We're All About Community

Are you looking for a place to make a difference in your community, feel personally satisfied, and be appreciated for your skills?  The Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie is accepting applications.

Chosen for their skills and experiences as well as their commitment to building for the long-term success of their communities, the Board of Directors includes a cross-section of community leaders.  Several have strong financial backgrounds, but others know about law, marketing, accounting, administration and community development.  And each person brings to the table a somewhat different perspective of the community.

Leonard Scharbach, Vice-Chair

"I like the whole concept ... building endowments for the future of our region, by the community, and all of that.  It's just so positive.  It was exciting to be invited to be part of that process," he said.  "When I was invited onto the board, it was an instant "yes" - I didn't even hesitate."

Brent Oilund, Chair

"Our Community Foundation is a mirror of the people living in the Peace Country and we have a responsibility to embrace the whole community.  My dream is that our Foundation's philanthropic savings account will continue to grow so we can benefit even more charities of the Peace Country."

Both Brent and Leonard agree that one of the things they have found most rewarding is the opportunity to work with others around the board table.

"It is exciting working with each of our board of directors," says Brent, "I've discovered what tremendous skills they have and appreciate how involved they are. Each person brings skill and talent and commitment that benefit the Foundation in its growth and direction, which in turn benefits our whole community."

Leonard is equally complimentary of his fellow board members.

"The most important aspect of my involvement with the foundation is the fact that we've learned to listen to each other and look at the well-being of our community, regardless of what our individual points of view are."

Click here for more information about this exciting opportunity.

Are you interested in the long-term well-being of the Peace Country?  Do you have some time to invest as a volunteer?    You might want to consider becoming a member of the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie.  Following are answers to some questions that can help you decide if this is the right opportunity for you.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I believe in "giving back" to my community?
• Is philanthropy something that interests me? 
• Am I passionate about my community? 
• Am I interested in encouraging others to contribute to the Peace Country's future?

If your answer is yes to two or more of these questions, then this might be the right place for you and you should read on.

What does the Foundation do in practical terms?

• Builds and manages the community philanthropic savings account which are permanently endowed community funds.
• Approves grants to support all charitable areas of the community.
• Facilitates and encourages philanthropic activity in the region.

Term:  Three years.  There is an opportunity to service for a second three-year term with the maximum number of years any one person can serve for is six years.

The Community Foundation Ambassador Club is an independent group of community leaders who review all applications and make recommendations to the Board of Directors for final decisions.

Please submit your résumé along with a letter that describes your:

• areas of interest and expertise
• experience in the communities of the Peace Country
• reasons for wanting to service the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie

March 15, 2012

If you would like more information or would like to submit an application, please contact the following:

Tracey Vavrek

Executive Director

780-538-2820

or

Brent Oilund

Chair of the Board of Directors

780-532-7800

Caring Staff Invest in their Families, Friends, and Neighbours

When the social committee at Apache Canada Ltd. in Grande Prairie was organizing their 2011 staff Christmas party, the plans also included a way to give back to their community.

"Apache Canada takes its role in Grande Prairie very seriously," said Mark Hobbs, Field Operations Manager at Apache's Grande Prairie operating centre.    "We don't give donations to faceless charity organizations, we would much rather contribute to a local community group."

The decision to partner with the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie was inspired by staff who appreciated the Foundation's reputation and accountability.

"The Foundation is well-known and respected for the work they do and how they help the community," said Mark.  "It was a clear solution."

Rather than focussing on a single cause, the Community Foundation works in all needs-areas in many different communities throughout the Peace Country.  

Bonnie Riczu is one of a number of staff who volunteers on Apache Canada's social committee in Grande Prairie found it very easy to work with the Community Foundation.

"We read the list of organizations that the foundation works with and selected the local women's shelter," she said.  "It was simple."

As a result, Bonnie found her colleagues to be very generous in their donations.

"People were more charitable knowing the proceeds would go to a charity in the Grande Prairie community," she said.  "Also, everyone likes Odyssey House.  They are a good cause and they do good things."

"The one thing that sets us apart is that we are invested in many different areas of a community and in many different communities," said Tracey Vavrek, Executive Director.  "By working in partnership with the Community Foundation, donors have the flexibility to select the need they would like to address in the Peace Country community of their choosing - all through one office."

Tracey welcomes the opportunity to talk with individuals about how they can give back to their community.

 "It is all about the donor and how they would like to benefit the community," she said.  "We help people like you create legacy funds that make their philanthropic dreams come true.

And there's more to come.  Apache Canada's social committee is currently planning a golf tournament for the summer of 2012.  Similar to their Christmas party, staff plans include giving back to their community when the proceeds of their silent auction will be distributed through the Community Foundation.