As a kid playing ringette, Robyn, a community investment senior advisor with EPCOR, fondly recalls the coach who had a big impact on her life: her mom. Now, as a mom herself, Robyn is doing the same for her two boys, ages 10 and 12, serving as assistant coach for both their hockey teams. From September to April, she’s on the ice, in the dressing room or travelling to tournaments.
“It’s all about supporting my kids in something they love,” she says. “And I know that youth sports don’t happen without volunteers.”
For Robyn, coaching is about more than drills and games. She ensures every player leaves the ice feeling good about themselves, even when results don’t go their way. Sometimes that means spending one-on-one time to explain a drill or helping a player see their effort from a new perspective.
With two teams on the ice multiple times a week, and several tournaments throughout the season, Robyn quickly racks up 30 volunteer hours. That makes her eligible for a $300 grant through EPCOR’s Helping Hands program, which supports employees’ personal volunteer efforts.
“It helps fund team-building activities or buy extra practice equipment, which also helps parents by lessening the financial burden,” Robyn says. She admits it was fun to get a team cheer in the dressing room when the EPCOR grant was announced. “It’s really meaningful that EPCOR employees get to fund organizations that are close to their hearts, and EPCOR recognizes the value of time we spend volunteering.”
In 2024, EPCOR employees logged thousands of Helping Hands volunteer hours, on their own time, outside of work, including 2,396 hours coaching youth sports. National Coaches Week, September 15 – 21, is an ideal time to acknowledge the impact volunteer coaches have.
“Volunteering as a coach takes time, energy and heart — and it creates a lasting impact for youth,” says John Elford, EPCOR president and CEO. “We know volunteering is important to our employees and they make it a priority outside work. Our Helping Hands program helps amplify Team EPCOR’s support for the organizations they care about in the communities they call home.”
Another coach contributing to that total is Anuj, manager of design services at EPCOR. His volunteer journey began 25 years ago when he moved from India to Edmonton. Missing home, he joined a cricket team and immediately found community. Decades later, with a family of his own, he’s retired from playing but continues to coach.
For Anuj, cricket is about belonging. He understands what it means for teens who are new to Canada to find something familiar during a lonely transition. Over the years, many of those young players have grown into professionals, business owners and parents that are still connected by the game. Beyond coaching skills, Anuj and his colleagues offer mentorship to others within their community.
“So many kids who played with us 15 years ago now thank us for supporting them,” he says. “It’s nice to give back and see how people transform when they’re part of a caring community.”
Through Helping Hands, Anuj directs his $300 grant to the Elites Cricket Development Society.
“What I like most is the choice — employees can support organizations that mean the most to them,” he explains. He adds that his coaching also benefits his professional life. “When my team does well, I bring that energy back to work. Coaching makes me a better people leader, too.”
Together, Robyn, Anuj and hundreds of other EPCOR employees show how Helping Hands turns volunteer hours into lasting community impact.
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