Turning pedalling into purpose

In 2025, Imperial employees volunteered more than 12,000 hours annually on causes that support the communities in its operational areas.
Heather Campbell helps captain Imperial’s team for the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer.
Heather says the generosity and passion of the participating Imperial team members fuels her volunteer efforts every year.

Article

3 min read

• April 20, 2026

For Heather Campbell, volunteering has become more than a personal commitment — it’s a journey powered by purpose, momentum and a deep sense of connection.

What began as a simple ride has turned into a meaningful way to navigate life’s toughest terrain, both on and off the bike.

Heather is a supply network developer with more than 25 years at Imperial. She spends her days building partnerships that help move products efficiently across Canada. Outside of work, she puts that same drive into leading Imperial’s team for the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer — a two-day, 200-kilometre cycling event that raises critical funds for cancer research and care.

Heather volunteers as the team captain. She recruits riders, promotes the event internally and supports teammates through both fundraising and training.

“I see myself as an internal salesperson for the tour,” she explains. “It’s about building awareness, helping people feel prepared, and making the whole experience more approachable.”

When she first heard about the ride, Heather wasn’t sure what path it would take. “It’s a big climb — 100 kilometres a day and a significant fundraising goal,” she says. “At first, I thought I might be riding solo.”

Instead, she found her people.

In its first year, Imperial’s team drew more than 20 riders and raised more than $78,000. The following year, the group picked up speed — growing in size and surpassing $100,000 in fundraising. Today, nearly 30 employees from across Alberta will be riding together on July 18-19 toward a shared goal.

But for Heather, the impact goes far beyond the finish line.

“Cancer is something that touches everyone,” she says. “My husband is a survivor, and my dad is currently going through treatment. When you understand the level of care and research happening in Alberta, it makes you want to push harder — to do your part.”

That shared experience becomes the fuel behind every kilometre.

“There’s this incredible sense of community,” Heather explains. “Within our team, we constantly support each other. We check in on training, make sure everyone has what they need, and help each other reach fundraising goals. Then you zoom out, and you’re part of something much bigger — thousands of people, all moving in the same direction.”

Along the way, moments of generosity help keep spirits high. Heather recalls helping connect a donor with a teammate who was struggling to reach her fundraising goal — resulting in a contribution that bridged the gap entirely. “It was one of those moments that reminds you why you’re doing this,” she says.

This National Volunteer Week (April 19 – 25), Heather’s story is a reminder that while the road may be long, no one has to ride it alone—and that the most meaningful journeys are the ones we take together.

A company-wide commitment from Imperial

Imperial provides matching company funds for employee volunteer hours ($25/hour) and charitable cash donations (1:1) to a combined maximum of $500 per employee, per year. In 2025, Imperial employees volunteered more than 12,000 hours in their communities for causes close to their hearts.