More than a moustache

Supporting mental health is a cornerstone of Imperial’s Kearl operation and that focus is front-and-centre in November during the site’s Movember campaign.
Kathy Wakaluk-Yanco, long-time Kearl employee, is the co-captain of the annual campaign and recently won a Movember award for her commitment to men’s health.
Her personal story and approach to listening and kindness have an impact on everyone she works with.

Article

3 min read

• Nov. 2, 2026

Getting people talking

“Where I work, my colleagues are mostly male, and mental health is not something that is easily talked about,” she says. “For me, it’s my passion.”

That passion isn’t just professional. It’s deeply personal.

The conversation that changed Kathy’s perspective on mental health began with something no parent wants to hear: her teenage son telling her he no longer wanted to live.

That moment shaped a deep commitment to mental health awareness and, years later, a determination to make it easier for others to ask for help.

“My son is doing well now, thankfully, but over the years I’ve lost people to suicide,” she says. “So for me, the one thing I was taught was that kindness and listening don’t cost you anything.”

Kathy’s journey with Imperial began in 2011 as an equipment operator. After more than a decade in mine operations, maintenance and safety, she moved into her current position as emergency preparedness and response advisor as well as a health and wellness advisor.

But her interest in mental health extends well beyond her job. Her experience supporting her son, combined with years of volunteer work with Victim Services and the RCMP, taught her that helping someone doesn’t mean having all the answers.

“You don’t need to be an expert in mental health,” she says. “You just need to know where to get answers and how to direct people to the professionals.”

That philosophy has become the driving force behind much of Kathy’s volunteer work, particularly her involvement with Movember.

The ripple effect

Throughout November, Imperial’s employees take part in moustache-growing challenges, events and activities designed to bring people together for Movember. Along the way, getting together creates opportunities for conversations that might not otherwise happen.

For Kathy, every conversation matters.

And her commitment has not gone unnoticed. Kathy was recently selected among entrants across Canada as the recipient of the Movember Mo Sister of the Year award, an honour she shared with her son Morgan and a few of the Kearl Movember team.

But take away the awards, fundraising totals and campaigns, and Kathy says her motivation is surprisingly simple.

“You matter,” she says. “Don’t be scared to ask for help.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 for national, bilingual, trauma-informed suicide prevention and crisis support available 24/7/365. Learn more about support available in Canada.

To learn more about Movember including how to get involved, click here.