Community Involvement

Through SMP’s various initiatives since the company’s inception, our team has made a positive impact to the community through our contributions of sharing knowledge, donating time, and fundraising.

SMP Biennial Charity Mini Putt Tournament

Since its inception in 2001 with 14 holes and around 400 golfers, the SMP Charity Mini Putt Tournament has evolved into a highly anticipated biennial event in Calgary, growing substantially with each event.

From the outset, we've been committed to partnering with charitable organizations in Alberta, ensuring that 100% of the funds raised from event registrations, sponsorships, and prize draws go directly to these causes.

Our most recent event, held on October 25, 2024, raised an incredible $41,622.94 for The Alex Community Health Centre. These funds will directly support The Alex’s kitchen and food programs, helping provide essential nutrition and care to vulnerable individuals in our community.

In 2022, we proudly raised $35,885 for Wood's Homes, a local charity dedicated to providing treatment and support to children, youth, and families with mental health needs. This organization was chosen in memory of our former team member, Will Jones.

Previous recipients of our fundraising efforts include Hull Services, where we raised $35,848 in 2019 towards their recreation program and the construction of their outdoor labyrinth project. We have also supported initiatives like the Resolve Campaign, Canadian Mental Health Association, Parkinson Alberta, Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), Calgary Food Bank, Inn from the Cold, the Rainbow Society of Alberta, Alzheimer Society Calgary, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Sonshine Community Services, Calgary Meals on Wheels, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

To date, SMP’s Mini Putt has raised over $200,000 for local charities, and we remain deeply committed to making a positive impact in our community through our ongoing support for these vital organizations.

Hull Services - Outdoor Labyrinth

In 2022, SMP seized the opportunity to volunteer at Hull Services, contributing to the completion of the outdoor labyrinth project, which included construction of the labyrinth, and surrounding seating area. This endeavor was made possible through the proceeds from our 2019 charity mini-putt tournament.

The newly established outdoor labyrinth on Hull's campus serves as a valuable resource, providing a unique space to facilitate emotional regulation. Walking the labyrinth offers individuals a method to center themselves, calming both the body and mind. By guiding one's focus inward, it aids in reducing nervous energy, enabling individuals to relax and release emotionally charged experiences from their lives.

We are immensely proud to have played a part in bringing this meaningful project to fruition. SMP remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote well-being and enrich the communities we serve.

Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)

In February 2023, team "So Much Pace" proudly took part in the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event! This annual gathering is a family-friendly walk aimed at raising funds for local charities dedicated to assisting individuals facing hardship, hunger, and homelessness.

Our Calgary-based walking team rallied together and raised an impressive $1,160 in support of Wood's Homes, furthering our commitment to aiding those in need within our community. Meanwhile, in Edmonton, another branch of our team generously volunteered their time to assist the Bissell Centre during their downtown location walk.

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful causes and extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported our teams in this endeavor. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing adversity.

Hull Services "Happy Hullidays" Campaign

In 2019, SMP participated in Hull Services' "Happy Hullidays" campaign, a heartwarming initiative aimed at providing youth and families with gifts and essential items during the holiday season.

Through our fundraising efforts, SMP raised funds to purchase wishlist items for both a family and an individual supported by Hull Services. These contributions played a significant role in spreading joy and support to those in need within our community during the holiday season.

We are proud to have been a part of this meaningful campaign and remain committed to supporting initiatives that make a positive impact on the lives of others.

City of Calgary River and Pathway Cleanup

Since the inception of the Pathway and River Cleanup in 1967, thousands of Calgarians have generously volunteered their time to participate, with many returning year after year. Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of Calgary's parks, greenspaces, and approximately 300 kilometers of pathways and riverbanks annually.

Since 2023, SMP has proudly joined forces with the City of Calgary's River and Pathway Cleanup initiative, actively contributing to the preservation of our natural landscapes. Specifically, SMP has taken on the responsibility of tidying up a designated section of Edworthy Park, demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

We are grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact alongside fellow volunteers and community partners, and we look forward to continuing our participation in this meaningful endeavor for years to come.

Inter-office Bottle Drive

In 2020, SMP organized an inter-office challenge and bottle drive campaign with the aim of raising funds for three esteemed local Alberta charities: Hull Services in Calgary, Fifth on Fifth Youth Services in Lethbridge, and CASA Services Foundation in Edmonton.

Over the span of two months, our dedicated teams collected empty bottles and solicited cash donations, resulting in an impressive total exceeding $1,500. Among our offices, the Calgary branch emerged victorious by raising the highest amount of funds, earning the esteemed custom-made trophy as a token of their achievement.

This initiative not only showcased SMP's commitment to supporting local communities but also demonstrated the collective power of teamwork and philanthropy within our organization. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this meaningful campaign.

We remain steadfast in our dedication to making a positive impact in the communities we serve, and look forward to continuing our support for deserving causes in the future.

Movember Campaign

Since 2010, Seasonal Moustache People (SMP) has been actively involved in "Movember", a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men's health issues.

Our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas enthusiastically participate in fundraising activities throughout the month, rallying support for this important cause. To add some fun to the campaign, we hold a friendly competition, tracking the progress of our moustache-growing enthusiasts and hosting an internal vote for categories such as "Best 'Stache" and "Needs Another Month". Winners are awarded with a coveted trophy and bragging rights for the year.

In 2023, our colleague Brad Fair raised the stakes by pledging to shave off an eyebrow if anyone surpassed his fundraising efforts by $1,000. Mahmood Rajan rose to the challenge and exceeded Brad's goal by $1,001, resulting in our highest fundraising total to date, a remarkable $11,641!

We are proud of our team's dedication and generosity in supporting men's health initiatives, and we look forward to continuing our involvement in "Movember" for years to come.

Canadian Blood Services - Group Donation

At SMP, we are committed to giving back to our community in meaningful ways. One of the ways we demonstrate this commitment is through our annual group donations to Canadian Blood Services.

Each year, our team comes together to donate blood, contributing to the crucial supply needed to save lives across Canada. By participating in these group donations, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting the health and well-being of others in our community.

We believe that every donation makes a difference, and we are proud to play our part in helping Canadian Blood Services fulfill their lifesaving mission.

University of Calgary - Course Development, Guest Lectures & Labs

At SMP, we believe in investing in the future of our industry by nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for growth and development. Recognizing that people are our greatest assets, we have made it a priority to train and introduce more young individuals to the field of electrical building engineering.

In 2013, we took the initiative to develop a new fourth-year Electrical Building Engineering course (Enel 519.53 – ENEL in Comp & Inst Buildings) in collaboration with the Dean of Engineering. This course serves as an introduction to electrical building design for undergraduate students. From its inception, our team has been actively involved in the development and teaching of various components of the curriculum.

Through this endeavor, we have not only made building electrical engineering a viable career path for graduate engineering students but also continue to mentor Engineers-in-Training who have completed the course and are now employed with our firm.

Furthermore, as part of our commitment to fostering industry collaboration and knowledge sharing, we have engaged with other engineering and construction firms to develop additional classes and labs in building engineering within the course curriculum.

We are proud to play a role in shaping the next generation of engineers and contributing to the advancement of our industry through education and mentorship initiatives.

University of Calgary - Capstone Projects

At SMP, we are deeply committed to supporting the education and development of future engineers. As part of this commitment, we regularly participate as sponsors for the University's multi-disciplinary capstone projects, which involve students from electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering disciplines.

These fourth-year students are engaged in every aspect of electrical design, including power distribution, safety protocols, lighting systems, and coordination with other engineering disciplines. Our team at SMP plays a pivotal role in providing mentorship and peer review to these students throughout their capstone projects.

Our staff members actively engage with the students, offering guidance and feedback on various aspects of design, coordination, drawings, and specification generation. We believe in fostering a collaborative environment where students can learn and grow, and we meet with them bi-weekly during student-driven meetings to provide ongoing support and oversight.

By investing our time and expertise in these capstone projects, we aim to empower the next generation of engineers and contribute to the advancement of their skills and knowledge in the field.

Women in Engineering Scholarships

SMP is dedicated to promoting diversity and gender equality in the field of engineering. As part of our commitment to supporting APEGA's 30-by-30 initiative, aimed at achieving a composition of 30% women among professional members in engineering and geoscience by 2030, SMP has taken proactive steps to contribute to this goal.

To demonstrate our commitment, SMP has pledged $50,000 in "Women in Engineering" scholarships over the next five years. These scholarships will be distributed through both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta, empowering and encouraging talented female students to pursue careers in engineering.

By investing in these scholarships, SMP aims to foster an inclusive environment within the engineering community and provide opportunities for women to excel and thrive in the field.

University of Lethbridge - Innovator Award

Since 2019, SMP Engineering has proudly sponsored the "Innovator Award" at the University of Lethbridge. This  award aims to recognize and support students enrolled in the Engineering Transfer Program who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, entrepreneurship, or community service.

By sponsoring this award, SMP Engineering is committed to nurturing and encouraging the next generation of innovators and leaders in the field of engineering. We believe in investing in the education and development of talented individuals who show promise in making meaningful contributions to their communities and industries.

We are honored to support the University of Lethbridge in its mission to inspire and empower students to reach their full potential, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in fostering excellence and innovation.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

In 2013, SMP staff stepped up in a unique way by participating in the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event. This special occasion sees participants don high heels to raise funds in support of women and their children affected by domestic violence, while also providing essential services.

By joining this event, SMP demonstrated its commitment to supporting vulnerable members of the community and advocating for an end to domestic violence. Through fundraising efforts and raising awareness, our team contributed to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

We are proud to have participated in such a meaningful cause and remain dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote safety, equality, and empowerment for all.

Lethbridge College

In the fall of 2020, SMP had the privilege of presenting a virtual lecture on lighting design and visualization to students enrolled in Interior Design Technology & Architectural Animation at Lethbridge College.

This lecture provided an invaluable opportunity for us to share our expertise and insights with the next generation of design professionals. Through interactive discussions and demonstrations, we explored the principles and techniques of lighting design, emphasizing its importance in creating immersive and functional spaces.

By engaging with students in this capacity, SMP is committed to supporting education and professional development within the design community. We are dedicated to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, empowering students to excel in their studies and future careers.

We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the learning experience at Lethbridge College and look forward to continuing our partnership in promoting excellence in design education.

Jail-N-Bail

In 2013, SMP's Rob Quesnel was nominated to participate in a lighthearted fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. As part of this unique event, participants were "arrested" and had to raise funds to meet their "bail" in order to secure their release.

During this engaging fundraiser, Rob found himself in a mock trial, where his "bail" was set, and he could not be released until he successfully rallied support from his network to raise the necessary funds.

Through his participation, Rob demonstrated SMP's commitment to supporting important causes and making a positive impact in the community. This event not only raised funds for cancer research and support services but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among participants.

We are proud to have team members like Rob who actively engage in initiatives that contribute to the well-being of others and make a difference in the fight against cancer.