As a result of the "Power of Philanthropy" package that was auctioned off at the 2012 Annual Gala, 10 charitable organizations are in the process of having their short-term needs met. This monthly column features one charitable organization that was included in the package.  This month's focus is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grande Prairie and area.

Youth are an important focus of the Community Foundation as they are the future of the Peace region in terms of our economic growth, the health of our families and by extension, our communities.

According to Amy Mohr, Executive Director of Grande Prairie's Big Brothers Big Sisters, more adults who are willing to spend time with "littles" are required as the list for littles exceeds "bigs." (Littles is the term used to refer to youth participants and bigs as the adult role models.)

"Littles need positive people in their life to increase their self-esteem," said Amy.  "As a result they will be less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs, be more in tune with social responsibility, increase their social skills and learn more life skills."

ATB Financial believes in the importance of being a part of their community and as a result, were happy to be a part of the philanthropy package and to assist Big Brothers Big Sisters.  In addition to encouraging their staff to consider becoming a role model for the littles they have also committed to participating in a fundraiser on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters. 

In addition to providing youth support through the "Power of Philanthropy" package, the Community Foundation also administers a Student Awards program that supports students attending post-secondary educational and is in the midst of the Vital Youth & Young Adults Grande Prairie report (see article in this issue).  

Dave enjoys hiking, biking, paddling, trail running, downhill skiing and snowshoeing. He takes his camera everywhere and uses photography as an artistic outlet. In the past few years he completed an Ironman competition and took the Canadian Outdoor Leadership Training course to be an outdoor guide

A recent addition to the Board of Directors, Dave Nuth brings very strong business and financial skills to the Community Foundation. He has a unique outlook resulting from his extensive world travels as well as highly developed sense of community. Dave is very disciplined which has served him well in reaching his personal and professional goals.

When Dave moved to Grande Prairie in December 2011, he left most of what he had known behind in Calgary. Wanting to be part of his new community, Dave sought out ways to contribute while remaining true to his own beliefs; one which is that a key measure of a person's life is the legacy they leave behind. As a result, Dave was immediately attracted to the Community Foundation and its view on building for future generations.

"I see that the Community Foundation can help people do that (leave a legacy) and provide a perpetual impact on the community, colleagues, family and friends that have shaped one's life," said Dave. "I hope I can contribute to this mission and work to make the Peace region a great place to live."

Dave's business background is extensive. Originally trained as an engineer, Dave has worked in the oil and gas and high tech sectors and is a former small business owner. Currently he is the Regional Director for Investors Group Financial Services for Northwestern Alberta has put him directly in touch with the pulse of the Peace region's business community. As chair of the Stakeholder Relations Committee for the Community Foundation, he has a vast network to draw from to help grow the reach of the Foundation and its impact on communities.

Dave has also had opportunities to travel across Canada, United States, Europe, Africa, Mexico, and the Far East creating a very world-view perspective to build on.

"In my life I have always followed the words of Robert Frost in the Road Less Traveled, and that has made all the difference," said Dave.