What started as an application for funding quickly grew to one of the biggest oil producers in Canada offering supports through volunteering and sponsorship.
Strathcona Resources Ltd. (SCR) has sponsored The Olive Tree for $20,000.
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“It was an amazing opportunity for them to come alongside us as a partner,” said The Olive Tree’s COO Jana Thompson. “It helps with so many different operational costs and our meal programs, our outreach programs, our seniors. It has a huge impact on what we do.”
Tricia Wagar, Pipeline Integrity Technician with Strathcona, says they’re always looking to give back.
“As a group, we’re always looking for volunteer situations where we can actually incorporate team building into it,” she said.
The Strathcona team received a tour of the facilities, which left a permanent impression on them.
“We were all in awe of the facilities and how well organized it was,” said Wagar.
Since that initial tour, the team has been volunteering on the last Tuesday of every month.
“Every month, our numbers are increasing of people signing up to do it because it’s such a great experience here,” she said.
When the opportunity first came to be, Strathcona was ready to support the non-profit.
“Speaking with Jana, the opportunity came aboard and we strongly felt we needed to step up and support the cause,” said Seamus Murphy, president, SCR Lloydminster Conventional.
The funding is for one year and Murphy says there’s always a possibility to support further. Every year, Strathcona supports the communities they work in.
“In 2024, Strathcona donated approximately a million dollars,” he said, explaining the money supports the communities they operate in. “We’re strong believers in supporting the community.
“We’re the fifth largest oil producer in the country, and with that, comes a responsibility to give back and make sure we’re supporting the communities we do business in.”
Companies or individuals looking to volunteer can contact The Olive Tree directly.
“They can reach out to us, we have a volunteer email, it’s vo*******@*******ee.ca,” said Thompson. “They can also give our office a call.”
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