SaskTel employees are known to rally behind many valuable causes that are making a difference in the community. One good deed might not seem like a lot, but it can often create a ripple effect of generosity that inspires countless other people to support a greater cause.

With his cheerful personality and infectious smile, "Iron Will" brought light and positivity into the lives and hearts of everyone he met. As he bravely fought through the complex airway ailments that affected his feeding and breathing, he reminded his family and friends to live life to the fullest and to "always smile through it". Though his condition appeared to be improving, Will passed away suddenly from heart failure on August 28, 2013.

When Desiree Rattray and her husband Jason suggested to close family and friends that they consider making a donation in memoriam to their local children's hospital, little did they realize that it would inspire a campaign that would weave connections throughout the province and bring the SaskTel family together to stand behind one of its own.

After witnessing their close friend and colleague endure an unspeakable loss, Michelle Gray, Renee Pestyk, Tanya Adair, Tarilynn Tymiak and longtime friend and neighbour Melissa Jackson rallied together to do everything in their power to help Desiree fulfill her dream of turning Will's memory into a lasting legacy for Saskatchewan sick kids and their families.

Together with the help of these friends, Desiree and her husband Jason formed the Iron Will Committee which would see thousands of dollars raised from initiatives across the province including four separate Iron Will Family Days, a team-up with 22Fresh Clothing, as well as the sale of Iron Will stuffed animals, a cookbook, and other Iron Will branded items. Desiree would also succeed in winning a $25,000 donation from the Scotiabank Game Changers program in 2014.

"I have tried to say thank you but I don't think those words will ever capture the love and gratitude I have for these gals," said Desiree. "Not only did they devote countless hours of their lives to help coordinate fundraising, but not for one moment did they ever lose sight of the reason behind it all. Everything they did was to ensure that Will's legacy will live on."

On top of all this there were numerous direct donations, both in-kind and monetary, and multiple Farmer's Filthy 5K races in Stenen dedicated to Iron Will. Michelle Gray, a SaskTel Marketing Manager, spoke about how Desiree had a special way of bringing people together and was well-known throughout the building:

"Desiree is beautiful inside and out, and made an impact on so many here at SaskTel. When people heard of Will's story and the legacy he left behind, they quickly jumped on board to help us all reach our goal."

The contributions of the Iron Will Committee and hundreds of SaskTel employees speak to SaskTel's deeply embedded value of helping one another. A grand total of $300,000 was raised, which was presented to the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation at a special presentation in Saskatoon on Friday, May 25, 2018.

"I am so proud of our committee," said Tarilynn Tymiak, who worked with Desiree. "Reaching $300,000 in only four short years is simply outstanding. I have never been so proud to represent a cause as special and as important as this one. Knowing so many young children and families will benefit from our fundraising dollars and Will's legacy warms my heart. I am truly honored to have been part of this outstanding, selfless and energetic committee."

The employee-driven support of the Iron Will Campaign is one illustrative example of how SaskTel's strong culture of helping one another is making an impact. Though Desiree and her family have since left Regina, the women of the Iron Will Committee remain close in touch despite the different paths their lives have taken them.

"The time we have spent together in a room, on the phone, and chatting over group text has created a lifelong bond. These are ladies I will always hold so close to my heart and even though we may not speak to each other every day – I will think of them often – and when we get together – it's like we've never been apart," said Renee Pestyk, a SaskTel Clerical Associate in Marketing.

Across SaskTel, we realize that by building a culture where each employee feels valued and part of a team, we can facilitate an environment where all employees feel comfortable asking for, as well as offering, support.

As Desiree and her family celebrate this important chapter in their lives, this incredible group of women were there to show their support as the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation accepted this impactful donation. Because of Iron Will, children facing Ear, Nose Throat (ENT) disorders will benefit from some of the best diagnostic tools and treatment available in the world today. The new "Iron Will" ENT Exam Room will provide a welcoming place in the Pediatric Outpatient Unit where young patients can get multiple tests done all in one place and be supported by family members.

"We are inspired every day by the actions of our employees to make our communities stronger," said Jennifer McLeod, HR Manager - CSR Diversity. "Though the act of giving is often at an individual level, SaskTel has tried to develop a culture of giving that is built into who we are and how we do things as a company. In addition to employee-driven fundraisers, the SaskTel Pioneers and TelCare programs give our employees a unique opportunity to support the causes they care about."

SaskTel employees live and breathe community. From our volunteer work to numerous community outreach programs, we're deeply committed to leaving a positive impact in our communities.

To learn more about SaskTel's community involvement, read our latest Community Stories or visit SaskTel's Corporate Social Responsibility page.

To learn more about Iron Will, see our latest blog story The inspiring story of Iron Will.