Archive for month: June, 2023

Breanden Daniels – a Safety Solutions Advisor at ARC Resources Ltd. – is passionate about supporting others to live healthy and be safe, while advocating for the cycling community in Calgary. And so, it was a natural fit for him to step into the role as Team Captain for the newly formed ARC Resources Team at the 2023 Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer.

Breanden’s involvement with the Tour goes beyond being a captain. He also embraced the opportunity to join the Community Leadership Committee as a representative of Team ARC, where he shares valued feedback as a rider, donor and team captain alongside the Alberta Cancer Foundation and fellow Tour partners. We recently had a chance to chat with Breanden about his journey with ARC and their involvement in the Tour. 

“For us at ARC, giving back is deeply ingrained in our culture. We believe in impactful partnerships that support the Albertan community where we live and operate,” Breanden explains.

It was no surprise that when he presented the idea of ARC becoming a Northern Lights Partner for the Tour Alberta for Cancer in 2023, the response from the executive team was overwhelmingly positive.

For Breanden, this cause holds personal significance. “I have family and friends currently facing cancer, and I’ve lost loved ones to this disease over the years,” he shares. The Tour not only aligns with his passion for cycling but also offers a rewarding opportunity to empower others, rally them around a common goal, build deeper relationships and accomplish something big, together.

When it comes to ARC’s support for the team, Breanden couldn’t be more grateful. “ARC has been phenomenally supportive in developing Team ARC for our first year in the event,” he proudly states. Thanks to organizational wide communications, generous corporate matching support from their ARC Cares program and company hosted team gatherings and lunch meetings, Team ARC has launched past its inaugural team goals of 20 riders and $50,000 in fundraising. ARC ensures that each rider, whether employee, family member, or friend , is made to feel like a valued member of the team; fostering togetherness and excitement as they head into their first experience of the Tour. Breanden adds, reflecting on how fast Team ARC has grown, both in size and dollars raised, “I’m speechless… and that’s saying something! The energy of our people is, simply put, inspiring.” 

As the Tour weekend approaches, Breanden is thrilled to be a first-time captain, witnessing more people getting involved and creating their own incredible memories.

“We ride as a celebration of our efforts and with a common goal in mind – to give those facing cancer, and their loved ones, more time together,” he shares with enthusiasm.

Breanden believes that this year’s Tour will be legendary, thanks to the unwavering support from ARC Resources and the passionate riders of Team ARC. The energy and spirit of the team is already making waves, and he can’t wait to see how each member will create their own legendary experiences during the Tour.

His advice for his team, and anyone taking on the challenge of the 15th annual event is “get engaged with group rides, connect with new people (and familiar faces) to talk about the Tour, and trust that your efforts are going to come back to fuel you over July 22nd and 23rd!”

Meet Roxanne, a fearless adventurer, devoted mother, partner, and cancer survivor. She’s ready to embark on a new challenge as she joins the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer for the first time this year. We are grateful for Roxanne sharing her personal journey, motivation for joining the Tour, and her inspiring outlook on life.

Roxanne’s decision to participate in the Tour was inspired by her incredible colleagues at EY, who have been avid supporters of the event for years. The EY Crankers have participated in the Tour for the past 10 years and have contributed over $300,000 through team fundraising and corporate sponsorship. But EY’s commitment to the Tour extends beyond the financial contributions—they have created a platform within their office and networks to share stories, honour lost loved ones, and promote health and wellness while making a difference in the community. Their dedication and energy motivated her to give back, set new goals, and celebrate being cancer-free while raising funds to help others.

When asked why this cause matters to her, Roxanne spoke passionately about her mother, Angella Gallon, and the amazing women in her life who have battled breast cancer. Losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer in 2011, just five months after the birth of her son Avery, was a profound loss. Roxanne’s own breast cancer diagnosis in 2022 reinforced her determination to be there for her children and prevent other families from enduring the pain of losing loved ones to this disease.

Roxanne acknowledges the progress made in cancer research and treatment protocols, which gave her a different path compared to her mother’s journey. “My cancer was identified at an earlier stage, my treatment protocol was manageable with fewer side-effects and I have ongoing support from a fantastic health care team to monitor for any changes in my health.” Her goal is now to ensure that others receive the same level of care, compassion, and opportunity to celebrate life with their loved ones.

Preparing for her very first Tour, Roxanne has been diligently building her stamina on her spin bike at home and now enjoys cycling outside in the summer. Sharing her participation within her personal and professional networks keeps her accountable and motivated. Recognizing the importance of time management, she prioritizes her training, which not only prepares her for the ride but also contributes to her overall wellness and mindset. With the option of using an e-bike this year, Roxanne appreciates the flexibility it provides, considering the toll cancer treatments have taken on her body and energy levels.

What excites her most about the Tour is the opportunity to join other survivors, supporters, and organizers who will undoubtedly inspire and motivate her. She looks forward to experiencing the sense of camaraderie, community, and the indescribable high that comes from helping others. Sharing this memorable experience with friends and colleagues adds an extra layer of joy to her journey.

Though this may be Roxanne’s first Tour, she is no stranger to embracing adventure and making the most of each day. Her positive outlook on life shines through as she sets new goals, pushes boundaries, and encourages others to step outside their comfort zones.

In closing, we were touched by a powerful memory she shared from her cancer journey.

“Last year, I set a goal to climb the Kimberley ski hill when I finished my chemotherapy treatments. This was a hike I had done once before but knew would be challenging. On the third attempt I made it to the top and the view was more spectacular than anything I had experienced before because of what the climb represented. Despite my diagnosis, I could still go on adventures, accomplish new challenges and find happiness. Every time that I felt like stopping or that I couldn’t take another step, I found heart shaped rocks along the path. Each stone pushed me to keep going and not give up. We can find strength within ourselves and in the world around us if we take a moment to look.”