It is a time to remind ourselves to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our lives and in our community. Our annual Random Act of Kindness Day® was again overwhelming and heartwarming; I am inspired by the many people who came to support the day young and old, from near and far; regular citizens, corporations and even travelers. We very much appreciate everyone who shared kindness, their stories and their time. November 6th was a tremendous success because of our community; and we are still witnessing the kindness effects with over 3500 snack items donated to six schools in the area and over 1000 books delivered for children in kindergarten to grade 3. I am inspired by this community that comes together again and again to make things happen for the greater good of community.
Our communities are smart, caring, creative, fun, but most of all vital. Vitality is the unique spirit that flourishes when people believe their community holds possibilities for everyone. When that vitality is put into action by people coming together, getting involved in community issues, and providing philanthropic support for causes and organizations – I know from the ground up, we are creating positive change.
Our 2015 Vital Signs® report has our community talking and coming together. That is what we as a Community Foundation want, for citizens to be passionate about their community and talking about ways they can do better, be better and come together.
In every sector, and around every one of the challenges our community faces, there are opportunities for us to do more…. faster and more efficiently when we work together. Whether we are focused on our environment, food security, youth employment, reducing poverty, or responding to the physical fitness needs of our families, we do more when we are collaborating than any of us can accomplish alone.
I thank all of the many wonderful people who dedicate time, skill, passion and donations in support of connecting to community we are building a stronger region for our citizens of today and future generations. Please feel free to contact me at 780-538-2820 or by replying to this e-mail to discuss how you can partner with the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta and how you can impact and inspire others in your community.
Connect people. Build community. For good, and forever.
Warmest wishes, Tracey Vavrek, CEO
Community Foundation Partners With . . .
Imagine a day dedicated to giving back … around the world, across Canada and in your own community! Giving Tuesday is the opening day of the giving season and the perfect day to consider donating to the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta.
What is Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday is a national day of giving and is coming to Canada on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. It is a new Canadian movement for giving and volunteering, taking place after Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday started in Canada in 2013 by a group of organizations including GIV3, CanadaHelps.org, and now includes over 1,900 partners. The “Opening day of the giving season,” it is a day where charities, companies and individuals join to share commitments, rally for favorite causes and think about others. We invite you to become involved.
Now is the perfect time to consider donating to the Community Foundation as year-end approaches or as a holiday charitable gift. Holiday donations are a wonderful way to support your community and provide tax benefits for you or in the name of the person or persons, you are honouring.
Your Community Foundation is community inspired. We provide a way for local citizens to give back to their community for a specific cause of interest or to support current community needs. We are dedicated to helping people like you give back to the community you hold dear.
Giving is a lifelong commitment, and a giving day is a special celebration, a reminder to all of us to think of others and our communities. Giving Tuesday is more than a moment, it is a movement.
Contact our office at 780 538 2820 or email Heather for more information. You can also visit our online donation page to donate.
Community Impact Grants & Student Awards Reception
Through the trust and dedication of many community donors and supporters, the Community Foundation has the flexibility to respond to needs identified in the community and provide financial support to community projects and programs. We invite you to join us on December 9, 2015 for our annual celebration where we announce our community impact grants and the 2015 student awards recipients.
Join us in celebration!
Give – Grow – Transform – Create Your Legacy
Gordon and Carol McLevin created the McLevin Family Fund and the Cardon Homes Funds as a way to provide impact for the community that has supported them, the community they call home.
You Started with a Plan and Built a Succesful Business
You have became a part of the community and volunteered for numerous fundraisers,
local non-profits and charity committees.
You set targets and broke the records.
Every year you accumulate countless volunteer hours.
. . . it’s when you sit down with your family, one-on-one, to talk about how good it feels to give back.
This is when you realize . . .
Creating your legacy at the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is easy.
With that in mind, many would be surprised at the positive impact charitable giving can have on one’s overall financial picture and in making a difference for community now and in the future. There are many reasons to give. Some people want to say thank you. Others give to show their appreciation, out of a sense of duty, or just because it feels good to give (and give back). Whatever your reason, we work with people from all walks life and offer convenient giving options that will align your giving interests and values. We build community vitality – the unique and essential spirit that flourishes when people believe their community holds possibilities for everyone.
Visit our Create a Legacy page to learn more.
Contact Tracey at 780 538 280 or via email to learn how YOU can impact and inspire others in your community.
“WITHOUT A SENSE OF CARING, THERE CAN BE NO SENSE OF COMMUNITY”
ANTHONY J. D’ANGELO
Year-end Donation Information
If you are considering making a donation to your legacy fund or in support of a cause important to you before the end of the year, please keep in mind the following deadlines:
December 31st, 2015 – Cheques received after this date will receive a 2016 tax receipt. Please note the date of donation will be determined based on the date of the postmark on the envelope.
December 31st, 2015 – Online donations received on or before December 31st, 2015 will be provided a 2015 tax receipt.
If you have any questions about making a donation please contact Heather Coney at 1 780 5382820 or via email.
Holiday Hours
The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta office will close for the holiday season at 4:00 pm December 23rd and will re-open at 8:30 am January 4th, 2016.