Supporting seniors and shaping community
Founded in 1973, St. Aidan’s Society has long been a beacon of support and advocacy for our region’s most vulnerable. As a leading social profit organization focused on empowering older adults, we offer a range of services including outreach, advocacy, social prescribing, and volunteer-driven initiatives. Our efforts are centred on improving the lives of older adults, educating and connecting the entire community, and ensuring that seniors receive the support they need to thrive.
Outreach and impact are the core of our services, guided by the following strategic objectives:
Increase awareness and commitment
Enhance understanding and awareness of older adults’ needs while fostering a community that is inclusive and supportive.
Build capacity and relationships
Strengthen the community’s ability to support older adults by developing skills and relationships among individuals and agencies.
Deliver and evaluate inclusive programs
Increase access to inclusive programs to ensure seniors can age with dignity, respect, and a high quality of life.
Board of directors
 
                                Jayson Bueckert
Chairman
 
                                Philip Kilpatrick
Treasurer & Vice-Chairman
 
                                Lindsey Thibeau
Secretary
 
                                Harvey Tulk
Member at Large
 
                                Tim Byron
Member at Large
Meet the team
 
                                            Luana Bussieres
Executive Director
 
                                            Sandy Grandison
Community Projects Facilitator
 
                                            Pam Burns
Community Development Strategist
 
                                            Donya Salari
Seniors Outreach Worker
 
                                            Carla Cooper
Seniors Volunteer Coordinator
 
                                            Lisa Stewart
Link Worker
 
                                            Lisa Doornbos
Link Worker
 
                                            Megan Follett
Seniors Outreach Worker
Board of directors
Chairman
Jay moved to Fort McMurray from Edmonton in 2005 after studying psychology and philosophy at King’s University. He began working for CLAC as a Representative, where his passion for conflict mediation in a unionized setting flourished. Now a Regional Director, Jay joined the St. Aidan’s Board in 2007 and became Chair in 2015. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three sons, reflecting his dedication to both family and community.
Treasurer & Vice-Chairman
Philip is a retired Senior Maintenance Planner at Suncor Energy, an electrician, and a 6-Sigma Green Belt. After moving to Fort McMurray in 2013, he joined St. Aidan’s Board, serving as Treasurer and Vice-Chair since 2014. He also owns ‘Sun N Fun Pool & Spa’ and stays active volunteering at his church and as President of his condo board. Philip and his wife have been married for over 47 years.
Secretary
Lindsey teaches grade 9 English and Social Studies at MERC and joined the St. Aidan’s Board in 2019. She is passionate about books, the outdoors, and enjoys spending weekends at home with her family.
Member at Large
Harvey is a retired Supply Chain Professional living in Fort McMurray with his wife, Lynn. He enjoys volunteering, especially with St. Aidan’s, golfing, walking, and living by the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Member at Large
Tim has been connected to the Fort McMurray community for over 30 years. A former student of Father Mercredi High School and Keyano College, he later pursued a law degree at the University of Alberta.
Meet the team
Executive Director
Luana holds a Social Work degree from the University of Calgary and has been the Executive Director of St. Aidan’s Society since 2001. With a professional background in parole, foster care, and child welfare, she now dedicates her efforts to advocating for seniors and strengthening community-based supports. She previously served as Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Aging, contributing to the RMWB’s progress toward becoming an Age-Friendly Designated Community. Luana continues her advocacy as a member of the Provincial Community Leadership Council, working alongside provincial senior-serving organization leaders and government representatives to support older adults across Alberta. In her personal time, she loves to travel and experience new cultures, with memorable journeys to places such as China, Russia, and countries throughout Europe.
Community Projects Facilitator
With over 15 years at St. Aidan’s Society, Sandy has a deep commitment to supporting older adults. She coordinates the MAC community calendar and manages the Senior Health and Wellness portfolio. Outside of work, Sandy leads an active lifestyle, enjoying kayaking, golfing, and hiking. She is also a dedicated community volunteer, lending her time to social profit groups throughout Fort McMurray.
Community Development Strategist
Pam is originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work. She has lived in Fort McMurray since 1996 and has held various roles in child and family services, children’s mental health, and foster care. Over the past nine years, Pam has worked with St. Aidan’s in different capacities and is currently the community development strategist. She is a passionate advocate for older adults and is actively involved in volunteer work. Pam also prioritizes healthy, active living.
Seniors Outreach Worker
Recently relocated from Vancouver, Donya brings extensive experience in child protection and social work, having spent most of her career working with children, youth, and families. Now settling into Fort McMurray, she is excited to establish new roots and meaningful connections as part of the St. Aidan’s team. In her free time, Donya enjoys outdoor activities, biking, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends. She has also recently discovered a love for baseball and enjoys attending games.
Seniors Volunteer Coordinator
Carla has lived most of her life in Fort McMurray and has over 25 years of experience in the human services field, working with teens, families, and older adults. She enjoys the strong relationships she has built through her various roles. Outside of work, Carla is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves fishing, kayaking, and spending time in nature.
Link Worker
Lisa has called Fort McMurray home for over 37 years, holding various roles in the non-profit, government, and private sectors. As an active community volunteer, she spends much of her summer co-coordinating the community garden at Helen Pacholko Park and maintaining local flower beds. In her free time, Lisa enjoys walking or biking the trails, kayaking, golfing, and spending time with her family.
Link Worker
Originally from a small town in Ontario, Lisa brought her strong work ethic and determination to Fort McMurray in 2015. With a background in nursing, she has worked in social profit organizations such as The Salvation Army and YMCA, supporting vulnerable populations. Currently enrolled at the University of Alberta, Lisa continues to further her education. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor adventures on her motorcycle or paddleboard, as well as baking, cross-country skiing, and reading during the winter months.
Seniors Outreach Worker
Megan, originally from Grande Prairie and raised in Fort McMurray, earned her Social Work Diploma from Keyano College in 2025, where she also served as Student Representative on the Social Work Advisory Committee. She is now pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Calgary. Her experience includes supporting the unhoused population, children with disabilities, and individuals with FASD. During her practicum with St. Aidan’s Society, Megan discovered a passion for working with older adults—a group she is now dedicated to serving and advocating for. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, and has recently taken up golfing.
Thank you to our incredible donors and partners for your support. Our services are only possible because of your generosity. Together, we are enriching the lives of our seniors and community.
Transparency is important. We are committed to driving organizational goals in a responsible and trustworthy manner.
Financial Statement
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Annual Report
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