Celebrating the “Quarter Century Club” with Sobeys and Safeway at Heritage Park

Gasoline Alley on the night of the Sobey's recognition night.

Honouring 25–55 Years of Service: Sobeys and Safeway’s Quarter Century Club

I love being a Calgary event photographer. On June 2 and 5, I had the privilege of photographing two unforgettable recognition evenings for Sobeys and Safeway in Calgary. The events celebrated inductees into the “Quarter Century Club,” honouring team members with 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50—and even one 55-year—milestones. It was a corporate recognition event done right: heartfelt, personal, and beautifully executed.

Venue Spotlight: Gasoline Alley at Heritage Park

Both evenings took place at Heritage Park’s Gasoline Alley—a standout Calgary venue that blends vintage automotive character with warm hospitality. The backdrop added a timeless feel to portraits, award moments, and candid guest interactions, while giving sponsors and executives a premium setting for recognition.

Small touches at Sobeys and Safeway Quarter Century Club, Gasoline Alley, Heritage Park, Calgary.

at Sobeys and Safeway Quarter Century Club, Gasoline Alley, Heritage Park, Calgary.

The Flow of the Evening

• Cocktails and Connection: Guests arrived with their +1s—spouses, children, and even a few proud parents—setting a celebratory tone from the start.

• Dinner: A fantastic meal that made conversation flow and helped everyone settle in before the program.

• Awards Presentation: Company executives took the stage to recognize inductees and present service awards.

Moments That Mattered

The highlight for me: the 50- and 55-year inductees. The head of HR pulled the original job applications from the 1970s and read out the interests, hobbies, and ambitions those employees wrote decades ago. You could feel the room lean in—laughter, nostalgia, and genuine admiration. Co-workers cheered each other on all night long, and the word “family” didn’t feel like a cliché—it felt accurate.

The 55 year award recipient, who has worked for Safeway since 1970

Event Partners Who Made It Happen

These events were produced by XMC, who hired me for coverage. Their team was excellent to work with—organized, thoughtful, and calm under pressure. From timeline flow to guest experience, they put on a great evening, and I’d be happy to collaborate with them again.

Executive Presence and Team Culture

Between courses and during breaks, I connected with members of the Calgary leadership team—friendly, approachable, and clearly proud of their people. We shared plenty of laughs over dinner when I wasn’t shooting, which made it easy to capture relaxed, authentic moments once the awards began.

Two Sobey's employees having fun posing with the fake produce in Gasoline Alley.

Photography Approach: Story-Driven Corporate Coverage

For recognition events like these, my focus is to tell the full story:

• Candid arrivals during cocktails

• Portraits of inductees and their guests

• Award handshakes and stage moments with executives

• Reaction shots from colleagues and family

• Venue details, signage, and brand elements that showcase the partnership

• Group photos that are easy to share internally and externally

Gratitude

To the teams at Sobeys, Safeway, Heritage Park, and XMC—thank you for trusting me to document two nights that meant so much to so many. Congratulations to every inductee. Your commitment—25 to 55 years—speaks volumes about dedication, culture, and community.

Book Event Photography in Calgary

Planning a recognition night, gala, or corporate milestone? I provide Calgary event photography that blends clean, brand-forward imagery with genuine storytelling. Let’s create a gallery your team will be proud to share.

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