2019 marks the inaugural year for the SunCares Changemakers program. This program recognizes and celebrates five inspiring employees who go above and beyond in their communities volunteering their expertise, personal time and financial contributions in a significant and meaningful way.
More than 100 nominations from across Suncor’s operating areas were received. Each Changemaker gets the opportunity to choose a community organization of their choice to receive a one-time gift of $20,000 from Suncor or the Suncor Energy Foundation (SEF).
Here are the 2019 Suncor Changemakers:
Peter Duff, St. John’s
Peter Duff, team leader, corporate Human Resources and refinery applications, sits on the executive board of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Saint Teresa’s Conference, as director of membership. Peter regularly delivers food hampers and has recently led the Seeds of Hope program, which provides support for low-income families. Peter will donate $10,000 to Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and $10,000 to Iris Kirby House, a shelter for women and children.
Sandy Whyte, Sarnia
Sandy Whyte, specialist procurement, serves on the Royal Canadian Legion Sarnia Branch 62 board of directors. She was influential in developing and supporting the Legion’s weekly “Catch the Ace” fundraiser. This fundraiser attracts many community members and has donated almost $100,000 to a number of local organizations. Sandy’s $20,000 will go to the Royal Canadian Legion Sarnia Branch 62 to support many community organizations and initiatives.
D’Andre Wilson-Ihejirika, Fort McMurray
D’Andre Wilson-Ihejirika, process engineer, started her own non-profit organization that aims to bring more science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities to youth in the Fort McMurray area. BrainSTEM Alliance was a simple idea, but it turned into an organization that is continuing to grow. D’Andre will allocate $20,000 to BrainSTEM Alliance., which has partnered with nearly a dozen organizations to help develop STEM, leadership or entrepreneurship related programs since its inception.
James McLean, Mississauga
James McLean, director, national pricing, volunteers with a number of different organizations in the Mississauga area. He delivers library materials to people with mobility restrictions as part of the Mississauga Library Homebound program, and ensures everyone in his area has access to healthy food through the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank. James also volunteers with the Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary to protect farm animals from abuse and supports Animal Justice to enforce animal cruelty laws. James will donate $7,500 each to the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank and Animal Justice, $2,000 each to Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary and the United Way of Toronto and $1,000 to the Mississauga Library.
Hsiu-Yan Chan, Calgary
Hsiu-Yan Chan, manager, natural gas liquids, is the board chair for Inn from the Cold. She has influenced the organization to focus on building housing and exit plans for families to gain independence. Hsiu-Yan Chan will donate $20,000 to Inn from the Cold.
Congratulations to all the SunCares Changemakers and thank you for your outstanding contributions to your communities!
