February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness day. Looking back on 2020, it feels like the whole year was Random Acts of Kindness day. While COVID-19 has certainly changed life across the world, it has also underscored the helpful nature that is present in our neighbourhoods and communities. There were several amazing stories of individuals and communities stepping up to support each other. I thought it would be fun to have a look back on this positive aspect of 2020.

One of my favourite stories from last year is about Crystal who runs the Glenholme Loop Petro-Pass in Nova Scotia. During the early days of the pandemic, she was one of the only places open and serving the truck drivers who delivered essential items across Canada. Today she continues to operate with a smile on her face and hot meals for truckers.

Last year, the Easter weekend was the first major holiday weekend where most of us were under new and unfamiliar distancing restrictions. Across the country, neighbours reached out and left messages of encouragement and positivity for each other. I saw several in my own neighbourhood and they always brought a smile to my face and made the day a little cheerier.

And finally, all across Canada, Petro-Canada Associates stepped up to support their own communities. They shared stories about donations to food banks, care packages for front line health care workers and truckers, and supporting local senior centres, schools and animal shelters. We are so grateful for their kindness.

This year, we’re celebrating Random Acts of Kindness day on our Facebook page. Stop by to check out the stories that our fellow Canadians are sharing about random acts of kindness they have experienced. Share your story and you could receive two Petro-Canada gift cards: one for you and one to give to a friend.

~Kate T.

Last November we announced the creation of the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation. Eight million Canadians (that’s 1 in 4) provide unpaid care to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition, physical or mental disability, or age-related need. At some point in our lives, over half of Canadians will be a family caregiver.

Through the CareMakers Foundation, Suncor, the proud owner of Petro-Canada, plans to invest $10 million over the next five years to bring awareness and support to the essential work of caregivers.

In order to highlight Canadian caregivers as well as charitable organizations in Canada that support family caregiving, we’ve launched social channels for the CareMakers Foundation. Connect with us at:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube

We’d love to have you as part of the vital conversation about the essential work and impact of family caregivers.

Additionally, through the trusted Canadian charity platform, CanadaHelps.org, we have established a donor profile where Canadians can contribute to the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation. Any funds that are raised will be used to support the work of our Foundation, as we enable and amplify the work of charitable organizations in Canada that currently support family caregivers - organizations like our current partners: Baycrest Foundation, Circle of Care: Mount Sinai Hospital, BC Neighbourhood Houses and Community Care, and Community Care - City of Kawartha Lakes

At the CareMakers Foundation, we know that for many, caring is more than a simple act of kindness; it’s an everyday commitment and an unspoken promise. To learn more about the impact that family caregivers have and what Petro-Canada is doing to support them, please follow us on our socials and visit caremakers.ca.

~Braden H.