Brandy Hepditch

Brandy Hepditch arrived in Fort McMurray 13 years ago, encouraged by her best friend to seek something new. “I came with a five-year plan, but my plans changed—for the better,” she says. Originally from Grand Falls Windsor, Newfoundland, Brandy has built a life here rooted in community, connection, and care.

A graduate of Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts and an Asset Planning and Management Certificate from Keyano College, Brandy wears many hats professionally. She is Chief Administrative Officer at Fireweed Wellness Lodge and co-founder at The District. “The most rewarding part of my career, both at Fireweed and The District, is witnessing people find their place,” she explains. “I love watching strangers become community. There is something very powerful about creating spaces where people don’t just show up, but belong. Watching people find their people, or sense of home, is pretty incredible.”

Brandy’s commitment to Fort McMurray runs deeper than her career. “My family and friends have been my reason for everything I do,” she says. “They’ve shown me, through love and example, what it means to really show up for others. Community isn’t built through grand gestures, but consistent care: checking in, sharing snacks, holding space. Because I’ve experienced this kind of support, I feel a deep responsibility to create it for other people.”

Her involvement is driven by gratitude for the care she has received in the region. “I’ve never felt so genuinely cared for,” Brandy says. “The generosity here is real, and people truly look after one another. The most honest way I know to give back is to be actively involved—to show up, to help, and to make sure no one is forgotten. I want those who are most vulnerable, both people and animals, to know they are seen, supported, and never left behind. If I can offer something—time, resources, compassion—I will, because that’s what community has always meant to me.”

Brandy is also attuned to the challenges facing the community. “A significant challenge today is ensuring that support is accessible and inclusive, not just available, but truly welcoming to everyone, regardless of culture, background, or circumstance,” she says. “The same applies to the animals in our region who depend on human compassion; their needs are an often-overlooked reflection of our community’s well-being.”

She believes the solution lies in human-centred collaboration. “It means showing up consistently, working across organizations, and making sure no one falls through the cracks,” she says. “Small acts of care, done collectively, truly make the biggest difference. When we remind people that they are not forgotten, we strengthen the heartbeat of our entire community.”

Brandy’s philosophy is simple: share what you have where you can. “I’ve always believed that if I have something to give, it’s my responsibility to share it,” she says. “Fort McMurray has given me so much, and I want to make sure others experience the same sense of belonging, care, and support that I’ve been fortunate to receive.”

Whether she’s leading initiatives at Fireweed Wellness Lodge, teaching yoga, or simply connecting with her neighbours, Brandy’s focus is clear: creating spaces where people feel safe, valued, and part of a larger community. “It’s about showing up, being consistent, and making sure no one is forgotten,” she says. “That’s how we build stronger communities, one small act of care at a time.”

For Brandy, every interaction is an opportunity to make a difference. “When people feel seen, supported, and included, that’s when real change happens,” she says. “I’m just here to help make sure no one is left behind and everyone has a place to belong.”