Sandy Grandison

For nearly a decade, Sandy Grandison has been a vital link that has tied so much of the community together. There’s likely not a non-profit in town or organization that hasn’t, at some point, asked her to spread the word throughout the region via her immense contact list about an event, meeting or some other ask.

Could you please share … could you please circulate … are just two of the many phrases that lead to the numerous notifications distributed by Grandison.

When St. Aidan’s Society attended the Convergence Conference in 2013, staff became aware of the need for a community calendar, marking the creation of the MAC Calendar.

“Our Board was exploring opportunities to expand our services and offer more community service work,” explained Grandison, who has been with St. Aidan’s for 15 years.

The MAC Calendar started in 2014, and shortly after, St. Aidan’s started hosting the community interagency meetings, which provided a great opportunity to meet many of the social profit staff and hear about the great programs being offered.

“After the fire in 2016, we took on the role of the community distribution list as well and have been managing that since.”

Grandison’s role as co-ordinator of this distribution list started when she would hear people say there is “nothing to do here” or “I never heard anything about that.”

“Fort McMurray and the region as a whole have so much to offer, and there are always events and activities happening,” she clarified. “I wanted to solve what seemed to be an issue with connecting people to the community and, in turn, helping other agencies get their events out there for people to participate in.”

The interagency meetings seemed to be a natural fit, as it was another avenue for people to share what was happening in their agencies and find others who were doing similar work and work together.

Grandison started the seniors’ health and wellness initiative twards the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included a functional fitness class for anyone aged 60 and over and wellness sessions twice a month. The fitness classes eventually became part of the programming offered at the Suncor Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island Park, and the wellness sessions became part of the YMCA programming.

Volunteering for years with the North Zone Health Advisory Council and the Fort McMurray ReMax BP Slopitch League, Grandison has also volunteered with the Wood Buffalo Food Bank, Safe Communities Wood Buffalo, United Way Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, and Heritage Village. These are just some of the organizations where she has lent a helping hand over the years. She also assisted in organizing the clothing distribution centre after re-entry following the 2016 wildfire.

Currently, she sits on the Board of Zone 7 55 Plus and is a co-chair of the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games being hosted in Wood Buffalo in 2027.

As someone greatly aware of all that is Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo, Grandison observed there is a natural evolution with the community as the people involved change and evolve.

“The community has become more diverse, and we are able to celebrate that, but the essence of the community is still the same. It is an active, welcoming city that offers so many opportunities, services and support to all its residents. People work together and support one another.”

So many things, enthused Grandison when talking about what she loves about Fort McMurray.

“The people. We support each other and look for ways to help others and work together.

“The outdoors. I love the trails and the rivers, though not the winters,” she laughs.

“The opportunities. We have so many recreational opportunities, events and activities, and options for people to get involved in. I am retiring in January and am excited to have time to get more involved, learn some new skills and take part in the multitude of programs available.”

Grandison admits she is incredibly humbled and honoured to be nominated as a YMM Builder.

“I like to stay in the background and just do the work. I don’t see what I’ve done as special so much as just doing what needs to get done,” she said. Her mantra is live simply, expect little, give much.

“The team I work with has been great supporters and coworkers in helping to ensure all these initiatives are successful, so I want to recognize their contribution.”

She also recognizes the unfailing support of her family: her hsband, Allan, and their children, Kayla and Nick, who all carry the memory of their late son, Josh.

“My family have also been a big help in whatever new idea comes up, as they are often ‘volunteered’ to help,” she chuckled.