EPCOR's growing impact with the United Way

At EPCOR, giving back is more than a tradition—it’s a commitment that grows with us. Since 1997, we’ve partnered with the United Way to help build stronger, more inclusive communities. What began as a local campaign in Edmonton has grown into a North America-wide effort, supporting children, families, and education initiatives in the regions we serve, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the United States.

The United Way’s mission to create opportunities for everyone strikes a chord with our values at EPCOR, creating a strong connection between Team EPCOR and the United Way initiatives we support. Whether helping kids succeed in school, supporting families through mentorship, or creating safe spaces for learning and growth, our partnership is rooted in a shared belief: when we invest in people, our communities thrive.

In Edmonton, our annual workplace campaign is a highlight of the year. Since 2016, Team EPCOR has raised well over half a million dollars annually—funds that support programs like All in for Youth, which helps vulnerable students stay in school and succeed. But our support goes beyond fundraising—we take an active role in the communities we operate in, bringing Heart + Soul to every campaign.

One of the more creative ways EPCOR has partnered with the United Way was with a sponsorship for a two-week Summer Success Literacy Camp at Thomson School in Regina. The camp helps combat the “summer slide”—the learning loss that can happen when school is out—by providing structured learning and literacy support.

Team EPCOR volunteers brought the story Up the Creek by Nicholas Oldland to life through a StoryWalk®, turning pages into an outdoor adventure that built literacy and collaboration skills.

“It was a meaningful experience to be part of the United Way Summer Success Camp,” says Rynette Moore-Guillaume, Sr. Manager, Regina Operations. “The project has a huge impact on the Regina community. It created a safe, positive atmosphere where kids could grow academically, make new friends, and build confidence.”

In Aylmer, Ontario, EPCOR’s natural gas team has made community connection a signature part of their United Way campaign. Since 2022, they’ve hosted an annual community barbecue for neighbouring businesses, raising thousands of dollars for United Way Elgin-Middlesex.

“I am very proud of this team for hosting this event to help those in need and for bringing our community together as well,” said Mark Emmanuel, General Manager of Natural Gas. “It’s become a signature fundraising event for us here in Aylmer.”

Their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2021, the team won United Way’s award for Outstanding Campaign Team: Small Workplace Change Maker, and Mark Emmanuel was invited to join the Campaign Cabinet.

South of the border, EPCOR employees have found their own way to support United Way—with an annual cornhole tournament that raises funds and brings teams together. Players make a donation of their choosing, and teams are randomly selected to compete in a double-elimination bracket. The winning teams even get to choose which local United Way chapter receives the funds.

“Our teams definitely came to play!” says Matt Atwood, Senior Advisor, Communications. “Everyone has a fun time engaging in some friendly competition for this great cause. As our team in the United States grows, we’re looking forward to making the competition bigger and better each year.”

As EPCOR continues to grow as a North American company, we remain committed to supporting the communities we serve. Programs like Summer Success, All in for Youth, and local fundraising events go beyond feel-good moments—they’re real examples of how EPCOR’s partnership with the United Way brings us together to make a difference in communities across North America. They help develop confidence in children and resiliency in our communities, reminding us of the impact generosity can have.