way, that’s all I need. The emotion behind feeling like you have made someone’s day better is beyond what words can describe.”

 

Kim Livingstone, Project Coordinator, Fort St. John

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I know how easy it is to be consumed by our own daily routine of work and home, but it’s always been an amazing feeling to see the smiles on people’s faces when you show them kindness. So, with the Foundation being right in our own backyard, it is a great opportunity to be a part of something bigger that makes people smile.”

 

Marcia Eng, P.Eng., Calgary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Volunteering to teach at the E4C ArtStart program has reminded me how art can give kids an often neglected creative outlet.  It's rewarding to see when they can communicate through their artwork, sometimes bypassing roadblocks they may have with words."

 

Herman Lau, P.Eng., Edmonton

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

“My career in Water and Wastewater was inspired by the idea of one day being able to help provide clean water and sanitation to those that desperately need it in developing countries.   Now through the US Foundation and the initiatives in Uganda I have the opportunity to be involved in such humanitarian work and make a difference in people’s lives while building the foundation for my career.” 

 

Jonathan Lowe, EIT, Kelowna