MESSAGE From the CEO
Dale A. Martin Jr.
"It is my mandate to perpetuate fiscal stability, continual growth
and shareholder confidence as we move into this next phase "
The Caring Group
Dale A. Martin Jr.
"It is my mandate to perpetuate fiscal stability, continual growth
and shareholder confidence as we move into this next phase "
This past year has given us a thorough look at how the newly expanded Caring Group functions. We have had a chance to evaluate all our people, equipment and facilities in such a way that we are able to clearly identify our strengths and weaknesses.
Each market has presented its own set of unique challenges, both with competitive evaluation, market share and balanced margin for profitability. As we evaluate each of our locations, we stand by various standards of excellence that we continue to develop since the acquisition of eight funeral homes in 2008.
Funeral service has evolved to encompass more and more inclusive options available to each family. Our focused approach to personalization including pictorial tributes, receptions, wine and cheese, Aftercare Concierge and our extensive packaging, all lead to increased profitability.
Acquisition of funeral homes in middle to mainstream markets, while maintaining our current high standards, is our continued focus. Company growth and increased call volume, market share, economies of scale, will further our success.
2018 brings many new and exciting challenges. We have the necessary resources in place to ensure smooth and successful transitions for funeral providers using The Caring Group for their succession plan.
Together, The Acquisition of funeral homes in middle to mainstream Caring Group will continue to grow with its partners and shareholders in success.
Scott Kuntz, Courtney Winters Funeral Home- Now assisting with operations of Northern Alberta Funeral Home
Brianne Kempe, Martin Brothers Funeral Home- Now assisting with operations of Southern Alberta Funeral Home.
Valerie Martell- Martin Brothers Funeral Services Vancouver is currently overseeing operations at Heritage Cemetery Burnaby B.C.
The Caring Group Corp sold the Hope B.C. location and has moved all operations to the Dunbar location
Chris Martin Jong
June 2018 • Chris Martin Jong
The Caring Group Corp has approved a mandatory identification policy. The program was test piloted at our Martin Brothers Location in Lethbridge, Alberta over the last 3 years. The comfort and meaning this brings to families has proven itself time and time again since then.
The amount of healing that has come from this program has been unmeasurable. Not to be undermined is the importance of the positive identification itself. In completing this time in the death process the family can rest assured their loved one has been cared for in the most respectful and dignified manner. We the funeral home know that we have done our due diligence to ensure the continuity of the cremation process.
Don’t think of this as an identification as much as it is a time for those involved in the arrangement process to say good bye one more time in a dignified manner.
Basic preparation must be done. As funeral professionals only, we can provide the gentle care necessary to restore their loved one to an acceptable appearance. Take time to: apply cosmetics, style hair etc.
Ask your family when you are setting up the arrangement conference to bring in clothing for their loved one’s dignity’s sake.
Casket their loved one in the cremation container selected by the family.
This must never be done in a manner that is not dignified Ex: On a table in the morgue, in a body bag, in any manner other than described above
Valerie Martell
June 2018 • Valerie Martell
In November 2017, Martin Brothers Funeral Services entered into an agreement with the Burnaby Heritage Cemetery Society, taking over management of their 15 acre cemetery. This endeavor will allow Martin Brothers Funeral Services to expand our market area in the Lower Mainland and work towards building a funeral home on the property, which borders Vancouver and is centrally located in the Greater Vancouver area.
Currently we are licensed as a funeral provider in this new location and ready to serve clients from a temporary office within the cemetery. With the closure of our Hope location in April of 2018, we are now serving the Hope market from this location, and endeavoring to serve the rapidly expanding population in the Burnaby area. Along with funeral services, we are able to offer cemetery space for traditional interments, cremation interments and niche wall placement.
We are working with Erik Lees and Associates to expand the inventory of available plots within the cemetery, and to build a master plan for cemetery aesthetic improvement and incorporation of a new funeral home in the next several years. It is an exciting time in the Lower Mainland, and we hope many of you from within the organization will have the opportunity to come out and see us sometime.
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Brian Magee
June 2018 • Brian Magee
Brian Magee is a licensed Funeral Director with Evergreen Cremation Services in Lethbridge. In 2009 he received training through the Grief Recovery Institute® to facilitate grief support programs. Stemming from his own journey through loss, the work of grief recovery has become a passion for Brian. He finds deep fulfillment from assisting participants in the 8-week Grief Recovery® groups
The Grief Recovery® Outreach Program creates the safety and the correct action choices that help people Move Beyond the pain caused by loss.
It is a twelve-week program, which creates a safe environment in which to look at old beliefs about dealing with loss; to look at what other losses have affected your life; and to take new actions, which lead to completion of the pain attached to a recent loss, or one that occurred long ago.
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Daryl Lockyer
June 2018 • Daryl Lockyer
As Funeral Directors the way in which we dress is a critical element when building the trust of the families we serve. Whether you are serving a community of a few hundred or several hundred thousand The Caring Group standard should always be maintained. It is in how we care for ourselves, that our families, trust we can care for their loved ones. Keeping this in mind, it is important that you are always wearing a complete suit when in or around your service building.
This means:
Freshly pressed black suit (funeral suits are to be worn on services)
Complement your suit with a freshly pressed white shirt. Coloured shirts of any variety are no longer suitable.
Polished black toecap shoes (male), black polished shoes with a subtle heel (female). Black soled shoes are considered at requirement.
White pocket square (men)
Name tag
Keeping these simple tenants, ensures the quality and consistence in the professional look The Caring Group Corp strives for. Thank you for your commitment in keeping The Caring Group Standard.
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