Summer on the Move!

VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 3

TEAM ACTIVITIES 
GET GRILLING!
This summer, BBQs were fired up once again from coast to coast. And we get it—there’s no better way to kick off (or wrap up) the season than with some grilling and a pétanque tourney! No wonder it’s become a tradition for many.

In Halifax, the crew gathered at Wicked Hops, the hop farm of General Manager Mark Laughlin, for a Family Day of games, music, and great food—the perfect recipe for a well-deserved break.

There were even some special guests: four chocolate Lab puppies, courtesy of Jennifer Benedict, Director of Housekeeping (and breeder). They stole the show and hearts so completely that Guest Services Supervisor Allie Spencer adopted one on the spot and named her Dolly. Since then, Dolly has become the hotel’s unofficial mascot, trotting alongside Allie to work almost every day—to the delight of her colleagues. 

Did you know? Mark has a genuine passion for hop growing. Each summer, he trades his GM hat for a farmer’s cap during harvest week. His hops make their way into beers from several local breweries. Beer lovers, take note: you’ll find some of these brews at the hotel during your next visit to Halifax. We’re eager to hear what you think!

At Le Germain Hotel Montreal, the team’s annual BBQ proved to be an obstacle course. It all started the day before, when the sausage supplier pulled out at the last minute, sparking a mini panic. Luckily, Florimond Hannoteau, Chef at Le Boulevardier, saved the day by securing a new supplier on the morning of the event.

That wasn’t the last of their challenges though. On site, Paul De La Durantaye, General Manager, and Gaétan Durocher, Meeting and Banquets Manager, had to tinker with two uncooperative portable BBQs to get them working before manning the grill armed only with small wooden forks. Proof that nothing stands in the way of BBQ season!

In Ottawa, Alt Hotel Housekeeping Manager Ershad Islam played host—even enlisting his wife to prepare a succulent home-grilled chicken. The BBQ, held on a sunny afternoon at the park, quickly took on the warmth of a campfire evening when Faisal Amri, Housekeeping Supervisor, pulled out his guitar. He was joined by Guest Services Team Lead Gian (Trish) Amores and Bartender Grace Milligan on vocals. 

Adding to the nostalgia, Dino Gurusamy, outgoing General Manager, and Marie Boissonnault, incoming General Manager, were both present for a final celebration before the symbolic passing of the torch. “The vibe was incredible. It felt like being back at my grandparents’ with all my family and cousins!” raved Leticia Dahmann, Guest Services Assistant Manager.

The Stampede isn’t just Calgary’s biggest tourist event of the year—it’s also when rodeo fever grips our teams. The air practically buzzes with electric energy: the preparations, the arrivals, the frenzied pace… it feels like living in a bubble where time doesn’t exist. The big finale comes when everyone gathers on the patio of Le Germain Hotel Calgary to close the festivities with full-on rodeo flair. It’s a much-anticipated tradition, sizzling with excitement and euphoria. This year’s menu featured 120 grilled steaks, 17 July birthdays, and five 10-year work anniversaries—all feted in true Stampede style.

TEAM INITIATIVES 
ACTS THAT MATTER
The gift of self
This summer, the Alt Hotels Montreal and Winnipeg teams rolled up their sleeves to donate blood. 

In Winnipeg, the annual blood drive has become something of a tradition—and this year it was greeted with unprecedented enthusiasm. Some seasoned regulars were joined by several first-time donors from every department. Even those who couldn’t donate encouraged friends and family to step in. The result was an inspiring collective effort that brought the community together.

In Montreal, the very first drive—organized by Business Development Associate Sara Desbiens—was also a resounding success, with every spot filled!

These moments remind us that together, we can make a real difference. Find a blood drive near you and join the movement!

Courage on high
Mukesh Kumar, Guest Services Supervisor at Alt Hotel Winnipeg, braved the abyss for Manitoba Possible, a local organization that supports people living with disabilities. Following in the footsteps of General Manager Dane Surtees, who took on the same challenge last year, Mukesh rappelled 300 feet down the side of 201 Portage, the tallest building in Winnipeg. It was both a personal challenge and an act of support for a meaningful cause. His feat impressed his colleagues who came out to cheer him on, sparking a rush of pride and adrenaline we won’t soon forget. 

Psst! Tasha Mackey, Guest Services Director, has already announced she’ll take up the mantle next year… and we’ll hold her to it!

One Cause. One Challenge. One Team.
Last May, six colleagues braved the biting cold in the GTA, mounting their bikes to take part in Bike for Brains, the largest single-day cycling event in Canada. The team included captain Nicolas Lazarou, General Manager at Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square, Jean-Philip Dupré, General Manager at Le Germain Hotel Toronto, Lauren Hall, Food and Beverage Director at Le Germain Hotel Toronto, Andrea Young, General Manager at Alt Hotel Toronto airport, her partner George, and Dorothy Hatt, Regional Sales Manager. Kilometre after kilometre—10, 25, 50, and even 75—the group effort turned into a true feat of solidarity: over $9,000 was raised to help combat dementia.

“This weekend, I was lucky enough to take part in something really special. My incredible colleagues and I biked with heart and determination. It wasn’t just a bike ride — it was a powerful reminder of what is possible when we show up, move together, and act with intention.” says Jean-Philip.

Pedaling for a cause
In September, the teams at Alt Hotel Quartier DIX30 and Escad Hotel Quartier DIX30 opted to stay warm by swapping street bikes for stationary ones in the lobby. Be it in leggings or blazers, everyone mobilized in support of the fight against cancer. Together, they covered over 372 km in one day!

Lobsters that give back
For the second year in a row, the sales teams from the Montreal regional hotels and Service Centre put on their aprons for Lobster Lunch, a fundraiser organized by Tel-jeunes, a foundation that supports teens. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the event raised a record $1.3 million in donations from 3,400 participants.

Nicolas Laflamme, Regional Sales Director in Montreal, and dad to two teenage girls, enlisted Germain Hotels to support the cause. He and his wife have both been personally involved with the event since 2023. For him, the Tel-jeunes mission resonates deeply. They offer an unconditional and non-judgmental safe space for young people in a world saturated with information overload.“Young people are the foundation of our society. They’ll be the ones who’ll make a difference tomorrow, who’ll solve problems we weren’t able to. We have to set them up for success,” he said with feeling.

Proof that he’s striking a chord? This year, 24 team members volunteered—almost twice as many as last year. We’ll be back for more fun and feasting in 2026!

Competitive generosity in Calgary
After lacing up their bowling shoes, the Directors of Maintenance from three Calgary hotels, together with François Faucher and Alexandre Demers, National Director and Assistant National Director of Maintenance, faced off in the bowling alley for some friendly competition to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Paul Abraham and Gary Batth went head-to-head in a lively and rousing showdown. Sources say Paul took home the win, but we’re still waiting on the proof! Rumour also has it that Desmond Dulder, Guest Services Assistant Manager at Alt Hotel Quebec, is ready to defend his champion title (see the Spring 2025 edition of Rendez-vous Germain). When can we expect a national tournament?

WELLNESS INITIATIVES  
MOVE RIGHT. EAT RIGHT.

From October 6 to 19, you’re invited to join Germain Hotels’ very first active challenge: the Gmove!  

During the challenge, your department becomes your team. Together, rack up minutes or kilometers through a variety of activities—on your way to work, during breaks, or after hours. Walk, run, take the stairs… every little action counts toward an active lifestyle!

Need some inspiration?
At Germain Hotels, our teams know that a little movement does wonders for both body and mind. The team at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport, already known for its health-focused initiatives (see the Rendez-vous Germain Spring 2025 issue), once again rose to the challenge set by General Manager Andrea Young: taking part in a Tough Mudder race! Mud, obstacles, barbed wire, and even electric shocks—nothing stopped them from completing their 5 or 15 km course. Sixteen team members took part, proving that a strong team spirit makes anything possible.

But you don’t need to get muddy to get moving: the team at Le Boulevardier restaurant enjoyed an indoor soccer match, while at Le Germain Hotel & Spa Charlevoix, outdoor soccer has already become a Tuesday ritual. So, are you ready to take on the challenge and add a little movement to your day?

Keep an eye on your emails or reach out to your Sustainability Champion or General Manager for all the details—don’t miss the start!

A BREAK WORTH SAVOURING
Health tips
To move with energy, you need to eat with care.

A healthy lifestyle is all about balance—between staying active, eating well, and enjoying the company of others. To encourage you to take care of yourself and inspire healthier choices, we’ve invited nutritionist Catherine Lefebvre, co-host of the podcast On s’appelle et on déjeune, to share her top tips tailored to the reality of hospitality jobs.

In this short video, she offers simple strategies to help you keep your energy steady throughout your shift—day or night. It’s the perfect chance to pause, enjoy a meal with your colleagues, and get back on track with renewed energy!

Bites of knowledge
At Le Germain Hotel Calgary, the team took a wellness day by stepping into the kitchen!

Lionel Houliat, Regional Manager, kicked off the afternoon with a few words on the importance of mental health — reminding everyone why it matters to pause, reflect, and stay true to our team values. His speech set the tone for the rest of the day, one filled with thoughtfulness and care.

Then, guided by the chef of Charcut, each team member learned how to whip up quick, healthy meals adapted to the frenetic pace of daily operations. It was a day full of fun, laughter, and learning. Colleagues from every department took part, making it the perfect occasion to connect and spend time together outside of work routines.

For the past few months, monthly meetings at Le Germain Hotel Toronto have turned into real culture trips. Each session is organized by a team member who shares their favourite music, stories, and typical flavours and dishes from their country of origin. So far, we’ve explored Portugal, Quebec, Greece, and the Philippines… and that’s just the beginning!

Beyond the flavours, these lunch-and-learns remind us how important it is to sit down for a meal together. Sharing this time with our colleagues isn’t just good for the body — it’s great for morale!

Salty air and fresh buns
For Mental Health Month, in May, the Alt Hotel St. John’s team took time to recharge with an outdoor retreat before peak summer season. 

The destination: Petty Harbour, for a meditation and hiking experience. With the Atlantic at their feet and the crisp ocean air around them, the smiles and positive team energy radiated pure well-being. A side of toutons, tea, and hot cross buns added the right touch of comfort to this well-deserved pause. “It was a restorative day, full of meaning and a simple reminder that life is a gift… one that’s even more precious when it’s savoured together with seaweed between our toes,” says Lauren Hill, Guest Services Manager. 

In the same spirit, everyone left with light hearts and calm minds, firm in the conviction that caring for others starts with caring for yoursel

RECOGNITION 
SENIORITY BY THE SQUARE FOOT
Our very first hotels were opened in Quebec, so it’s no surprise—but still inspiring and remarkable—that some of our most loyal team members work there. These members are as integral to our hotels as the foundations themselves.

Yolande, for instance, has worked in the Alt Hotel laundry for 30 years. But in reality, she’s been handling our sheets for much longer! Before we had an in-house laundry department, Yolande was already washing our sheets at a commercial laundromat.

Fun fact! Still a pillar of the team today, she celebrated her 30-year anniversary surrounded by colleagues—most of whom weren’t even born when she first started her journey here!

Meanwhile, at Le Germain Hotel Quebec, Housekeeping Attendant Josée Dufour was feted for 25 years of service.

“Can you believe it’s been a full quarter century! Working for a hotel that opened several decades ago definitely has its share of challenges, but also priceless advantages. The best one? Knowing you can count on colleagues who’ve been around forever,” says a grateful Sarah Côté, General Manager.

Thank you both, Yolande and Josée, for your loyalty, your conscientiousness, and your kindness—to both our guests and your colleagues. We are incredibly lucky to count you as part of the Germain family.

CELEBRATING 
A SWEET SURPRISE
On the day we officially announced that Marie Pier and Hugo would be taking over from their parents as heads of Germain Hotels, our colleagues from coast to coast were treated to another surprise. Ice cream and snack trucks pulled up simultaneously in front of our hotels and offices, offering a festive break for all.

The mood was pure celebration, filled with laughter and cones piled high. In Toronto, Joe’s Ice Cream—“the best ice cream man in town,” we’re told—even invited Nicole Cain, Concierge at Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square, to try her hand as his apprentice, much to the delight of everyone’s inner child.

It was a simple but memorable moment: a sweet way to mark a new chapter for Germain Hotels, with the positivity and energy we’re known for. “What inspires us are the team members who make up the heartbeat of Germain Hotels every day. Together, we’ll continue to write the next chapter,” said an emotional Marie Pier.

TEAM INITIATIVES 
SHOWING OFF OUR PRIDE COLOURS
In Saskatoon, the Alt Hotel and Bokeh on the Plaza teams once again joined the Pride parade—and once again, they didn’t just walk! Last year, they recreated a hotel room on a float. This year, they brought the full Bokeh experience into the streets. At the wheel was Danika Diceman, Director of Housekeeping, leading the team to the infectious, high-energy beat of the music. It was a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion—one that unites us all.

TEAM ACTIVITIES 
FRESH OFF THE BOAT

At Les Labours restaurant in Charlevoix, Chef Patrick Dubé and his brigade take pride in showcasing local producers and terroir flavours, with a menu that evolves to the rhythm of the seasons and their gardens.

Patrick, however, goes one step further. Each year, he embarks on a deep-sea fishing trip with a single-minded goal: catch sustainably sourced tuna for exceptionally crafted dishes.

Proving his commitment, he landed a monster—a 262-kg Atlantic bluefin tuna—off the coast of Gaspésie at 2 a.m. A spectacular catch destined for a feast both delicious and sustainable.

WELLNESS INITIATIVES 
CARING FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS
It’s no secret: animals help us regulate our emotions—and at the Germain, we have a special bond with them. It’s why they’re always welcome in our hotels!

At the Montreal Service Centre, the office sometimes feels more like a busy kennel than a workspace. On any given day, you might bump into Chabot and Cooper, Mme Germain and Marie-Pier’s poodles; Cléo, the King Charles Spaniel belonging to Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist Kim Bradley; or little Ella, the Australian Shepherd of Training Advisor Bianca Desanti. Zoomies, cuddles, and wagging tails are guaranteed!

In St. John’s, a love of animals is practically a must. Clarah Germain, Guest Experience Director, is undoubtedly the ultimate animal lover, despite the many contenders for that title. Who can forget the “Goats and Pottery” activity she organized for her team? Pure magic. But nothing tops Alder, her world-famous Pyrenees-Husky mix. To his great dismay, Alder has to limit his hotel visits because “he loves people a little too much for his own good,” Clarah jokes. Guests, of course, adore him—and t-shirts bearing his image are a hot-selling item at Terre restaurant!

In Charlevoix, the connection with farm animals is truly something special. Each birth is a little miracle, and this summer, the family welcomed a sweet new calf.

Over at Escad Hotel, things got a touch wilder when three baby geese, abandoned on the hotel roof during spring migration, were rescued by Maintenance Director Christian Vachon. Alt, Germain, and Escad (yes, they were named by their rescuer!) were entrusted to the Montérégie Refuge for Migratory Birds. Last we heard, these little adventurers are thriving and growing fast!

And at the Alt Hotel Quebec, the love for animals doesn’t stop at the door. The team found a clever way to help our furry friends: worn-out towels are donated to the SPA, where they get a second life as cozy beds for shelter animals, bringing warmth, comfort, and a touch of home to pets waiting for their forever families.

TEAM ACTIVITIES 
THE BIG FLOAT
Rafting down the Bow River is a true Calgary tradition—and this summer, the team at Alt Hotel Calgary East Village finally swapped their uniforms for paddles! Twenty brave souls embarked on the adventure armed with plenty of enthusiasm on a bright, sunny day. The result? Zero wipeouts, a few well-timed splashes, and plenty of laughs shared all around.

CALLING ALL SPORTS FANS FROM TORONTO TO WINNIPEG
The secret’s out: we have some die-hard hockey and baseball fans! The most passionate (or at least the most vocal) are Dorothy Hatt, Regional Sales Manager, and Dane Surtees, General Manager at Alt Hotel Winnipeg, who love keeping the rivalry alive—Maple Leafs vs. Jets in hockey season, and Blue Jays vs… well, everyone else come summer. And since nothing beats the buzz of a live stadium, they rallied their colleagues to the cause: hot dogs in hand, cheers on cue, and a few nail-biting moments thrown in for good measure. Resistance is futile when the energy is this contagious! To quote Dorothy: “Go Jays Go!”

PLAYTIME
Once again, the teams from the Montreal area proved that team activities can be anything but ordinary!

The crew from Alt Hotel Montreal headed to a local park to compete in games of skill, logic, and athleticism. To keep things playful, they brought back childhood classics… in giant-sized formats (hello KerPlunk!). Nothing reveals a competitive spirit faster! The highlight? The group built a giant wooden bridge that stood tall thanks to some engineering-level teamwork (or almost)!

Continuing in the same spirit, Hôtel Escad invited them to take part in a BBQ followed by an exciting photo rally. The challenges—more absurd than the last—gave participants the chance to earn points… and glory! 

For one afternoon, all embarrassment was set aside: human pyramids, James Bond-style poses, dressing in the same color challenge, and more. To snag some bonus points, Adèle Desjardins’ team, Distribution Coordinator, didn’t hesitate to enter a restaurant and perform a one-minute impromptu musical act—much to the astonishment of the diners!

Make this newsletter worth reading by sharing your ideas, initiatives, and achievements. Your contributions make every issue personal and inspiring. We look forward to reading your stories from coast to coast (soon)!