For over 25 years, Dale Hintz, Superintendent Maintenance K2, was a dedicated member of the Esterhazy K2 Mine Rescue Team. In that time, he prepared for a multitude of emergency situations through on-site skill-building, including real-life and reenactment scenarios, Incident Command Training and participating in mine rescue competitions across Canada. Today, he uses the wealth of knowledge he acquired to lead Parkland Search and Rescue (PSR), a volunteer-based organization in Esterhazy, SK.  

PSR is a ground search and rescue team whose mandate includes missing person searches, assisting law enforcement with evidence searches, and civil emergency response in times of disaster. A dedicated team of 20 certified member-volunteers prepare year-round to provide emergency services 24/7, 365 days a year to the surrounding area.  

Dale is in his fourth year serving as the President of the organization where he is the lead volunteer of the search and rescue chapter. The team has responded to 20 events in that time, in temperatures ranging from –35 to +30 degrees Celsius.   

With many lakes and camping sites in the area, people gather to enjoy outdoor activities during all four seasons. Missing person reports, including children or people with dementia, have needed the team’s help in the past. While every search and rescue situation comes with its own memorable story, what’s most rewarding to Dale is the ability to provide education to the community to reduce search and rescue incidents in the first place.  

“Going into the community to present the AventureSmart programs, which encourages the community to get informed before they go outdoors, is among the most rewarding aspects of my role,” said Dale. “Through our programming, we are changing a culture by educating youth to minimize the risks associated with outdoor adventures.”  

Image: Parkland Search and Rescue Trailer.

Volunteer-based organizations, like PSR, rely solely on their fundraising efforts to remain operational and purchase the necessary equipment to perform search and rescue initiatives. Companies like Mosaic have helped support the growth of the organization. Recently, Mosaic provided the organization funding to ensure volunteers are equipped with warm outdoor gear and safety gadgets to keep the community safe year-round.

“Mosaic’s support of our organization has been amazing. If it weren’t for funding from local organizations, growth to the current level would not have happened,” said Dale. “Now, with Mosaic’s new Employee Giving Program, I can track and log my volunteer hours and financial support to the organization, and Mosaic rewards my own work. It’s a great way to support a cause that means so much to the community – and me – it's an excellent opportunity for employees to get involved in meaningful programs.”   

Mosaic’s Employee Giving Program offers expanded opportunities for employees to leverage The Mosaic Company Foundation matching contributions – up to $2,000 per employee per year.