FuseSocial and the Wood Buffalo Seniors Subsector Collaborative Recognized with Minister’s Seniors Service Award for Collective Impact
Fort McMurray, AB – October 2, 2025 — FuseSocial and the Wood Buffalo Seniors Subsector partner organizations, working together through the Tomorrow Project, have been recognized with a 2025 Minister’s Seniors Service Award for collective impact. This honour highlights the dedication and collaboration of local organizations committed to supporting older adults in our region. FuseSocial is proud to stand alongside these partners in receiving this recognition, which reflects the shared commitment to creating meaningful change for seniors and Elders across Wood Buffalo.
The Seniors Subsector partners include St. Aidan’s Society, Golden Years Society, YMCA of Northern Alberta, Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre, Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo, Some Other Solutions, Support Services Wood Buffalo, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 165, and McMurray Métis.
Working collectively under the Tomorrow Project, these partners undertook a robust planning process to develop the Seniors Strategic Plan for the Wood Buffalo region, which ensures older adults have access to the resources, programs, and advocacy they need to thrive.
“This award is a true reflection of the power of collaboration,” said Shannon Rex, Executive Director of FuseSocial. “The Seniors Subsector has been instrumental in shaping the Tomorrow Project, identifying the unique challenges faced by seniors in our community, and co-creating solutions that build a stronger future. We are deeply grateful to our partners, funders, and the seniors themselves for trusting us to help carry this work forward.”
Partner organizations also shared their reflections on this recognition:
“The Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo is proud to be part of the Tomorrow Project and Seniors Subsector Collaborative. This initiative will start creating meaningful opportunities to support and uplift seniors from all cultural backgrounds in our region. By working together, we are fostering inclusion, reducing isolation, and building stronger connections across generations. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact it will have on our community.”
“The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre (NAFC) is honoured to support and be part of the Tomorrow Project and the Senior Subsector Collaborative. Through this collective initiative, NAFC is committed to fostering a culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where Indigenous seniors in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo can gather, heal, and access meaningful support. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and sustained efforts of all participating organizations, and affirms our shared commitment to creating lasting, positive impact within our community.”
“YMCA of Northern Alberta is so proud to be a part of this diverse collaboration, as it supports our vision to build thriving communities where everyone belongs and can shine. Through this collective’s initiatives, seniors in our region will receive the resources and supports they need to thrive, finding a sense of connection and belonging in their community. We’re grateful to our partners in this collaboration for their work in building a vibrant community for seniors through the Tomorrow Project.”
“St. Aidan’s is honoured to be part of The Tomorrow Project collaborative, and to be recognized by the Minister’s Senior Service Award. This meaningful recognition highlights the strength of what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared commitment to serving older adults in our communities. We are proud of our contributions to this project and the role we’ve played in advancing the wellbeing of seniors. Through innovation, compassion, and collaboration, we’ve helped build a stronger, more connected network of support for seniors.
St. Aidan’s remains deeply committed to this work; always pushing forward with dedication and purpose. It is a privilege to stand alongside our partners in this effort. We thank them for their commitment, innovation, and shared vision. We thank the Ministry for recognizing the power of working together, and our collective work. This honour reflects not just our work, but the lives of those we will continue to serve, together.”
FuseSocial extends special thanks to the Suncor Energy Foundation, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and United Way of Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo. Their ongoing support of this work provides a strong foundation for transformative action—building a region where every senior is valued, supported, and empowered. Additionally, on behalf of the collaborative, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Minister Nixon, and the awards selection committee for recognizing the Tomorrow Project, in this year’s awards program.
About FuseSocial
FuseSocial is a trusted leader in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo social profit sector, working to strengthen the capacity of local nonprofit organizations. Each year, it supports more than 100 local nonprofit and charitable organizations through workforce training, leadership development programs, board governance supports, and shared services.
FuseSocial also convenes and mobilizes organizations to improve sector collaboration, and operates the NorthStar Ford Wood Buffalo Volunteer Centre, connecting thousands of residents with meaningful volunteer opportunities across the region.
Media enquiries can be directed to:
Shannon Rex
Executive Director
587.570.8021
shannon.rex@fusesocial.ca
