CUPE @ Your Service

MacDonald Island Park

Zohrah Ali, 26

Child Services Leader,

Preschool Program

Originally from Pakistan, Zohrah is a permanent resident of Canada and has lived in Fort McMurray with her husband, who works for Hertz, for almost four years.

With her completion of a two-year Montessori program in Pakistan and an international certificate, she was hired at MacDonald Island Park in July, 2011.

“We have crazy busy mornings here with our drop-in daycare,” she says with a smile, adding that she loves working and playing with young children although she and her husband haven’t yet started their own family.

As the summer activities at MacDonald Island Park draw to a close, she says she and her husband are looking forward to welcoming a number of relatives to Fort McMurray from Ontario.

Edmund Baligod, 36

Facility Custodian

 

Originally from the Phillipines, Edmund travelled to many countries prior to choosing Canada as his new home.  He has worked at MacDonald Island Park for three years, although he has lived in Fort McMurray for a longer period of time.  Edmund is married but he and his wife haven’t yet started a family.  He enjoys his job.

“I love MacDonald Island because there is lots of opportunity,” he says.  “And every day I meet different people and we are treated nicely as employees.  We have a good leader in Tim Reid.  I plan to continue working here, for sure.”


Rob Hemsworth, 29

Arena Maintenance

Rob, who has lived in Fort McMurray since 2001, has worked at MacDonald Island Park for two years.  He’s one of four employees who operate the Zamboni, the equipment used to maintain the ice arenas.

“I like my job,” he says.  “The people here are great to work with and we have a good crew in our department of operations.  It’s pretty exciting too, with the major expansion coming.”

Rob is originally from Langley, British Columbia and he says he has lots of family in Fort McMurray.

Rob is still single, but says he has been courting his girlfriend for six years.  He says there are wedding bells in his future.

Laurel Edney, 29

Finance Clerk

Laurel is responsible for reconciling and managing all incoming cash.  She has worked at MacDonald Island Park in her current area for two years.  She began her career in Guest Services before she trannsferred to Accounting.

“There are many opportunities for growth here,” Laurel says with respect to why she loves working at MacDonald Island.  “Here, they’ll work with you to get you where you want to be.”

Originally from New Brunswick, Laurel arrived in Fort McMurray via Calgary approximately five years ago.

She has and her partner, who works at Syncrude, have a two-year old son, Noah.

Laurel very much appreciates the fact that MacDonald Island Park employees are encouraged to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities there.

“We’re given the option to work on our personal well being,” she says.  “It’s a good idea because so that you know what services your facility offers.  It makes each employee an ambassador of MacDonald Island Park.”

Krystal Bates, 26

Fitness Coordinator

Krystal, who has worked at MacDonald Island Park since March, 2010, started as a part time fitness specialist and personal trainer.  She is married to an RCMP Officer and has lived in Fort McMurray for four years.  The couple does not yet have children.  Krystal says she truly enjoys her work, which is matching clients with trainers.  And she’s BUSY.  The Fitness Centre has expanded since the opening of the facility and its hours are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., on Saturdays, Sundays and stat holidays.

“I like the opportunities that MacDonald Island Park presents,” she explains.  “I arrived her fresh out of my education phase and it is possible to advance in this facility in a short period of time.  It’s the land and city of opportunity. “