Leila Fenc
Executive Director, Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation
Dr. Megan Conway
President & CEO, Volunteer Canada
The Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation and Volunteer Canada are teaming up to build a stronger support system for caregivers through volunteerism.
Caring for a loved one is one of the most meaningful acts a person can offer — but for over eight million family caregivers across Canada, it’s also one of the most challenging. Caregivers average 5.1 hours of care daily, balancing medical tasks, household responsibilities, emotional support, and employment. Many feel exhausted or overwhelmed.
The Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, a national charitable organization launched in 2020, aims to support family caregivers. The foundation, supported in part by Suncor, the proud owner of Petro-Canada, raises awareness of the realities facing caregivers and provides grants to charities that offer programs and resources, conduct research, and strengthen caregiver supports Canada-wide. Since its launch, it has provided millions to local and national organizations supporting family caregivers and helped spark a conversation about building a more compassionate and sustainable caregiving ecosystem.
The caregiver reality
Canada’s caregiving landscape is shifting rapidly. Families are taking on more caregiving responsibilities than ever before, often while managing emotional strain and costs such as transportation, home adaptations, and medical supplies. For some — particularly those in rural, Indigenous, or racialized communities — these stressors may be intensified by systemic barriers and reduced access to services.
Amid these pressures, volunteerism is emerging as a vital source of caregiver support. Volunteers can offer everything from everyday acts of kindness to trained support that helps families navigate complex health and social systems. Practical help — grocery pick-ups, transportation to appointments, or assistance with chores — can ease burnout, while friendly visits and check-ins remind caregivers they’re not alone.
Building a culture of care
Together with Volunteer Canada, the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation emphasizes that both formal volunteer programs and informal neighbour-to-neighbour help can strengthen Canada’s circle of care. The organizations are working to reduce barriers to volunteering, support volunteer infrastructure, and build cross-sector collaborations that strengthen community-led solutions.
“Caring for a loved one is an act of deep compassion, but it often comes with immense challenges. At CareMakers Foundation, we believe no family caregiver should feel alone in that journey,” says Leila Fenc, Executive Director of the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation. “By expanding volunteer support, we can create a culture of care where communities step up to share the load. Together with volunteer networks, we can make caregiving more sustainable and ensure those who give so much receive the support they deserve.”
Supporting caregivers
“Caregivers are the foundation of compassion in Canada, sustaining families and community members in need of support through unpaid work that often goes unseen. Supporting caregivers is an investment in our nation’s resilience and health,” says Dr. Megan Conway, Volunteer Canada’s President and CEO. “Through Volunteer Canada’s collaboration with the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation, we’re proud to explore how communities can better support family caregivers by activating the full potential of volunteer networks. This collaboration can transform caregiving from a private struggle into a shared responsibility that strengthens the fabric of Canadian society.”
We all have a role to play in supporting family caregivers — whether through formal volunteering, everyday acts of kindness, or simply raising awareness. Canadians can help ensure no caregiver carries the burden alone.
To learn how you can get involved or support caregiver-focused initiatives, visit caremakers.ca.
