Two years ago, Cross Borders Drilling purchased surplus military trucks with plans to use them as equipment. Painted in camouflage, the trucks inspired Cross Borders’ owners Jared, Tyler, Wyatt and Graham to do something for Saskatchewan-based Canadian military veterans. This rig—now nicknamed “The Drill Sergeant”—became the company’s newest charitable endeavour. For every hour the rig drills, the company donates $10 to support initiatives that help the mental health of military veterans. The cause is near and dear to the Cross Borders’ team.
Cross Borders Cheque to the Legion, thanks to the Drill Sergeant.
In the 2017-18 drilling season, that added up to a whopping $24,900. “This money was donated to the Watson Royal Canadian Legion,” says Shane Lucci, Business Development Manager at Cross Borders. “Watson is the hometown of owners Jared, Tyler and Wyatt, and they wanted to give back to the community that helped shaped their lives.” The company is preparing for another donation from the 2018-19 drilling season to the Watson Royal Canadian Legion once again.
In addition to the contributions made by the Drill Sergeant, Cross Borders has made a commitment to corporate philanthropy. The company regularly donates to and sponsors many organizations including Ken Goff Memorial Boxing Classic; Prairie Storm Minor Hockey Association; Pilot Butte Rodeo; Saskatchewan Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association; and WS Hawrylak School. Cross Borders is also a proud supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting a wish for a young girl with leukemia to take a dream vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
The company also answered the call for help during the Fort McMurray fires in 2016. “Fort McMurray is pivotal to our business,” says Lucci. “During the fires, we didn’t hesitate to donate money because we’re so connected to that community. We wanted to help out where we could.” Cross Borders made a significant donation to the Canadian Red Cross as the organization helped fire evacuees during the emergency and in the days, weeks and months afterward.
“Giving back to the communities that we serve is important. We want our local organizations and people to be supported. We all benefit when our communities are thriving,” says Lucci.
