Suncor, 1 June 2023 – Volunteering is an important aspect of our culture, and it strengthens both us and our communities. SunCares, Suncor’s employee giving programme, logged nearly 105,000 volunteer hours last year for employees who shared their time, talent, and enthusiasm with their community.

Volunteering ties us together was this year’s theme for National Volunteer Week, which took place from April 16 to 22. The topic emphasises the value of connecting through volunteering.

Volunteer week is also an occasion to recognise SunCares Changemakers-Suncor employees who go above and beyond in their community throughout the year, donating their skills, time, and financial contributions in meaningful ways. Each Changemaker can choose a community organisation to receive a $20,000 one-time donation from Suncor or the Suncor Energy Foundation.

Suncor

Sergii Melnikov, Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Sergii’s donation was spent as follows:

$20,000 to Ukrainian Catholic University

Sergii has been a dedicated volunteer for years, and when his town of Fort McMurray requires assistance, he is the first to volunteer. Sergii donated a big donation to Ukrainian organisations in response to Russia’s invasion of the country. Sergii also sponsored the development of the YMM Stands with Ukraine committee, a collaboration between the Ukrainian Cultural Society and the Oil Sands Rotary Club of Fort McMurray. He has assisted over 100 newcomers to the Wood Buffalo area in settling in, and he has been hosting a Ukrainian family since March 2022.

Christie Courtland Joseph, Calgary, Alta.

Christie’s contribution went to:

$20,000 to Girl Guides of Canada, Alberta Council, Calgary Chapter

Christie works as a Deputy Area Commissioner for Girls Guides Canada in Calgary and leads her own unit. Christie has instilled confidence and competence in Guiders and young people over the years. Christie has organised fundraising events to guarantee that units in Calgary have the finances to participate in learning opportunities, and she has accompanied children on excursions to Switzerland and Vancouver Island to hike a piece of the West Coast Trail. Closer to home, Christie organises camping weekends where she teaches backpacking and canoeing skills. Christie is also evaluating existing processes and conducting feedback meetings with guides and District Commissioners in order to prepare the organisation for the future.

Linda (Jinling) Xiang, Calgary, Alt.

 Linda’s donation was spent as follows:

$20,000 Western Canada Hubei Association

Linda is the Chair and President of the Western Canada Hubei Association (WCHA), which provides a forum for the Hubei community in Western Canada to enjoy their culture, engage with one another, and access resources and support. Linda supports students and recent graduates through the WCHA and organises virtual lunch and learns for the wider WCHA community. During the pandemic, Linda also raised cash to purchase and send medical supplies to front-line medical professionals in Wuhan, China, and gave food to members of the Calgary Chinese Community. Linda was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal earlier this year in appreciation of her service to the community.

Michael Vickers, Fort McMurray, Alta.

Mike’s contribution went to:

The Canadian Mental Health Association will get $5,000.

St. Aidan’s Society receives $15,000

Mike is an active volunteer in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, where he supports seniors through St. Aidan’s Society, trains and mentors umpires during the baseball season, and serves on the boards of directors for the United Way of Fort McMurray and the Canadian Mental Health Association Wood Buffalo chapter. He frequently finds ways to connect Suncor and the community by organising slo-pitch fundraising events and discussing mental health within Suncor.

Deborah (kâkike manitohkân iskwew) Green, Calgary, Alta.

Where Deb’s gift went:

Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society receives a $7,000 donation.

$7,000 to Be the Change

Stardale Women’s Group receives a $6,000 donation.

Deb is making an impact inside Suncor, as well as in the Calgary community and beyond. Deb is an Indigenous rights advocate, keynote speaker, singer and drummer in an Indigenous matriarch’s hand drum group that has led marches, rallies, and gatherings, and fosters an Indigenous women’s monthly sharing circle of over 500 Indigenous people. Deb’s efforts have resulted in changes at all levels of government, within organisations, and in the lives of those around her, including the designation of a Calgary landmark as the Field of Red Ribbons in remembrance of the missing, murdered, and missing children.

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