{"id":4639,"date":"2026-01-30T21:23:47","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T21:23:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firstonsite.com\/?post_type=resource&p=4639"},"modified":"2026-02-02T15:19:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T15:19:42","slug":"restoring-more-than-property-how-first-onsite-is-restoring-lives-communities-and-hope","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/firstonsite.com\/resource\/restoring-more-than-property-how-first-onsite-is-restoring-lives-communities-and-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"Restoring more than property: How First Onsite is restoring lives, communities, and hope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MISSISSAUGA, ON, JANUARY 12, 2026 \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0As we look back on the past year, First Onsite\u2019s commitment to its people and the communities it serves has extended well beyond its core work in disaster recovery. The company continues to demonstrate what it means to be a force for good by stepping up in meaningful ways when purpose calls. The spirit of compassion and service came to life through a number of recent impactful initiatives including a successful fundraiser rallying around a teammate battling leukemia and the launch of the\u00a0Sheltering Hope<\/em>\u00a0matching-donation campaign to support rescued animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rallying for Todd: First Onsite\u2019s team in British Columbia unites to support teammate battling leukemia<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The British Columbia (B.C.) team has been proudly supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) on behalf of their teammate Todd Yuen, a father and Business Operations Manager with First Onsite in British Columbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In January 2023, Todd was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a rapidly progressing blood cancer. As Todd\u2019s journey began, it quickly highlighted the gaps in support for blood cancer patients, including the high cost of essential medications not fully covered by healthcare. In response, First Onsite\u2019s B.C. team members began raising funds for the LLSC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the fundraiser itself, the team also took part in the LLSC\u2019s Light the Night Walk, honouring and raising support for those affected by blood cancers. Thanks to their collective efforts, the B.C. team surpassed its $20,000 fundraising goal, ultimately raising an impressive $23,527.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSupporting our friend and colleague during his battle with leukemia has been inspiring. By standing with him, we\u2019re also standing for hope, resilience, and community,\u201d said Todd Savage, First Onsite, Director of Operations, B.C. \u201cTodd\u2019s selflessness and courage set a powerful example for our team, and I\u2019m truly proud to see his positive spirit reflected in the team\u2019s commitment and enthusiasm for supporting the LLSC.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intended as an annual event, ongoing fundraisers for the LLSC will ensure that the B.C. team continues to provide hope, support more families, fund critical research, and accelerate the search for a cure. First Onsite truly appreciates the generosity of its employees and the broader community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more on Todd Yuen, LLSC, and the Light the Night Walk, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Todd Yuen, the inspiration behind the recent LLSC fundraising efforts, pictured with his loving family in British Columbia.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Onsite matches donations for rescued animals at Happy Days Sanctuary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to its efforts with the LLSC, last July First Onsite also announced<\/a> a $10,000 matching donation campaign to support rescued animals at Happy Days Sanctuary. As the initiative came to an end in October, First Onsite once again successfully surpassed its fundraising goal, raising a grand total of $20,050 with First Onsite\u2019s matching donation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Founded in response to the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires, Happy Days Sanctuary has grown into a year-round operation on 14 hectares in rural Niagara, Ontario. The sanctuary provides a permanent safe haven for abandoned animals from across Canada. While some animals are adopted, many remain in lifelong sanctuary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDonations help us provide food, medical care, and shelter to animals that have nowhere else to go,\u201d said Ann Swinson, owner of Happy Days Sanctuary. \u201cFirst Onsite\u2019s partnership helps ensure more animals receive the essential care they need\u2014food, medical support, safe shelter, and rescue\u2014while also allowing us to share their powerful recovery stories.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Onsite has long supported Happy Days through fundraising, awareness campaigns, and essential supplies, demonstrating a commitment to recovery and care beyond human communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Happy Days Sanctuary suffered a devastating loss on December 7, 2025, just months after the matching-donation campaign concluded. A fire broke out in the sanctuary\u2019s basement, tragically claiming the lives of 31 cats. Twelve cats were also rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic, where they received urgent care and have now stabilized. As the staff and volunteers continue to navigate this profound grief, the community is rallying to support them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To aid the cats\u2019 recovery and help rebuild essential facilities, the sanctuary\u2019s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign<\/a>, which has raised over $22,000 in donations so far. Contributions are also gratefully accepted through Canada Helps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about Happy Days Sanctuary<\/strong>, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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A curious resident of Happy Days Sanctuary looks on as a First Onsite truck signifies the company\u2019s generous $10,000 matching donation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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