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2026 Impact Awards Winner: Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation

COMMUNITY SERVICE | LOCAL IMPACT | GIVING BACK
9/8/2026
Petro Canada Caremakers community Impact 2026
Petro Canada Caremakers community Impact 2026

Established nearly six years ago, the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation set out with a bold mission: to elevate the voices of family caregivers and build a national community of care. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to more than 300 charities, supporting vital programs ranging from respite services to caregiver training across the country.

Recognizing the growing need for support, the company hosts annual Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation golf tournaments in Calgary, Winnipeg and Montreal to raise funds and awareness. These events address a critical gap: while 8-million Canadians provide an estimated 75% of all care in Canada, many face burnout, isolation and financial strain. Funds raised help meet the demand for mental health supports and caregiver education.

The signature CareMakers Cup has become a cornerstone of these efforts. Recently moved to Calgary to be near the foundation’s base, the sold-out event at Heritage Pointe Golf Club saw nearly 250 golfers raise over $277,000. The tournament surpassed fundraising goals and stands as the foundation’s most successful event to date.

Regional engagement remains equally robust. In Winnipeg, the annual tournament at Kingswood Golf Course raised a record $56,000, continuing a nearly 20-year tradition of community giving. In Montreal, a collaboration between Petro-Canada retailers and A&W franchisees raised over $17,000 each for the foundation and A&W’s charity of choice, MS Canada, strengthening regional awareness and internal dedication to the cause.

The foundation’s impact is further amplified by associate-led in-store campaigns and vendor partnerships. From storytelling that brings the caregiver experience to life for customers to sponsorships and prizes from across the convenience retail network, these collaborations demonstrate the power of collective action.

By building on this momentum, the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation continues to unite communities, elevate the caregiver voice and ensure sustainable, long-term support for those who care for others.


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New in 2026, CSNC invited leaders of winning organizations to answer two questions. 

  • What is the core “why” behind your initiative? 
  • How does this initiative align with your broader business goals? 
"At the Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation, our ‘why’ has always been rooted in supporting family caregivers, who are the backbone of our healthcare system yet are often overlooked. We know that millions of Canadians are balancing caregiving responsibilities with work, family and their own well-being, often at great personal and financial cost. This initiative was inspired by a desire to recognize those challenges and help build stronger support systems for caregivers across the country. By investing in community organizations, research and awareness, we aim to ensure family caregivers feel seen, valued and supported throughout their journey. Supporting caregivers aligns closely with Suncor and Petro‑Canada's commitment to strengthening the communities where we live and work. Through the Petro‑Canada CareMakers Foundation, we have an opportunity to create meaningful social impact while building stronger connections with Canadians. Investing in caregiver support contributes to healthier families, more resilient communities and greater awareness of an issue that affects people across all sectors and workplaces. Doing good is not separate from our business values, it reflects our commitment to helping Canadians thrive and creating positive, lasting change in the communities we serve. Our Foundation is pleased to provide financial grants to charities both large and small, in communities across the country, which allows our Petro-Canada retail and wholesale network to engage in a meaningful way, with local impact."
- Leila Fenc, executive director, Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation

READ ALL ABOUT THE 2026 WINNERS HERE

Winners are also featured in the September/October 2026 issue of Convenience Store News Canada

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