Community

Alarm Systems’ Blog posts about our community involvement or issues that impact our communities in Belleville, Quite West, Prince Edward County, Kingston, Brockville & more.

June 12 2025

$10,000 Raised in the Ride to Conquer Cancer

Laura Thurston Community

At Alarm Systems, protecting what matters most means more than securing homes and businesses—it’s about caring for people, families, and the communities we live and work in. This past June, our President, Chris Neumann, joined thousands of riders in The Ride to Conquer Cancer, a two-day, 200-kilometre cycling event in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation—one of the top five cancer research centres in the world.

For Chris, this event was more than a ride. It was personal.

“Cancer changed my family forever,” Chris shared. “My mom, Lisa, lost her courageous two-year battle with rectal cancer in 2021. My younger brother Stephen is a proud testicular cancer survivor. Their stories fuelled every kilometre of the 200 km I pedalled.”

What started as a goal of raising $5,000—one dollar for every tough metre of the route—quickly grew beyond expectations. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, colleagues, and our community, Chris raised $9,000 to fund life-saving research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

To honour the cause, Alarm Systems also contributed an additional $1,000, donating a portion of sales from the week of the ride to support the mission. Together, that brought the total to an incredible $10,000.

About The Ride to Conquer Cancer

The Ride is Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser, raising more than $300 million to date. Over the course of two days, riders travel 100 km per day across Southwestern Ontario, united in the mission to “Carry the Fire” of hope, healing, and discovery.

Every donation helps fuel groundbreaking cancer research—turning bold ideas into real treatments that save lives.

Why It Matters

Behind every ride is a family, a survivor, or a loved one lost. Chris’s determination to ride in honour of his mother and brother is a powerful reminder of the impact that community support and compassion can have in the fight against cancer.

“Together, we can create a world where stories like my mom’s end with recovery—not loss,” Chris said. “Thank you for helping me Carry the Fire.”

We’re proud of Chris’s leadership on and off the bike, and we’re honoured to stand behind a cause that touches so many lives.

June 28 2022

Community Outreach: United Way HPE

Laura Thurston Community

Giving back to our communities is one of our core values at Alarm Systems. Every quarter we invite employees to nominate local not-for-profit organizations that could benefit from donations. Each individual on our team casts their vote to decide who we will support and the winner receives a donation.

This month the employee nominated cause was the United Way Hastings & Prince Edward. Since 1958, They have worked with the community, partners, volunteers, government and businesses to improve community life. This summer they launched their Women United initiative. An anti-human trafficking campaign to educate the public about the signs of human trafficking.

To learn more visit the United Way.

Community Outreach- making a donation to sandy pines wildlife center

March 28 2022

Community Outreach: Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre

Laura Thurston Alarm Systems, Community

December 6 2021

A Toy Under Every Tree

Laura Thurston Alarm Systems, Community

We are proud to announce our first-ever “A Toy Under Every Tree” campaign. Our goal is to ensure every child in the city has a magical Christmas.

A Toy Under Every Tree is in support of two exceptional community organizations that work to provide gifts for families in need. This year we are supporting the Belleville Professional Fire Fighters Association Toy Drive and The Children’s Foundation (Angel Tree Program).

Fire Fighters Toy Drive

Run by the Belleville Professional Fire Fighters Association, local 497. The toy drive has been collecting gifts for local underprivileged children every year since 1940. To learn more visit bellevillefirefighters.com

Angel Tree Program

The Christmas Angel Tree campaign assists children and youth in Hastings who are in need during the holidays. They are asking the community to ‘adopt’ a child and purchase clothing and toys valued at $75 or provide equitable financial contributions. visit thechildrensfoundation.ca.

How Can You Get Involved

The Belleville Professional Fire Fighters Association Toy Drive

We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys through December 17^th in support of the Fire Fighters Association Toy Drive. The Toy Drive provides gifts for over 1500 Children in the Belleville area every Christmas.

“The Belleville Firefighters Toy Drive helps connect members of the community in need, with the generosity of those who want to help. Having businesses like Alarm Systems come forward with their Toy Under Every Tree campaign, is a crucial piece of that process and goes a long way towards helping us reach our goal.”

– Ryan Turcotte, Chair Belleville Professional Fire Fighters Association Toy Drive

We are touched by the support we have seen from both our team and the community. We delivered dozens of toys to the Fire Fighters Association Toy Drive on December 20th.

Ryan Turcotte, Chair, Belleville Professional Fire Fighters Association Toy Drive

Drop Off a Toy

New, unwrapped, toys can be dropped off at Alarm Systems’ offices at 260 Adam Street and/or Nesda Technologies located at 250 Sidney Street, Belleville. You can also make a donation via Canadahelps.org. Donations are eligible for tax receipts.

Donate Funds to the Toy Drive

The Angel Tree Campaign

We have already been instrumental in helping the Angel Tree Program reach its goal this season. Nesda Technologies jumped at the chance to collect toys for the Firefighters Toy Drive while donating half of the remaining funds required for The Children’s Foundation in partnership with Alarm Systems.

Kim Henry, Executive Director of The Children’s Foundation says “We know that the effects of the pandemic are still being felt by families in our community. So many are struggling to provide even the basics, let alone what they need to create a special holiday. Thank you Alarm Systems and Nesda Technologies for opening your heart to the kids who need help. A Toy Under Every Tree is truly an amazing act of compassion and goes a long way to making sure no child will go without a gift under the tree this Christmas.”

The Angel Tree program is still accepting donations to continue its work.

Kristin Crowe & Walsh McPherson of Alarm Systems, and Delilah Chartrand & Michael Summers, Nesda Technologies, with Kim Henry (Center) of the Children's Foundation.

Kristin Crowe & Walsh McPherson of Alarm Systems, and Michael Summers & Delilah Chartrand, Nesda Technologies, with Kim Henry (Center) of the Children’s Foundation.

Support the Angel Tree Program

Make a contribution directly to the program. Tax receipts will be made out for those contributing.

Adopt An Angel

Thank You to Our Partner Nesda Technologies

Thank you to Nesda Technologies for joining us to make the A Toy Under Every Tree initiative a success this holiday season.

Gallery

Pauline Pietschmann: Fundraiser & Awareness Coordinator & Heidi Griffith: Executive Director of Heart of Hasting’s Hospice with Jenna Love & Jim McFarlin of Alarm Systems

October 5 2021

Community Outreach: Heart of Hasting’s Hospice

Laura Thurston Community

This month the employee nominated cause was The Heart of Hastings Hospice. As a community-based, volunteer support service, they are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses. The organization provides individuals and their families with supportive, compassionate care.

The Nomination

The Heart of Hastings Hospice was nominated by Operations Project Manager Jenna Love who has been personally impacted by their compassion and support.

“In 2018 our family got the sad news that my Grandpa had lung cancer. At the age of 79, and family working and trying to make him comfortable, we made the decision to make a visit to Heart of Hasting’s Hospice in Madoc, ON and find out how their program worked and the services they offered. As soon as we stepped into the building we knew this place felt like home and everyone was welcoming and caring and passionate for the work they do. It was then we brought Grandpa in and we stayed for the remainder of his life. Throughout Grandpa being there we got to know the staff and everyone felt at home including my grandfather!

Myself and my family would like to sincerely thank the staff for the care and compassion they have for their job and all the people they take care of during and near end of life. When I first heard of the program Alarm Systems had for a donation I immediately thought this is my way of giving back to them for they had given to us, and helping them in expanding to help more families, not with the care, but the grieving process and the other programs they have to offer.”

-Jenna Love, Alarm Systems’ Project Coordinator

We are proud to support organizations like Heart of Hastings Hospice who work tirelessly to support those in need within our community.

April 30 2021

Take 5 with Mark Phillips of Mystical Distributing, Trenton

Laura Thurston Community, News

At Alarm Systems, we love to take opportunities to highlight our clients and their contribution to this community. This week we interviewed community-driven entrepreneur Mark Phillips, owner of Mystical Distributing in Trenton.

Over 35 years Mystical Distributing has grown into one of Canada’s top fireworks suppliers and that growth has helped Mark invest in many more businesses in Quite West and give back to the community at every opportunity. We are so proud to be able to work with him and to help him keep an eye on those fireworks.

An Interview with Mark Phillips

Why did you choose to grow your business in Quinte West?

Mark immigrated to Canada over 40 years ago from Jamaica. Originally settling in Abbotsford, BC, when it came time to expand his distributing business he started looking for property in Ontario. There were many options around the GTA but he found a great opportunity in Trenton and took a chance. When he arrived in Trenton he fell in love with the region.

“I came out here and then I realized that I wasn’t going to send anybody else out here to run it. I was going to come out here myself. I never had any regrets we just by fluke ended up out here and it was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Mystical Distributing has been operating out of Trenton for 18 years now and has grown into an international supplier of fireworks and novelty items. As his business has grown Mark has reinvested in many more businesses in Quinte West including construction, property management, storage units, and even a Dispensary.

You’ve been honoured multiple times by local organizations for your work in our community. Tell us about some of that work.

Mark supports programs and charities across the region and never misses an opportunity to give back to the community. He organizes and sponsors programs such as the YMCA, Hospice Quinte, and Military charity events. He also frequently supplies fireworks for large community events.

“It’s a pretty good community and I try to get involved and give where I can and do what I can and I’m pretty blessed to be part of this community.”

It’s little wonder Mark has been honoured by so many organizations in the region. He has been selected as the 2019 Business Person Of The Year and the 2020 Guardian Angel by the Children’s Foundation. What’s next for Mark?

“I haven’t gotten Dancing with the Stars yet,” he laughed.

Take 5 with Mark Phillips of Mystical Distributing, Trenton

What led you to the launch of your fireworks business?

One of Marks’s early businesses was selling fireworks from a van.

“My first office was the back of a van that didn’t run anymore, it was just stuck in my driveway. I’d warehouse them in there and then, take them and sell them to my customers. We just grew and grew, and I was smart enough to know that I was on to something good, but I needed to reinvest whatever profits that I made. So, I just kept reinvesting and we got a little bit bigger and bought a little bigger warehouse, a little more inventory and reached a few more customers. It’s been 35 years now and it’s still growing! Every year we get a little bit bigger and a little bit more diverse and from there we’ve managed to invest in other things.”

Today Mystical Distributing has two distribution centers in Canada, and has one of the biggest selections of fireworks in the country. While many large fireworks shows have been canceled in the past year due to the Pandemic, the high demand from individuals has supported Mystical Distributing. Who doesn’t like fireworks, right?

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?

At the end of a long week, Mark’s biggest joy is having a BBQ and a few beers with friends on the weekend. Although hanging out with friends is challenging right now, he can still enjoy a good BBQ. Mark loves to cook on the grill whether it is ribs, chicken wings or a good burger.

“What I’m most looking forward to when COVID starts to kind of die down, is being able to get together and just relax with friends even if it’s in the backyard.”

We discovered you started your first business selling comic books at school at the age of 13, what was your bestseller, and which comic was your personal favourite?

The entrepreneurial spirit struck early for Mark. He was renting comic books to his friends as early as 13. “I used to buy comic books. I remember back in the day, they cost me 15 cents each. And I used to rent them for five cents each so after three reads, they were paid for,” Mark explained.

His inventory included classics like Batman, Archie Comics, and his favourite, Superman. This business helped him collect hundreds of comic books and make a few dollars on the side. More importantly, it helped Mark understand some of the fundamentals of running a business like managing inventory, and extending & collecting credit which he did with the help of his friend Sammy, “there were a lot of lessons to be taken from that business.”

Thanks to Mark for taking the time to chat with us and for being part of the Alarm Systems family. Mystical Distributing is open for business online, I for one would love to get a hold of the “Times Square” package.

Jonathon Makes a donation to the Care & SHare Foodbank on behalf of Alarm Systems

April 6 2021

Community Outreach: Care & Share Foodbank

Laura Thurston Community

The Nomination

This Quarter, our team voted to donate to the Care and Share Foodbank of Trenton nominated by one of our Security Consultants, Jonathon Gardner. Independently owned and operated, the Care and Share Foodbank has been supporting its community since 1985. Their mission is to serve the people of Quinte West by providing food and assistive services to families during their time of need.

“The Care and Share Foodbank is such a vital part of our community. So many times, people are forced to decide to pay the rent or mortgage, heat, hydro or for food. The Foodbank is there to help out and make that decision a little easier. Even more now then ever, with people losing their jobs and the cost of everything skyrocketing, they are there to help. No one in our community should ever go hungry.”

– Jonathon Gardener, Security Consultant

We are pleased to be able to support The Care and Share Foodbank. This past year has been particularly difficult and organizations like theirs continue to be invaluable in helping our community deal with the pandemic.

Lafferty's Crossing External Shot Feature

February 16 2021

Take 5 With Tom Lafferty of Lafferty’s Crossing, Downtown Belleville

Laura Thurston Community

At Alarm Systems, we love to take opportunities to highlight our clients and their contributions to this community. This week we sat down with Tom Lafferty of Lafferty’s Crossing. Tom has been in the menswear industry for decades since he and a partner started Carson’s Menswear in 1976 in the Quinte Mall. Eventually, Carson’s would evolve into Lafferty’s Crossing and moved to downtown Belleville.

Lafferty’s Crossing prides itself as a full-service menswear store that offers the full gamut of clothing from socks to suits. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff help their customers find the right fit. It has been a challenging year for many small businesses but Tom’s focus on building relationships with his customers and giving back to the community has continued to be the driving force behind Lafferty’s Crossing.

An Interview with Tom Lafferty

What does it mean to be a small business owner in Belleville?

Tom Lafferty & Team of Lafferty's Crossing here in Belleville For Tom, being a small business owner is “more than just selling clothes”. He has built his business on respect for his clients and puts building relationships at the forefront of his business strategy. “It’s all about building relationships and it’s how you treat your clients and having respect for them. You give them the best value that you can for the money and still be able to continue your business, but it’s really all about building relationships and letting people know we really do care.”

Tom’s customers even influence his purchasing as he recounts making choices because he knows a specific client will look great in that piece.

If a man wants to look classy and neat in the office but a suit is too much, what would you recommend?

Tom has seen a drastic change in the last year to how men are dressing for work. In the age of remote work and Zoom meetings and one where many special occasions have been canceled, he has sold very few suits or sport coats. That being said, it doesn’t mean you still can’t look good at work.

“When you’re at the office, whether it’s in your home, or in on Zoom, you still have to have a bit of a professional look to it. Get a nice crisp what we call, woven or a button-down sport shirt. And make sure it’s well pressed. It’s something that’s modern, you know, a little hip to a little fun.”

It should be noted Tom recommends you still wear pants to your Zoom meeting, although the style is up to you.

I see you’ve had some fun with the Bernie Sanders meme placing him in and around Lafferty’s Crossings – if Bernie came to you for some style advice what would you tell him?

“Let’s just start over Bernie” Tom jokes. Although he notes that he has always been a fan of the down-to-earth politician, Tom does not approve of the inauguration outfit. “US fashion in general is very much the old plaids and the khaki pants and plain blue shirt and the plain red tie. There’s not a lot of flamboyance to it, whereas in Canada, we have more of the Quebec influence which is a little higher fashion. Guys are more comfortable wearing some color and some patterns and stuff like that. So Bernie would just be a rebuild from the bottom up.”

Memes tend to be a young person’s game, but you were on top of it. How does online technology impact your business?

Tom Lafferty of Lafferty's Crossing here in Belleville Tom believes the internet is a valuable tool, and he has worked hard to learn how to leverage digital tools to connect with his customers. It is not always about selling a product, it is about getting his customer’s attention and engaging with them. From Bernie memes to instant sales, he is using online tools to build awareness.

In a way, it has become another way for Lafferty’s to build those customer relationships that are at the core of their business. “I think a lot of people see the online as a huge competitor that has a big advantage. I see it as the opposite way around and it all goes back to that building relationship sort of thing. The internet can do a lot of things but it can’t have a personal relationship with you.”

Who would you most like to be stuck in an elevator with?

“If it wasn’t my wife, it would be Michelle Pfeiffer. She has that glitter in her eye, I think she’d be a lot of fun.” Tom’s second choice would be comedy legend, John Candy. “He walks in a room and I laugh” Tom fondly recalled seeing the comedian once at a Montreal hotel years ago and how Candy’s laugh filled the room.

If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?

“I’m not sure there is anything I’d like to have every day for the rest of my life but we had four children and we both worked and life was crazy busy and the go-to dinner at home was Shake and Bake Chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn.” Even though his family’s diets have changed over the years, this go-to meal has become a family favourite. It is a meal that brings with it fond memories to this day.

Thanks to Tom for taking the time to chat with us and for being part of the Alarm Systems family. Lafferty’s Crossing is open for business and they are conducting a massive winter sale to make way for their spring collection. Stop by and show a little love for a local

Alarm Systems & Falcon Security Community Support Cycling without Age Brockville

January 4 2021

Community Outreach: Cycling Without Age – Brockville

Laura Thurston Community

In the month of December, our team voted for Cycling Without Age in Brockville, nominated by Falcon Security sales rep Laura Good. Cycling Without Age is designed to help seniors and those with mobility issues to get outdoors. They provide free rides on special 3-wheeled bikes called tri-shaws. The rides are approximately one hour in length and travel along the Brock Trails, through the famous railway tunnel and along quiet street in Brockville.

“Covid has taken a toll on our community seniors, putting them in isolation. I’m very proud that Falcon Security is providing an opportunity for them to
‘Feel the wind in their hair'” – Laura Good, Sales Team

Now more than ever it is essential to connect with seniors in our community. Many of them are feeling increasingly isolated and programs like Cycling Without Age play an important role in combating that feeling.