Small Purchases, Big Impact: Supporting Education Through Vending

When you buy a snack or a drink at an oil sands aerodrome operated by Acden Base Operators, you’re not just fueling up for your flight, you’re supporting a great cause as well.

Every year ABO donates 10% of their vending machine sales to a local education initiative within the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN). In 2025, this contribution totaled $3,500 for the ACFN post-secondary education program. This program has grown substantially, supporting around 60 full-time students by covering tuition costs and supporting living expenses.

“ABO is proud of the positive impact our partnership between Acden and Canadian Base Operators  (CBO) continues to create for ACFN members. This donation initiative is one meaningful way we can give back to the community and help strengthen opportunities for students and future leaders” – Marley Lafortune, CBO Site Manager.

“ACFN’s Post-Secondary Education Program invests in our members so they can build careers, confidence, and stability for their families. A donation to education is an investment in long-term community strength by creating teachers, health professionals, tradespeople, administrators, and future leaders from within our Nation” – Michelle Voyageur, ACFN Chief of Operations.

Information about ABO’s donation program is displayed throughout the terminal and directly on vending machines, helping raise awareness and support for local education initiatives within the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation.

About Acden Base Operators

Acden Base Operators is a limited partnership between Canadian Base Operators, a Black & McDonald affiliated company, and Acden, the 100% community-owned business of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. The partnership was founded in 2020 and currently operates an aerodrome on behalf of their client, a major oil producer.

To learn more about Acden Base Operators, visit acden.com/acdenbaseoperators.