Team Enbridge: A Pillar of Support in the Tour Alberta for Cancer

As title partner for the Tour Alberta for Cancer since 2010, Enbridge has wrapped its community investment, employee engagement, and marketing efforts around this signature cycling event for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, year after year. Their involvement has transcended mere sponsorship, demonstrating the true meaning of partnership through extensive engagement on multiple fronts.

Enbridge’s approach to the Tour Alberta for Cancer exemplifies a holistic engagement strategy. Their representation on the community leadership committee, volunteer leadership for event set-up and tear-down crews, and the on-going maintenance of the largest annual corporate team have made their partnership integral to the event’s success. This multifaceted involvement highlights Enbridge’s commitment to the cause and showcases their employees’ passion for making a difference.

One of the key elements driving Enbridge’s success in supporting the Tour Alberta for Cancer is the enthusiastic and generous backing from their executive team. Enbridge’s leaders actively encourage participation and join the Tour themselves either as riders, volunteers and donors, setting a powerful example for employees. This executive involvement not only boosts morale but also underscores the importance the company places on the event.

Moreover, Enbridge leverages its generous internal corporate match program to ensure each rider from the team reaches the start line. This program matches employee fundraising efforts dollar-for-dollar, significantly amplifying the impact of individual contributions. The matching funds provide a substantial boost, enabling riders to meet their fundraising goals more easily and ensuring robust participation from the Enbridge team.

 Voices from the Frontline: Enbridge’s Champions

Allison Morley, a dedicated rider and volunteer member of the Enbridge Tour Alberta Community Leadership Committee, has been a beacon of enthusiasm and dedication.

“We’re so proud of our team and what we’ve accomplished this year,” she shares. “It’s very special to us at Enbridge. All throughout the year, we try to get people involved, whether it’s getting them ready to ride, setting up different challenges and team-building activities internally, or having them come volunteer.”

For Allison, the cause is deeply personal. “I lost my father to cancer 25 years ago, and to see how much the cancer system has improved and treatment has changed, is incredible. There are better outcomes for those facing cancer, because of events like this,” she reflects. “At Enbridge, community investment is very important to us, and this event is a prime example of how that comes to life.”

Teri Majer, another passionate rider and volunteer member of the Community Leadership Committee, echoes Allison’s sentiments. “I’ve been involved with the Tour for 16 years, since Enbridge first became the title sponsor,” she notes. “Every year I come back because it’s an amazing event to be part of.”

Teri highlights the camaraderie and shared vision that fuels the event’s success. “We get to be engaged with multiple companies that have the same vision as Enbridge – helping the community and raising money for cancer,” she explains.

“The days are full of fun – there is so much camaraderie with the riders, and it’s incredible to see how the community has grown significantly since its inception.”

 

Team Enbridge: A Force for Good

The collective efforts of individuals like Allison and Teri are a testament to Enbridge’s unwavering commitment to the Tour Alberta for Cancer. Their passion, dedication, and leadership play a crucial role in the event’s success, year after year. Through their hard work and the support of the broader Enbridge team and workforce, they help drive forward the mission of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, ensuring better outcomes and brighter futures for those affected by cancer.

Enbridge’s partnership with the Tour Alberta for Cancer is a shining example of corporate social responsibility in action. It underscores the importance of community involvement and demonstrates how a committed partner can make a significant impact. As we look forward to the future, we’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff, vendors, friends and family members that make up Team Enbridge, for their continued support which promises to bring even greater success as we look to the future.

Team NOV: A Journey of Dedication and Community

In the past ten years, Team NOV has raised an impressive $1.2 million for the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. The team’s 2024 goal is to raise another $200,000, and they have already achieved over $170,000 with 45 dedicated members.

The success of Team NOV can be attributed to its founder, Tom Hewitt. Hewitt, who recently retired, remains deeply involved as a co-captain alongside Dan Giesinger and Jamie Dawson. Tom’s journey began in 2015 when he was inspired by the cyclists he saw on the 200-kilometre trek and decided to take action. What started as a solo endeavor has blossomed into a significant community effort.

Team NOV, originally composed of NOV employees, has expanded to include friends, family, and solo riders from previous Tours. New members, such as Tire Track qualifier Silas Rutley, who alone has raised $23,000, have joined their ranks, adding to the team’s strength and dedication.

“Everyone is very passionate about the cause and super focused on raising money,” says Hewitt. “Team NOV has morphed into something bigger. It’s more of a community team now; we like riding together, hanging out, and it’s become a lifestyle.”

Many members of Team NOV have personal connections to cancer, which fuels their passion for the cause. Their relentless fundraising efforts include raffles, silent auctions, pub nights, garage sales, and bottle drives. These initiatives have not only contributed to their financial goals but also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among team members.

In addition to fundraising supports, the team also hosts several training rides all over Calgary assisting new members to get the training they need to complete the 200km ride. The remarkable leadership from Tom, Dan, and Jamie, continues to inspire the team to push boundaries.

For anyone considering joining the ride, the message from Team NOV is clear: it’s a rewarding experience that goes beyond fitness. It’s about being part of a cycling community, making a difference in the lives of others, and enjoying the social aspects of training and fundraising.

Team NOV’s story is one of growth, dedication, and the power of community. Their efforts not only raise essential funds but also bring people together in a shared mission for a cancer-free future.

Spokes of Hope: Claudia’s Mission with Team ARC

Spokes of Hope: Claudia’s Mission with Team ARC in the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer

As we continue to celebrate the spirit of giving and community involvement leading up to the Tour, we are thrilled to highlight Northern Lights Partner ARC Resources, a returning sponsor and corporate team. With a renewed commitment for the next three-years, ARC is demonstrating their unwavering dedication to the cause.

Last year marked a significant milestone for Team ARC. In their inaugural year, they rallied an impressive 26 riders and raised over $109,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation, doubling both of  their initial goals. This year, their ambitions are even higher, with a 50-rider team, they are well on their way to surpassing their ambitious $150,000 fundraising goal.

One of the driving forces behind Team ARC’s enthusiasm this year is new co-captain Claudia Lara, a Corporate Planning Analyst at ARC Resources. Claudia’s journey with the Tour began long before she donned the ARC colours, but her connection to the cause deepened over the years, and when ARC became a sponsor, Claudia knew it was her moment to join the team.

“I first heard about the Tour back in 2012. A good friend of mine works at Enbridge and she has been involved with it from the start. She recruited me, and I got to train with Team Enbridge that year!”

Claudia’s passion for the Tour Alberta for Cancer is deeply rooted in her belief in serving others and finding a higher purpose in life. “I believe we should help those who are struggling in whichever capacity we can.” Going through cancer can be a really lonely journey, and Claudia believes that volunteering, donating, and participating in the Tour is a way that she can help.  “I hope that by seeing how many people participate in the Tour they feel supported in their journey and know how many people truly care and want to help.”

Giving back is not just a personal value for Claudia; it’s a core part of ARC Resources’ culture. “I feel incredibly proud to work for a company that is doing such amazing things in the community,” she says. ARC’s commitment to various causes, from supporting active and vibrant communities to ensuring healthy, safe, and resilient people, is evident in their support for the Tour.

 

“When it comes to the Tour, we have had full support from the company in recruiting our team, hosting lunch and learn sessions to get ready for the weekend, and providing all the cycling kit so we can proudly show our ARC colours. Being part of this team enhances the feeling of belonging that we want everyone at ARC to feel, it also gives us a chance to be part of something bigger!”

Claudia eagerly anticipates the Tour weekend, looking forward to the excitement and energy felt throughout the ride and festival. Her advice to new riders is clear and encouraging: “Remember, the Tour is not a race; the purpose of it is to enjoy it, take as many breaks as you need, and there are plenty of supports to help.”

Fundraising can seem daunting, but Claudia believes in the power of community support. “When it comes to fundraising, riders are often surprised at the generosity of others. All we have to do is ask.”

Team ARC Resources, under the spirited leadership of Claudia Lara and other dedicated members, exemplifies the profound impact of community involvement and corporate responsibility. As they gear up for another memorable Tour weekend, we applaud their unwavering commitment to those facing cancer and their inspiring dedication to making a difference.

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Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer

The Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer celebrates 15th Anniversary Ride

The Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer celebrates 15th Anniversary Ride

Over $5.5 million raised for Albertans facing cancer as part of legendary cycling event that supports cancer detection, research and care across Alberta.

July 22, 2023 – Strathmore, AB – Today, over 1,200 cyclists and their supporters are gathering in Strathmore and area for Alberta’s largest cycling fundraiser, the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Throughout the two-day event, cyclists will journey up to 200 kilometres around the beautiful Alberta countryside. The tour is a fun and meaningful way for Albertans to honour those who are facing cancer—our loved ones, our friends, our colleagues and our neighbours. Whether riding as an individual, as part of a corporate or community team, or participating as a volunteer, there is a place for everyone to make an impact.

While each year of the Tour is special for many reasons, this year, the Alberta Cancer Foundation celebrates 15 years of this legendary ride. That is 15 years of community building, 15 years of memories, and 15 years of making life better for all Albertans whose lives have been affected by cancer.

“When I think about the impact this legendary ride has had on our community since its inauguration, I am incredibly touched,” says Wendy Beauchesne, CEO of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. “Over the past 15 years, the tour has contributed over $90 million to cancer research and care across Alberta. We know that kind of impact takes a village, so we are grateful for every rider, donor and partner, including our friends at Enbridge, who have dedicated their time and resources to making a difference for over 23,000 Albertans who hear the words, ‘You have cancer,’ each year.”

Enbridge has supported the cancer fundraiser for a number of years, including as title sponsor since 2010. This year, the company’s dedicated cycling team of 155 participants has raised more than $650,000 to support the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

“We need to continue to come out, to fundraise and support research that will make a difference,” said Max Chan, Senior Vice President and Corporate Development Officer, Enbridge, Rider, and member of Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “We’re proud to be the title sponsor of the Tour Alberta, which has an unparalleled impact on cancer outcomes for Albertans.”

All funds raised for the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer will support leading-edge cancer research – including ground-breaking clinical trials, patient support programs, and enhanced care at the 17 cancer centres across Alberta. This support will continue to benefit the 1 in 2 Albertans who will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime including first time Rider, Mike Zurawell.

“In early November of 2022, I was told, ‘You have cancer’. Three words nobody wants to hear. I had a football sized mass inside of me and was diagnosed with Double Hit Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive type of cancer. I spent 34 nights and underwent extensive chemotherapy as well as 15 rounds of radiation at the Cross Cancer Institute. Let me tell you, everyone there was fantastic. I received a level of care that was phenomenal and I will be eternally grateful for that. I have committed to the Enbridge Tour Alberta Cancer ride as a way I can give back directly to the people and facility who are helping me and other patients through this journey,” says Mike.

Media are invited to join Mike Zurawell and many other inspirational Albertans at this weekend’s tour events.

What: 2023 Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer

When: July 22-23, 2023
Opening speeches: 7:30 a.m.
Cyclists depart: 8:00 a.m.

Where: Strathmore Stampede Grounds
33 Wheatland Trail | Strathmore, AB

Highlights: 100km and 70km cycling tour each day
Food, drinks and entertainment
Self-camping

For more information on the tour, to register, or to donate, visit 2023.touralbertaforcancer.ca. You can also access the 2023 Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer campaign video and complementary b-roll here.

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For media inquiries, contact:

Breanne Kraus
Director, Communications and Marketing
Alberta Cancer Foundation
breanne.kraus@albertacancer.ca | Cell: 780.905.9273

About the Alberta Cancer Foundation

Creating more moments for Albertans facing cancer by inspiring our community to give to innovation in detection, treatment and care.

Albertans helping Albertans is at the core of everything the Alberta Cancer Foundation does. As the official fundraising partner for every Alberta Health Services cancer centre in Alberta, our very purpose comes from our desire to create more moments for all Albertans facing cancer, no matter where they live or the type of cancer they are facing. From the mountains in Canmore to the canola fields in Lloydminster, we make life better for Albertans facing cancer by supporting world-class research and patient care, close to home. Learn more at albertacancer.ca.

About Enbridge Inc.

At Enbridge, we safely connect millions of people to the energy they rely on every day, fueling quality of life through our North American natural gas, oil or renewable power networks and our growing European offshore wind portfolio. We’re investing in modern energy delivery infrastructure to sustain access to secure, affordable energy and building on two decades of experience in renewable energy to advance new technologies including wind and solar power, hydrogen, renewable natural gas and carbon capture and storage. We’re committed to reducing the carbon footprint of the energy we deliver, and to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by

2050. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Enbridge’s common shares trade under the symbol ENB on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges. To learn more, visit us at enbridge.com.