Did you know the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie is part of something much bigger? How big?  Thirty-five million people big; which is the number of Canadians currently served by 181 Community Foundations.

"And as a family we help each other," said Tracey Vavrek, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie. "We know that a simple phone call to any one of our sister foundations across our nation will provide access to information, ideas and resources."

Earlier this spring Community Foundation staff along with chair of the Board of Directors, Leonard Scharbach; past chair, Brent Oilund; and secretary, Corey Sawchuk attended the Community Foundations of Canada Regional Gathering held in Calgary.  It was an opportunity to learn more on how to further strengthen operations, network, and learn from the membership organization and colleagues.

Attendance at the Regional Gathering included representatives of two Saskatchewan community foundations as well as from across Alberta.

"Although each and every community foundation is focused on building sustainable and vital communities both now and in the future, each organization is unique," said Tracey, "It is always encouraging to be with others who are focussed on the same purpose."  

For many attendees, the regional meeting also provided an opportunity to meet with Ian Bird who stepped into the President and CEO position of Community Foundations of Canada in 2011.

A two-time Olympian in field hockey, Ian sits on the Governor General's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Advisory Committee, and serves as the Canadian representative on the Community Foundation Leadership Team which provides leadership to community foundation development in the United States.

"It was a very rewarding session," said Tracey. "We are thankful to Community Foundations of Canada for providing their mentorship, guidance and resources to help make our Foundation stronger for our communities."

With a grant made available through the Merv and Dawn Marie Crouse Family Fund, the Community Foundation is reaching out to Peace Country families in a very personal way.

"Although the economy has picked up recently, there are still a lot of pressures facing many families," said Tracey Vavrek, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie.  "And depending on a family's circumstance, juggling work, home and parental responsibilities can lead to frustration and anger."

According to Erna Moon, Executive Director of the Grande Prairie Catholic Family Services, children raised in an environment where someone is always angry makes them anxious.  And, passing this behaviour on to subsequent generations is a very real possibility as these children eventually grow up and become parents themselves.

A Community Impact Grant was provided to Grande Prairie Catholic Family Services to assist them deliver their Advanced Anger Awareness for Women workshop.

"Although we can't change a person's circumstances, perhaps an opportunity to change how they react to their situation will help," said Tracey.   "It is only one way the Community Foundation is to trying to make a difference in Peace Country families."

The program allows participants to gain an awareness of themselves, their patterns, behaviours and triggers, and helps them find new ways to respond.  The hope is to create families that are more peaceful and who stay together.

Two workshops are available, an introductory course which is offered 4-6 times a year and an advanced program which proceeds based on a waiting list.   Everyone is welcome to attend the workshops which are non-denominational. 

It looks like it is going to be a full house at this year's annual gala as tickets are going very quickly. Thanks to Mike Reeve of Velocity Video Productions, here is a little snippet highlighting last years' experience and to tease you with a taste of the magical evening we are planning for our guests.  Take a peek and feel the moment.

And as this is our 10th anniversary of hosting this remarkable evening, there is an extra but of excitement in the air. It is clear this will be another beautiful, over-the-top experience for all attendees.

We would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to our many sponsors who have dedicated support for this years' event and the Community Foundation.  Your commitment ensures we meet our mission of building vibrant communities throughout the Peace Country for today, and forever.

There are many ways to follow our progress, visit our website often, "like" our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter.    

"I was flattered when I was invited to put my name forward for a board position as I knew there were quality people sitting at the table," said Roger. "It increased my belief that I would be able to make a difference to our communities."

Roger's strong accounting background fits well with the Foundation's commitment to the responsible stewardship of all gifts entrusted to it. 

Following graduation from high school, Roger attended the business programs at both Grande Prairie Regional College and Red Deer College.  He followed this up by attending NAIT where he completed the accounting prerequisites to enter the Certified Management Accounting (CMA) Program and earn his CMA designation.

Not only does Roger volunteer time on the Board of directors, he also chairs the West County Community Foundation Fund Advisory Committee. He was instrumental in the establishment of this fund which was created to enrich the quality of life of those living in and around the area west of Grande Prairie.  Having settled in the West County, Roger has come to appreciate the importance of providing local people with opportunities to support local causes.

In his spare time Roger enjoys ice hockey, golf, martial arts and ball hockey.

"I still like to practice martial arts when I have time" said Roger who earned two black belts in similar Kung-Fu styles in 1991 and 1996.

Roger continues to be rewarded by his involvement with the Community Foundation.

"We have generated great momentum in the organization and community," said Roger.  "And, it is rewarding to work with a group of people who are focused on doing some good things and on continuing to strengthen and grow the Foundation movement."

We are working hard to put the finishing touches on this year's Student Grants Program.  And, towards the end of July students entering post-secondary programs will be invited to apply for one or more of our student grants.

Thank you to our donors whose foresight and generosity has made this opportunity available to Peace Country students.  Although the story behind each gift may vary, the one constant has been their collective desire to support the long-term betterment of the Peace Country.   They know that students are our future leaders, volunteers, professionals and service provider and our donors are helping to ensure the future of Peace Country communities.

To learn when applications are available for download, students are invited to check our site often.  You can also like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.