Meet the Match: Direct Energy

Direct Energy has been supporting the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation for more than a decade. This partnership has become an essential part of how they give back to the community in Edmonton – and beyond. They’re proud to have donated more than $113,000 to date to support Stollery kids.

Direct Energy is one of North America’s leading retailer providers of energy and energy-related services. They’re proud to be the electricity and natural gas retailer of choice for home and business across Alberta.

We asked why it’s important to their organization to support the Foundation and Stollery Children’s Hospital:

Direct Energy is committed to making a difference in Alberta by supporting the organizations that directly care for our customers. We’re proud to be a long-term partner of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and its work to provide world-class care to children facing some of life’s toughest challenges.

We believe that when the community comes together to support organizations like the Foundation, we create a stronger, healthier future for the next generation. That’s why we strongly encourage others to join us in giving back to the Stollery, today and every other day of the year— together, we can make an incredible impact for families across the province.

We connected with Daron, Senior Director of Customer Success at Direct Energy, who has a personal experience of his son needing hospital treatment:

In 2016, my oldest son, Christopher, began his final year of high school. Early in the school year, he started experiencing frequent nosebleeds, which soon became more severe and were accompanied by extreme fatigue.

By May 2017, his condition was critical. Shortly after, Christopher was diagnosed with esthesioneuroblastoma—a rare cancer that develops in the upper nasal cavity. By the time of his diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to his brain and lymph nodes.

Christopher underwent multiple surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy at the University of Alberta Hospital and the Cross Cancer Institute. Thanks to the world-class care available in Edmonton, Christopher is still with us today.

What has been the most impactful part about supporting the Stollery?

I helped hand out meals through the Breakfast Program with some of my team members and it really was the simplest thing to do as a team – handing out meals – but it also gave us context and insight, because health care can be so private. 

It felt like all the units were so far away from each other, and some units were within adult units. Adults and children heal so differently – it doesn’t feel right to have them in the same unit.  

We also got to see a family bringing their child into surgery, and although it was a tough moment, the alternative is that the opportunity doesn’t even exist for them. It made me realize how lucky we are to have the Stollery. 

This is why it’s so important to Daron to support the Stollery.

When your child is seriously ill, there’s nothing more overwhelming than feeling powerless—you’d trade places with them in an instant, but that’s simply not possible. Supporting the Stollery gives you a way to make a difference. It means helping other families facing similar challenges and ensuring they have access to the care they need.

We also connected with Robert, Senior Manager of Sales, who volunteers with the Foundation to ask why it’s important to personally give back to the Stollery:

I know many parents that have taken their children the Stollery, and they all say the same thing—the doctors, nurses and entire hospital staff are all amazing.

I’ve been very fortunate as a parent to not have to utilize the Stollery, but I’ve always found comfort in knowing it was there. My son is now an adult, and we have a 16-month-old granddaughter. That same peace of mind is still there.

What has been the most impactful part of supporting the Stollery?

I have always been a big supporter of this amazing facility, having both donated and volunteered in-person several times over the years. My favourite experience was participating in the Breakfast Program with my Direct Energy colleagues, delivering meals to children and their parents.

One moment that stands out was meeting a mother in the hallway who was visibly upset. I went up and offered her one of the prepared meals. She was so thankful and shared that she hadn’t eaten in over a day. That encounter reminded me that supporting the Stollery isn’t just about helping the kids—it’s also about caring for the families who are going through difficult times.

What would you say to someone who is considering supporting the Foundation?

Daron: When you support the Stollery, you’re giving more than a donation—you’re giving hope. This world-class children’s hospital saves lives every day, offering care that simply wouldn’t exist without community support. Your generosity ensures that children facing the toughest battles receive the best possible treatment close to home.

Every dollar makes a difference. Every gift changes a story. There is no greater impact than helping a child and their family when they need it most.

Robert: If you’re thinking about supporting the Stollery, I’d say go for it. Every bit of help – whether it’s a donation, volunteering, or just spreading the word – truly matters. You’re not only helping kids who are facing adult-sized battles, you’re also standing beside their families during some of the hardest days of their lives. Your support brings hope, comfort and real change to Albertans who need it most.

Thank you, Direct Energy, for being a sponsor for this year’s Meet the Match and all you do for Stollery kids!

On December 6, 2025, Direct Energy is matching donations up to a total of $5,000.