Hello to 2018! The end of the year is always an exciting, inspiring and busy time at your Community Foundation.
At Invest Northwest, with the tremendous support of our fundholders, donors and friends, we were able to invest $168, 010 into some amazing programs, projects and post-secondary students throughout our region. Over the past 21 years, we have invested over $4.627 million into innovative projects and programs led by charitable agencies that are working at the grassroots of our communities. What an amazing impact!
As we start our journey into a new year the time that we take now to reflect, be grateful and prioritize paves the way for a successful year. We must take the time to thank those who have come together and dedicated time, skill and their support to their Community Foundation. Your Community Foundation is growing, developing and changing while remaining focused on our mission of connecting people with the causes that matter to them and building smart and caring communities throughout our region.
As we move into 2018, we understand now more than ever the tremendous impact that a strong sense of belonging can have on community. Belonging was the theme of 2017 Northwestern Alberta’s Vital Signs and it is the theme of our region as we work together to build community this year.
We are so proud to share our 2017 Student Awards and Community Impact Grants with you as a reminder of the amazing and innovative projects, programs and community leaders in our communities.
Please feel free to contact me at (780) 538-2820 to discuss how you can partner with the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta in building community, connecting people and increasing our collective sense of belonging throughout the region.
Connect people. Build community. For good, and forever.
Warmest Wishes,
Tracey Vavrek, CEO
Giving
this is your opportunity to make a difference
Are you are looking for a place to make a difference, feel personally satisfied and be appreciated for your skills, the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is accepting resumes for Board of Directors positions for 2018 appointment.
The Community Foundation is accepting applications until January 31.
beattie family fund
Bob Beattie and Cathy Stewart honour the legacy of their father, William “Bob” Beattie, by giving back to community the way that Bob did during his life. As the District Engineer for Alberta Transportation for 25 years, a long-time and active member of Rotary, an Air Cadets leader and all around great guy, Bill was truly a community champion.
The Beattie Family Fund is held in perpetuity and generates interest that is granted out to programs and projects that develop leadership skills and volunteerism in youth throughout our region. In 2017 the Beattie Family Fund supported the Camp Tamarack Association, the Duke of Edinburgh International Award and John Howard Society, all in support of local youth. What an amazing impact!
(From left to right) Fundholders Bob Beattie and Cathy Stewart & proud Director of the Board of the Community Foundation Jenn Dodd
GIVING FACT!
DYK: You can make a memorial or tribute donation in honour of a loved one, to support a cause they cared about and to keep memories alive. You can donate any amount to a specific fund, to a cause or in support of community as a whole – any way you give you’re making a difference in our community.
See the Impact
Student Awards
Nicole Phillips is entering the last semester of her Nursing degree with the support of our community behind her. After graduation, Nicole plans to begin her nursing career at the Valleyview Health Centre.
A kind, compassionate and caring young individual who spends her time studying and volunteering in our community, Nicole will be a great addition to the healthcare professional working in Northwestern Alberta. We are proud to be able to support our future community leaders like Nicole in their educational pursuits.
Thanks to the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce Legacy Fun and the Joseph F. Reder/Hansen Fund, Nicole is empowered to complete her education and go on to make a difference in our region.
“The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta’s Awards Program has helped significantly decrease the financial burden of post-secondary fees over the last four years. I am very thankful for such a great Foundation and all of the donors that make these awards possible!”
(From left to right) Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation Steven Hinkley, Nicole Phillips & Chair of the Board of the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce Cris Seppola-Podsada
See the full list of the 2017 Student Awards here.
Community Impact Grants
Each year your Community Foundation receives thank you cards from the young athletes that benefit from the grants that come from the Come Fly with Me Legacy Fund. It is truly amazing to see the dedication and success of these future community leaders!
“Thank you so much for choosing me to receive the ‘Come Fly with Me Fund’. The money will be used to send me to Glasgow, Scotland this spring to compete in the 2018 World Irish Dance championships. Thank you for helping me live my dreams!” – Jenna Maxwell
Jenna Maxwell
In 2006 Grande Prairie resident and former Canadian Freestyle Ski Team athlete Ryan Blais, established the Come Fly with Me Legacy Fund, an endowment held with the Community Foundation of Northwest Alberta as a way to give back to community and support those local athletes.
The Legacy Fund is held in perpetuity and the interest earned is granted out to support the Pursuit of Excellence Awards. Facilitated by the City of Grande Prairie, the awards support young local athletes who require assistance to enhance their training and development and who have demonstrated a love for their community.
(From left to right) Fundholder Ryan Blais, City of Grande Prairie representative Cate Amaro and proud Director of the Board of the Community Foundation Natasha Collins
See the full list of the 2017 Community Impact Grants here.
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
Through the generosity of our fundholders, the support of community partners, and the continued success of events like Nourish the North Wine & Auction your Community Foundation supports meaningful projects and programs to build smart and caring communities. Your Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta invests in our region because community matters. Join us in being part of the Community Foundation movement.