2023 Impact Award winner: Petro-Canada: Niagara Falls

Working and living in Niagara, Ont., Iftikhar Ahmed, an area retail licensee at Petro-Canada, witnessed firsthand the great need for assistance among the area’s vulnerable population. An estimated 700 people are currently believed to be living without shelter in the community. To help address the crisis, local Petro-Canada joined forces.

“When I brought this cause to my managers, and the rest of my employees they were 100% ready to contribute in any way, shape or form,” he says. “It also fostered a sense of connectedness and solidarity with their fellow co-workers.” 

Around the holidays, local manager Joseph Mazzuca, and his guest service agent Fran Leroux, spearheaded the campaign. Just before Christmas, they dropped off 100 hats, gloves, heat blankets, hand and foot warmers and gift cards for a hot meal, ready for distribution to those in need. It was an initiative very much in keeping with Petro-Canada’s Live by the Leaf philosophy about giving back to the communities that support its business.

“Ultimately, giving back is not just an obligation, but a privilege,” he says. “It allows me to honour the stories that have moved me, the tears that have been shed and the shared experiences that have shaped who I am today. It’s a constant reminder we’re all connected.”