Day of Service 2012 at FSTV

Day of Service at Family Services

Sign at FSTV welcoming the crews to the 2012 OCAA Day of Service

On Wednesday, May 2, 2012, CLC Tree Services was honoured to be able to take part in the Ontario Commercial Arborists Association (OCAA) Day of Service in London, Ontario. Every year the OCAA organizes a Day of Service to donate time, equipment, and services to a group or organization in need of tree services. In years past, these events have usually centred in the Toronto area, but this year Family Services Thames Valley was selected to be the recipient of some much-needed tree services. Four local tree services companies were happy to volunteer their time to help this local, non-profit organization, which provides a wide range of counselling and support services for individuals, families, and organizations.

Camaraderie in the Making

So who were these tree services companies you wonder? All members of the OCAA, the gentlemen from Arbortech Professional Tree Care, Chatham Tree Services Ltd, Norm’s Tree Service and of course a crew of five guys from CLC Tree Services showed up at 7:30 am to assess the grounds. Previously, our very own Calvin McCallum inspected the property and estimated the work that needed to be done. The crews on hand had yet to meet and work together though. As is usual in past OCAA Days of Service, they were divided up, thus allowing the men to network, learn new techniques, and of course develop a camaraderie among themselves.

Camaraderie in the Making

Working together to make a difference

While arborists might see other members at General Meetings, they don’t often get a chance to know the other faces in the industry. A Day of Service breaks down the competitive edge that sometimes exists between companies. It allows everyone to mingle in a feel-good day of giving back to the community. High up in the reaches of a 150 foot beech tree, these three young men did just that. They worked together to prune this tree and many others. Not an easy task, as there was 5 – 6 acres of land, including a large treed slope that held upwards of 12,000 – 15,000 trees.

These local certified arborists were not daunted by the task though. There were over 10 pieces of large equipment on site that day from the various companies, including trucks, cranes, aerial lifts, chippers, and a stump grinder from Chatham. Add to that the various chain saws, rakes and physical manpower available, and you have the makings of a very productive day. As crews dispersed to various areas around the property, they all got a chance to see new equipment and different ways of handling it. It offered an excellent opportunity for learning and growth; another benefit for their future careers.

Gratitude for Service

Curt & Sandra Savage discussing the day’s events over coffee

While this was a bonus for them, Sandra Savage felt like the true winner of the day. The Executive Director of Family Services, Savage gladly served up coffee (donated by The Little Red Roaster), homemade cinnamon buns, and a hot lunch that was just the tip of the iceberg in gratitude her organization has for the services performed. Ian Johnson, the owner of Arbortech, can understand why. He estimated that the cost of services performed would have run around $10,000 – $12,000, if FSTV had paid for them out of their own coffers. Definitely a good reason to smile, when Savage knows that the many people who use FSTV services will appreciate the calming effects that their grounds have. And as of today those grounds are a lot safer and a little more welcoming for those who need it most.

Big Thank You’s and shout outs to the crews who worked on the OCAA’s 2012 Day of Service this year. Without you, this day wouldn’t have happened. We all deserve the aching limbs and gratitude that came from our efforts. And CLC Tree Services was glad to be a part of it!