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Communities in Unity ~ May 2013 |
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Greetings!
The month of May saw us move forward with our new name and logo. Both have been received with overwhelming positivity and excitement. We feel the logo is a true representation of our Foundation and the communities we serve.
The seed in our logo represents each gift to the endowment funds. It is like planting a seed, a seed that with careful tending will grow into something for future generations to benefit from.
Growing the endowment funds is very important for our region. Our region is built of many diverse charitable organizations that are focused on providing necessary services. Each endowment fund is held in the endowment portfolio, where the interest is used to make grants to our community's most pressing needs both now and in the future. Many of these services have been used by us and people we know.
The results are witnessed in our annual granting program. Every year we evaluate the resources available with the needs and requests from the community. One of the ways we can evaluate these needs is through the Grande Prairie Vital Signs Project. I am excited to begin our 3rd Vital Signs project and encourage you to fill in our survey. Our goal is to be able to meet more and more needs as they arise, ensuring the continued wellbeing of the region.
We also saw a new member join the Community Foundation team. I'd like to welcome Lena Gilje in the role of Communication and Events Coordinator. Lena is from the local area and brings a wealth of experience to her role. I look forward to working with her and expanding the reach of the foundation. You can reach Lena at lena@buildingtomorrowtoday.com.
I am honoured to be part of an organization that is committed to community, partnering with people who share a love for our community. Interested in exploring how you can make a lasting impact, you can reach me at (780) 538-2820 or by replying to this e-mail.
"People of excellence go the extra mile to do what's right." ~Joel Osteen
Warmest wishes,
Working together to provide a lasting impact in our communities |
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Take our Survey! 
Grande Prairie Vital Signs This October, the Community Foundation will release the Grande Prairie's Vital Signs 2013 Report - an innovative community "check-up" assessing our city's quality of life in 11 key areas such as learning, health, economy and the gap between rich and poor. The survey results showing citizens' perceptions will be published along with up-to-date statistics about Grande Prairie into an easy-to-read booklet.
Grande Prairie's Vital Signs provides valuable insight into both Grande Prairie's strengths and areas of need. It helps guide decision-making and action among leaders, businesses, citizens, government and philanthropists. Vital Signs is a national initiative taking place in communities across Canada.
CLICK THE LINK TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY BY JUNE 27, 2013
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GPVitalSigns2013
Participants can enter a draw to win a gift card or basket valued at $50.00!!
Questions? Call the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta at 780.538.2820 or email leah@buildingtomorrowtoday.com.
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"In Honour of Hannah Ouellette "
Hannah Ouellette Memorial Supporting Suicide Prevention Resource Centre Fund
Hannah Lee Andrea Ouellette was born March 12, 1997 to proud parents Tammy and Andre Ouellette and big brother Keifer and big sister Madeline.
Being the youngest Hannah was always thought of as the baby of the family. She liked the attention of being the youngest and being able to get away with way more than siblings Keifer and Madeline ever did.
She loved socializing and could talk to anyone, no matter their age. People always remarked that Hannah seemed much older than she was because of how easy it was to connect and have a conversation with her.
Hannah loved to dance, and to compete in dance. Dance gave her confidence and made her feel beautiful and special. She was the cutest little hip hopper when she was younger.
Hannah loved her music. There was always music playing if Hannah was in the house, even if she was in the shower she just turned it up louder!
Hannah loved spending time with her friends and had the girls for sleepovers all the time. She was a good friend, kind and caring.
Hannah was determined and demanding, she always got the last word in. She liked to tease and be teased. She was empathetic and compassionate.
Hannah was truly loved by her family and friends and is now missed more than words can express.
Hannah passed away on May 15th, 2012 at 15 years of age.
"We don't have any answers we just know how much we love her and she will always be in our hearts."
"We as a family chose to set up the Hannah Ouellette Memorial Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation in support of the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre to honour Hannah's life.
We want to let people who are at risk of suicide know that they are not alone and there are resources in our community for help and healing. And to bring awareness to the high risk of suicide in our community plus to support those who have experienced the indescribable loss of a family member or friend to suicide,"
Andre, Tammy, Keifer, and Madeline Ouellette
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 "Acting Today, Shaping Tomorrow"
Engaging pupil's passion for the planet The future of environmental solutions ultimately rests with our students. Today's students will shape the world of tomorrow. Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that our education system not only prepare students academically but also provide them with the skills, perspectives, and practices they will need to meet the social and environmental challenges of the future. The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta sees the importance in student's having an opportunity to witness the effects of waste and how they are each responsible for recycling. The Grande Prairie Public School District was awarded a community impact grant to support local grade 4 students participating in science field trips to the local city landfill site and waste disposal center. There, they saw first-hand that personal action in reducing, reusing and recycling materials can help decrease the waste we accumulate. This enables students to develop a more positive attitude toward our environment and a greater understanding of waste management. Environmental education is a vital tool that helps young people understand the nature and complexity of environmental challenges and builds their capacity to take appropriate action. Teaching the students to take action helps build a smart and caring community.
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"Putting on the Ritz"
Annual Gala & Auction
Wine + Food + Community
Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre
We are pleased to announce this years special guest is Malcolm Hunter, President and Chief Operating Officer of Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada.
Planning is under way for our exciting 11th annual Gala & Auction, Putting on the Ritz! Our gala is an evening of delicacies for body and soul with superb music to set the tone. Participants experience theculinary excellence of Chef Alex Hebert of the Pomeroy Hotel & Conference Centre with wine pairings byFluid Imports. Friends and colleagues thrill to the fast-paced action of live and silent auctions of unique objects and opportunities.
Local philanthropy is a proven success story, giving back to the communities where we have enjoyed success, in ways that are direct, life-changing, and long lasting. Community is, after all, the heart of local business success. Our sponsors are pillars of the community, standing strongly on the solid foundation of steadfast commitment.
I invite you to be part of the excitement! Contact our office at (780) 538-2820 to explore sponsorship opportunities, this is an excellent opportunity to put your company in the spotlight and demonstrate your commitment to our community. Your sponsorship will continue to impact the region through the work of the Foundation.
I also encourage you to contact Leah at our office to reserve your tickets to Grande Prairie's most elegant evening at (780) 538-2820 or email. Seating is going fast and you don't want to miss out.
Check out photos from last years Gala!
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 "JumpStart" Together we can help all kids play! On Saturday May 25th, volunteers took part in Jumpstart Day at the local Canadian Tire. Jumpstart is to help raise funds for kids from financially disadvantaged families get involved in sport and recreation. During the month of May, over $22,000 has been raised through the Jumpstart program. In 2012, 123 local youth were able to participate in sporting activities as a result of the program. We would like to congratulate our local Jumpstart Committee, chaired by our own Tracey Vavrek, and the Grande Prairie Canadian Tire team for their dedication to the program. |
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2nd Floor Centre 2000
200, 11330 - 106 Street
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 7X9
T: (780) 538-2820
F: (780) 532-0672
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 We inspire philanthropy by providing a way for anyone to leave a lasting legacy to our community through permanent endowment building, responsible grants and leadership to meet our community's needs for today, tomorrow and forever. |
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Community Leadership Partners
We thank the following companies for their support of the Community Foundation as they have made giving part of their mission. Please support those who support us.
Vital Impact
Stewardship
Champion
Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Kay McVey Smith & Carlstrom LLP
Willsey Davis & Co. LLP
Engagement
Auto-Trac Alignment Ltd.
Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines
G & M Plumbing & Heating
Grande Prairie Auto Group
LSM - Lee's Sheet Metal (2007) Ltd.
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Friend
Greg Carlson
Prairie Villa Insurance Ltd.
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