Universal Summer Family Event
On Saturday, July 25th, we returned to Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Stouffville for our annual Summer Family Event. This year, the Events Committee pulled together a mega fun afternoon for Universal employees and their family members, over 150 attendees in all!
With beautiful weather to get the party started, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch from Fire It Up BBQ Catering and everyone got to cool off with their choice of classic Ice Cream Truck desserts. Amongst the many activities was the return of the Jungle Fun Combo Slide, enjoyed by guests of all ages, a cannon blaster, a sports zone inflatable activity centre, and Zap-a-Mole.
Guests chowed down, got matching airbrush tattoos, and got their goof on with silly accessories at the photobooth. But, the stars of this event, had to be all of the four-legged furry friends who showed up to party and steal barbecue scraps!
Each guest received a Universal Summer Family Fun Day gift bag featuring a frisbee, Skittles, Starburst, chips, and a summer kit perfect for activities under the sun. The kit was comprised of a water bottle sling, fitted with a stainless-steel water bottle, and an electric hand-held fan. Whether it’s a stroll through the park, a scenic summer hike, or a quick trip to the gym, this kit has you covered!
As the day wound down, so did the weather, giving everyone a bit of reprieve from the sun and heat, wrapping up another successful Universal Summer Family Event.
>> Click here to see more photos and videos from the event! <<
Summerlicious Ice Cream Daze
Summerlicious brought us into an ice cream daze with the arrival of an ice cream truck at Head Office on Tuesday, June 16th.
Our Canadian Branch and US Offices saw icy treats all around and, for those who attended, everyone enjoyed another round of barbecue and ice cream goodness at the 2026 Summer Family Event at Bruce’s Mill on Saturday, July 25th.
Courtesy of Universal Logistics!
So, if you haven’t already, here’s your reminder to save the dates…
- Tuesday, August 18th – Ice Cream Truck
- Tuesday, September 15th – Food Truck
>> Frosty Fun at Universal’s first Ice Cream event of the year… <<
Universal Logistics Customs Consulting Services Team at the I.E. Canada Trade Compliance Event
Contributor: Susan Sok & Marco Han
On June 11, 2026, Ivy Woo, Marco Han and Susan Sok of Universal’s Canadian Customs Consulting Services team attended the I.E. Canada in-person event about Trade Compliance: Evolving Risk Mitigation Strategies. They enjoyed connecting with peers in the industry, and the keynote speakers. Gifts and a delicious meal were also provided.
Topics discussed at the event:
1. HST Code Compliance: Move away from relying only on spreadsheets and start using better tools, technology, and strategies to improve HST classification accuracy. These improvements will help employees make better decisions and support long-term compliance.
2. Using AI & New Technology: Use AI tools to help improve knowledge and understanding of HST, Customs requirements, and government regulations. AI can help organizations work more efficiently, but users need to clearly understand what information they need and provide accurate details when asking questions. The quality of the answer depends on the quality of the information provided “Garbage in, garbage out.” Companies should invest in modern technology and IT systems to improve daily operations, reduce errors, and support better compliance.
3. Building Stronger Communities & Relationships: Participate in the I.E. Canada community to share knowledge, learn from others, and stay updated on changes in trade and compliance. Attending meetings once a month is recommended. Build stronger connections by working with different teams and sharing knowledge. Collaboration helps create a stronger and more effective organization.
4. Forced Labour Compliance (China, Xinjiang Uyghur Region, including products such as Red Dates): Companies should keep proper records to show where their products come from and how they were made. Documents such as Bills of Lading and Certificates of Origin are helpful, but additional proof may be needed depending on the situation. Companies should be proactive and notify CBSA if they discover possible fraud, false information, or concerns related to goods made using forced labour. Stay informed about new laws and government actions that strengthen Canada’s restrictions on importing goods made with forced labour.
5. CARM Portal & Client Account Information: TCPs have access to client information and records through the CARM system. It is important to regularly review and update client information to ensure records are accurate, complete, and reliable.
They expressed their gratitude to the speakers who took their time to speak, discuss, and answered many questions.
A Journey of Dreams, Family, and Unforgettable Memories
Contributor: Maggie Gragasin
Some dreams take years to come true, and for my 4 sisters and I, walking on the Great Wall of China was one of them.
We spent almost six months planning this once-in-a-lifetime journey through Bangkok, Thailand; Beijing, China; and the beautiful islands of Cebu and Bohol in the Philippines. Every destination gave us something special, but the Great Wall was the place we had dreamed of visiting the most.
Standing on one of the New Seven Wonders of the World was an unforgettable feeling. We hiked from Tower 14 to Tower 21 and back – a challenging 3 to 4-hour trek under the blazing 37°C summer sun. The steep climbs, endless stairs, and intense heat pushed us to our limits. There were moments when I wanted to stop, catch my breath, and give up. But hearing my sisters cheer each other on reminded me that we were in this together. Their encouragement gave me the strength to keep climbing, one step at a time.
As we walked along the Wall, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, we couldn’t help but wonder how such an incredible structure was built centuries ago with such skill, determination, and perseverance. It was a humbling reminder of what people can achieve.
While in Beijing, we also explored the magnificent Forbidden City, where history came to life through its remarkable architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Our adventure continued in Bangkok, where we enjoyed the vibrant city, beautiful temples, delicious local food, and lively markets. In Cebu and Bohol, we experienced the beauty of the Philippines, but the greatest gift of all was reuniting with our brothers, relatives, and dear friends we hadn’t seen in many years. Those moments of laughter, hugs, and shared stories made this part of our journey especially meaningful.
Looking back, this wasn’t just a vacation, it was a journey filled with dreams fulfilled, family reunited, and memories that we will cherish forever. We challenged our bodies, strengthened our bond as sisters, and were reminded that the greatest adventures are the ones shared with the people we love.
Some journeys challenge your body, others fill your heart.
This one did both.
Something's Brewing
Contributor: Alice Yan
Moody Mother Nature: Natural Disasters!
Prairies and forests, mountains and plains, rivers and streams, bitter cold and blazing heat – with such a diverse landscape and climate, it’s no wonder nature vents her temper through natural disasters.
A natural disaster is a major adverse event resulting from the Earth’s natural processes. They cause significant property damage, environmental injury, and loss of life.
Common Types of Natural Disasters: Based on their origins and manifestations, they are broadly categorised as follows:
- Meteorological hazards – tropical cyclones (hurricanes, typhoons), tornadoes, blizzards, ice storms, etc.
- Hydrological hazards – floods, flash floods, storm surges, etc.
- Geophysical hazards – earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, avalanches, etc.
- Climatological hazards – droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, etc.
- Oceanographic hazards – tsunamis, etc.
Top 5 Deadliest Global Natural Disasters of the 20th & 21st Centuries | |||
Disaster | Year | Region | Estimated Death Toll |
China Floods | 1931 | China | 1,000,000 – 4,000,000 |
Bhola Cyclone | 1970 | Bangladesh (East Pakistan) | 300,000 – 500,000 |
Tangshan Earthquake | 1976 | China | 242,000 – 655,000 |
Indian Ocean Earthquake & Tsunami | 2004 | Indonesia / Multi-nation | Up to 228,000 |
Haiti Earthquake | 2010 | Haiti | 160,000–316,000 |
Homefront Hazards: Commonalities in Canada and the United States
North America is geographically prone to distinct environmental disruptions based on regional topography and climate zones.
- Wildfires most commonly devastate the western regions, including Alberta and British Columbia in Canada, as well as California, Oregon, and Washington in the U.S., where prolonged summer droughts provide dense dry fuel.
- Hurricanes and Tropical Storms routinely strike the Atlantic coast and the Gulf Coast of the United States (such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas), delivering severe storm surges and coastal flooding.
- Tornadoes are highly concentrated in the central United States, particularly across a region spanning from Texas up through South Dakota, where colliding cold Arctic air and warm Gulf moisture create hyper-unstable atmospheric conditions.
- Blizzards and Ice Storms routinely paralyze eastern Canada (Ontario and Quebec), and the northeastern United States, bringing extreme cold, heavy snow, and dangerous icing from severe winter storm systems.
- Riverine Flooding: Frequently impacts major water basins like the Mississippi River valley in the US and the Red River valley spanning North Dakota and Manitoba, triggered by rapid spring snowmelt and seasonal rains.
| 6 Deadliest Natural Disasters in North America in the 20th & 21st Centuries | |||
| Disaster | Year | Region | Estimated Death Toll |
| Haiti Earthquake | 2010 | Haiti | 160,000–316,000 |
| Hurricane Mitch | 1998 | Central America (especially Honduras & Nicaragua) | 11,000+ |
| North American Heat Wave | 1936 | USA & Canada | 5000+ |
| Hurricane Maria | 2017 | Puerto Rico | 2,975+ |
| Galveston Hurricane | 1900 | Texas, USA | 6,000–12,000 |
The 2026 Climate Landscape: Extreme Anomalies and Amplified Risks
The year 2026 has witnessed unprecedented weather whiplash globally, fueled by a historic El Niño thermal engine and record-high ocean temperatures. This has directly manifested in dangerous compound disasters.
In Canada:
- Heat dome – In early July 2026, a highly destructive heat dome engulfed much of Canada, triggering prolonged extreme heat and placing millions of residents under heat warnings.
- Manitoba floods – June storms and subsequent flooding forced 50 municipalities to declare states of emergency, damaged approximately 30,000 vehicles, submerged hundreds of homes, businesses, and farmlands, and led to insured claims exceeding CAD $925 million.
- Record wildfire season – As of July 18, 2026, 959 active wildfires were burning across Canada, with 3,815 fires recorded since the start of the year, consuming over 2.9 million hectares.
In the United States:
- Wildfires – As of mid‑July 2026, nearly 40,000 wildfires had occurred across the U.S., burning more than 3.6 million acres, with an additional 500,000 acres added in the past two weeks alone. 68 large active fires were burning across 15 states.
- Texas floods – In July 2026, catastrophic flash flooding struck Texas, with persistent heavy rains causing rivers to overflow. Approximately 6 million residents were placed under flood warnings, with rainfall totals potentially exceeding 30 inches. At least 2 fatalities were reported, and hundreds required rescue.
- Heat dome – Concurrently, a heat dome covered a vast swath from the Midwest to the East Coast, placing nearly 100 million Americans under heat alerts. Billings, Montana, recorded 44°C, and Salt Lake City reached 42.8°C, both breaking historical records.
Building Resilience and Preparedness
While natural hazards cannot be prevented, their impacts can be greatly reduced through preparedness and resilience.
Individual Preparedness
- Prepare a 72-hour emergency kit with water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies.
- Develop a family emergency communication plan.
- Know local evacuation routes and emergency shelters.
- Monitor official weather alerts and emergency notifications.
- Keep important documents stored safely and backed up digitally.
Workplace Preparedness
- Conduct regular emergency drills.
- Maintain updated business continuity plans.
- Protect critical IT infrastructure through data backup and redundancy.
- Ensure emergency contact lists remain current.
- Train employees in first aid and emergency response procedures.
A) Josh Morgerman – 45 years, 122 days
B) James “Doc” McFadden – 52 years, 352 days
C) Reed Timmer – 30 years, 284 days
D) George Kourounis – 38 years, 67 days
Click on the question above, submit your answer to Sharon, and you’re eligible to win!
Submission deadline
Friday, August 7th (Noon)
Prize
$25 Tim Hortons, Starbucks or Amazon gift card for the 2 winners
(If more than two contestants have the right answer, we will pick the winning names out of a hat)
Kudos (Noun) – Praise & honour received for an achievement
Kudos Corner is a forum where Universal employees can recognize the efforts of their co-workers. Bring forward candidates for Kudos Corner at your next Team Meeting or simply drop your Manager a line whenever you feel someone’s efforts should be recognized in Universal & You.
For this issue we received the following entry from Maryam Mehrdad of our IT Solutions team:
“A special thank you to Nicolas Gomez of our Customs Consulting Services team in Fort Erie for his outstanding support to the IT Solutions team.
Recently, the IT Solutions team needed to locate some older desktop equipment at the Fort Erie office. Since the location is not close to Head Office, I asked Nicolas if he could check the storage and inventory area on our behalf.
Nicolas was extremely helpful throughout the process. He was consistently responsive, patiently followed up on our questions, checked the equipment multiple times, and took the time to send us photos so that we could identify the items remotely.
We truly appreciate his cooperation, responsiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile to help another team. His support not only helped us find what we needed but also saved an unnecessary trip to the office.
Thank you, Nicolas, for your excellent teamwork and support! Your help is greatly appreciated.”
Growing again
In Universal & You, we want to introduce all new employees. We have a new addition at the Buffalo office. Please join us in welcoming Tania Zastrow to the team!
Name: Tania Zastrow
Team: US Customs Operations
Start date: June 22, 2026
Book Buzz
Contributor: Barbara Mulatinho
The Power of Choice, Chance, and Connection
Into the Blue
What starts as a chance friendship between two aspiring artists grows into a story of love, ambition, and finding your way back to the people who change you. Spanning years and coastlines, this heartfelt novel explores the choices we make, the dreams we chase, and the connections that shape our lives. With its mix of romance, creativity, and second chances, it’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys emotional, character-driven stories.
Barbara’s Bit: 4/5⭐ I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. I’d only skimmed the synopsis, and after being disappointed by my previous two reads, I wasn’t feeling very optimistic. I’m so glad this book proved me wrong.
Despite touching on some heavier themes, it was such an enjoyable read. The reality show and workplace aspects didn’t resonate with me as much. It was the relationship between the two main characters and the compassion and humanity at the heart of their story that truly made this book special.
The Measure
What would you do if you knew exactly how long you had left to live? When mysterious boxes appear on doorsteps around the world, people are forced to rethink everything, from relationships and careers to the risks they’re willing to take. This thought-provoking novel explores how one impossible discovery changes society and the way people see their own futures. With plenty of heart and big questions about life, choice, and what truly matters, it’s a story guaranteed to spark conversation.
Barbara’s Bit: 4/5⭐ The premise of this book is incredibly interesting. It wasn’t the first time I’d read a story with a similar concept, but the execution felt fresh and unique. I really enjoyed the variety of characters, since each one brought a different perspective to the same situation, which made the story even more engaging.
The book kept me hooked and gave me a lot to think about. While I wish the ending had packed a bit more of a punch, it doesn’t take away from what was an overall compelling and thought-provoking read.
Dolly All The Time
Dolly heads home for the summer expecting to deal with family drama – not a fake relationship that starts to feel surprisingly real. Full of witty banter, lovable characters, and plenty of heart, this charming romance follows one woman’s unexpected journey toward a fresh start. Along the way, Dolly discovers that letting people in might be the key to creating the life she’s always wanted. It’s a fun, feel-good read about family, love, and the surprises that come when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Barbara’s Bit: 5/5⭐ Fake dating has never been my favorite romance trope, but this book completely won me over. I loved both main characters and the personal struggles they had to face. Seeing the male lead in therapy was such a breath of fresh air—it made him feel more realistic and showed that personal growth is an ongoing process.
I also really enjoyed how their relationship developed and how the story wrapped up. It felt like a mature, grounded romance with believable characters and emotional depth. Overall, it was a great read.
Culture and Entertainment
Contributor: Barbara Mulatinho
On Stage, On Screen, and Online: Where Music Meets Story
Hadestown
When I found out that one of my all-time favorite musicals was getting the same kind of professional live recording treatment as Hamilton, I honestly couldn’t have been happier. And trust me, this musical deserves every bit of the praise it gets. From the moment it premiered on Broadway, Hadestown was met with critical acclaim, even winning the Tony Award for Best Musical in its debut season. Once you watch it, it’s easy to understand why.
As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve always loved Greek mythology, so the second I heard there was a Broadway musical inspired by the myth of Hades and Persephone, I rushed to check it out — and it absolutely did not disappoint.
The musical is captivating from beginning to end, with stunning music, unforgettable performances, and a story that keeps you emotionally invested the entire time. One of the things that makes Hadestown so special is the way it brings ancient mythology into a modern setting. You don’t need to be a mythology fan to connect with it.
At its core, it’s a story about love, hope, fear, and human connection — themes that resonate with anyone willing to give it a chance. It’s the kind of musical that has the power to win over almost anyone.
Epic!
When Beatriz Silva became obsessed with Greek mythology and musicals, I never imagined it would lead to her convincing me to watch one of the best musical productions I’ve ever seen in my life. Better known online as “the version of The Odyssey that’s actually exciting,” Epic! retells one of the most famous stories of all time in an incredibly creative and masterful way.
What makes the project even more impressive is how it started: it was originally created for a university project by a student. He composed the songs himself and began releasing the story in “sagas” on social media.
The quality of the music and storytelling was so high that fans from around the world started creating their own animations and submitting them to be featured alongside the songs. The result of this collective passion became a fully assembled two-hour musical, currently available on YouTube with subtitles.
The songs do an amazing job of transforming The Odyssey – which, let’s be honest, can feel pretty slow at times – into something emotional, dynamic, and genuinely exciting. And the high-quality fan-made animations make the entire experience feel like a professional animated feature. The project became such a phenomenon that it’s now being developed as an animated feature film adaptation by the producer behind Pirates of the Caribbean.
I strongly recommend that everyone go to YouTube and experience this audiovisual masterpiece for themselves.
Rocketman
Since I mentioned in the last edition that this movie earned a full five stars from me, it only felt fair to give it a proper spotlight here. Rocketman is much more than a traditional biographical film about Elton John’s life, it’s a musical experience in every sense of the word. Instead of simply retelling events chronologically, the film uses elaborate musical sequences in an imaginative and almost dreamlike way to represent both what Elton John was feeling emotionally and the different moments of his life journey.
Honestly, I think that’s one of the main reasons why Rocketman succeeded where many music biopics struggle. Elton John was directly involved in shaping the story, so the film never feels sanitized or overly polished. If there’s one thing Elton John didn’t do, it was hide the difficult parts of his life. The movie openly explores the highs and lows, the fame, the loneliness, the addiction, the vulnerability, and the search for self-acceptance.
The performance by Taron Egerton as Elton John is absolutely incredible: emotional, energetic, and deeply committed. It becomes even more impressive once you discover that he performs all the songs himself instead of lip-syncing to Elton’s original recordings.
In the end, Rocketman is an emotional and visually stunning film that leaves you with a genuine sense of hope. After everything he went through, seeing him find a healthier path in life, and continue to inspire audiences around the world with his music to this day, makes the story feel even more powerful.
Health and Lifestyle
Contributor: Veena Ramesh
Green Therapy
During this time of the year, people like to spend their time around greenery. It is a known fact that gardening reduces stress hormones. Gardening lowers cortisol (stress hormone), encourages mindfulness and provides a sense of daily purpose.
Studies show that active interaction with plants significantly lowers psychological and physiological stress. Digging exposes the body to friendly microbes that help the brain produce serotonin, and humans possess an innate, evolutionary tendency to seek connections with nature.
The physical attributes from gardening like the smell of soil or presence of real greenery trigger immediate calming mechanisms in the brain. Gardening lowers levels of cortisol by creating structured, mindful routines (watering, pruning, weeding) that take your attention away from modern anxieties brought upon by screens. Planting a seed and watching it grow (harvesting food if it bears produce) elevates your sense of satisfaction, invoking pride and accomplishment.
Green Thumb – Fact or Fiction?
There is no gardening gene that makes plants grow for certain people. People with a Green Thumb are simply keen observers who notice every small change in their plants, such as drooping leaves, and colour shifts. To thrive, plants need light, water, and soil – talking to plants provides carbon dioxide – it’s definitely not dependent on someone’s energy, luck, or mystical gardening gene.
Black Thumb – Myth!
People who believe they have a Black Thumb usually match the wrong plant to the wrong environment. For example, overwatering out of anxiety is something that happens all the time. To overcome a Black Thumb mindset, begin with getting the right plants to suit the room’s existing environment. Choose a plant that is hardy and easy to care for, to start.
- Snake plants can survive without water for many weeks, and even in total darkness
- ZZ plants (Zanzibar Gems) have shiny, glossy leaves that tolerate dry air and irregular watering
- Pothos show visible signs when thirsty by drooping, but bounce back right after you water them
One major issue that some people have is overwatering. Overwatering causes the roots, which are out of sight, to rot. It is sometimes necessary to forego having a watering schedule. Try using the knuckle test by pushing your index finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If it is wet or damp, do not water it. It is also important to make sure there is drainage in your pot.
Modern psychiatric facilities have used horticultural therapy to successfully treat and rehabilitate patients. Patients build sustainable beds to grow flowers and native pollinators to foster a sense of peace and quiet happiness. St. Joseph’s Health Care in Ontario has programs that put patients to work, like planting, weeding, and harvesting vegetables to improve physical activity and reduce mental stress. Cornwall Community Hospital has its own therapy garden where therapists take inpatients outdoors to grow fresh food, and build coping mechanisms.
IT Corner
🚀 Microsoft 365 Countdown – A New Office Experience is Coming!
Over the coming months, we will be transitioning from Office 2019 to Microsoft 365 Apps. To help everyone prepare, each newsletter will include a quick Microsoft 365 tip highlighting new features and productivity improvements.
🛠️ Work Smarter with Your Tools
The good news is that the Office applications you use every day such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will still look and work much the same. You’ll continue using the familiar desktop applications, with a refreshed look and a number of helpful improvements.
What’s Staying the Same?
✅ Outlook for emails and calendars
✅ Word for documents
✅ Excel for spreadsheets
✅ PowerPoint for presentations
What’s New?
✔ A cleaner, modern interface
✔ Regular updates with new features and security improvements
✔ Better search to find emails, files, and commands more quickly
✔ Helpful productivity features that make everyday tasks easier
🧹 Prepare for Microsoft 365 – Clean Up Your Mailbox
We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to organize their mailbox. A smaller, well-organized mailbox can help make the migration process smoother and makes it easier to find the emails that matter.
Here are a few quick steps you can take:
✅ Delete emails you no longer need.
✅ Empty your Deleted Items folder regularly.
✅ Remove outdated emails with large attachments that are no longer required.
✅ Keep important emails by moving them into the appropriate folders.
A few minutes of cleanup now can save time later and help ensure a smooth transition.
Delete emails that are no longer needed and empty your “Deleted Items” folder regularly. Emails remain in “Deleted Items” until that folder is emptied.
Calling all Universal Employees!
We are looking for volunteers to contribute short articles for Universal & You. Topics can be team or industry-related or you might want to share a personal experience (e.g. volunteer work or travel) with your fellow employees.
Please forward your ideas to Sharon Fong.
