Helping Hands create a lasting impact

For Robyn, a Senior Advisor in Community Investment, volunteering means lacing up her skates and hitting the ice. As the Assistant Coach for both of her sons’ hockey teams, she spends several hours each week helping young athletes build skills and confidence.

“It’s all about supporting my kids in something they love,” Robyn says. “And I know that youth sports don’t happen without volunteers.”

Having grown up in a family that was active in youth sports, Robyn has an appreciation for the volunteer work going on behind the scenes. And, as a parent, she knows firsthand that even with volunteer support, the cost of youth sports can add up quickly, creating financial stress for many families. She uses her Helping Hands grant to fund team-building activities and purchase extra equipment—relieving some of the pressure on families and creating more opportunities for kids to thrive.

The impact of the grant is felt by every teammate and their parents, and it’s something they really appreciate. She also admits that it was fun to get a team cheer in the dressing room when the EPCOR grant was announced. “It’s really meaningful that EPCOR employees get to fund organizations that are close to their hearts, and EPCOR recognizes the value of time we spend volunteering.”

For Anuj, Manager of Design Services, coaching cricket is about more than sport—it’s about creating a place to belong. When he moved to Edmonton from India 25 years ago it was a difficult adjustment, but he quickly discovered that he felt at home in the cricket community. They welcomed him in and helped him feel grounded in a new place.

Though he’s retired from playing, Anuj continues to coach teens—many of whom are new to Canada and looking for connection during a challenging transition. His support goes beyond the pitch and he often mentors team members to help them find their footing. Through the years, he’s watched many of the players he’s coached grow up and face the demands of careers and new families, but they remain connected to the game.

“So many kids who played with us 15 years ago now thank us for supporting them,” Anuj says. “It’s nice to give back and see how people transform when they’re part of a caring community.”

Having his efforts recognized through the Helping Hands grant encourages Anuj to keep volunteering.  “What I like most is the choice—employees can support organizations that mean the most to them,” he explains. Being able to direct his Helping Hands grant to the Elites Cricket Development Society allows Anuj to make an even bigger difference in a community close to his heart. 

In 2024 alone, EPCOR employees logged thousands of Helping Hands volunteer hours outside of work—including 2,396 hours coaching youth sports. These efforts reflect a deep commitment to building stronger communities through personal action.

“Volunteering as a coach takes time, energy and heart—and it creates a lasting impact for youth,” said John Elford, EPCOR President and CEO. “We know volunteering is important to our employees and they make it a priority outside work. Our Helping Hands program helps amplify Team EPCOR’s support for the organizations they care about in the communities they call home.” 

Helping Hands is more than a grant—it’s a reflection of our values, our people, and our belief that small acts of generosity can lead to big change.