Championing community spirit with United Way

In spring 2026, EPCOR was recognized with United Way’s National Community Champion Award. Presented every two years, the award reflects more than a single campaign or moment; it represents decades of collective effort.

Across the organization, Team EPCOR has built a culture where giving back is a big part of how we show up at work and in their communities, across North America. Since 1990, employees have helped raise more than $9.8 million in support of United Way initiatives, contributing in more ways than just fundraising totals.

Each year, more than 90 volunteers step up to plan events and bring EPCOR’s United Way employee campaign to life. Over the years, the campaign has grown into a much-anticipated tradition, with grassroots activities — from barbeques to cornhole tournaments — organized across EPCOR locations. The campaign gives employees a chance to be part of something hands-on and meaningful, with colleagues coming together to support causes that matter to them.

For Tony Scozzafava, EPCOR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and a board member with United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, the campaign works because it makes giving both simple and engaging. Employees can contribute through payroll donations or get involved in fundraising events, all while building connections across teams. And each year, teams across the organization compete to outdo one another.

That sense of ownership and camaraderie shows up across the organization, with United Way helping teams turn their ideas into impact.

EPCOR’s long-standing partnership with the United Way is rooted in a shared goal — strengthening communities.

United Way is a unique community connector, supporting its own programs and funding a wide network of local initiatives. This means employees can support causes that matter to them, while contributing to broader, community-wide impact.

One example, in Edmonton, is All in for Youth (AIFY), a program that brings integrated supports directly into schools. EPCOR, as a founding sponsor, has contributed $880,000 to the program over the past decade giving students access to academic and mental health supports, mentorship and meals, so they can thrive.

The national award, presented to a small group of recipients, recognizes the strength and longevity of EPCOR’s partnership with United Way and the role employees have played in building it. It reflects the collective efforts of thousands, from volunteers who organize events to employees who participate and give.

“Knowing this is a national award — one United Way only gives out every two years — made the nomination a big accomplishment," says Gillian Adams, Associate Director, Marketing & Community Investment. "It was a great honour to reflect on all the years of support, the hard work of our volunteer ambassadors, the way Team EPCOR has always stepped up, and the fun we shared along the way.”

It also highlights how workplace campaigns can create meaningful opportunities for employees to give back — making it easier for organizations to engage their teams while contributing to the communities around them.

Learn more about EPCOR’s partnership with United Way in the Business in Edmonton article, “A Win for the Greater Good.”

United Way helps corporate partners activate their corporate social responsibility objectives and engage their employees, customers, and stakeholders. Learn how your organization can get involved.