The beginnings were started in 1996 where a core group of dedicated people came together to create the base that needed hard work, direction and passion.  The goal was to build for the wellbeing of the citizens of the region. 

“Local support of our community is what being in business is about; and we have such an incredible community to be proud of, yet with so many areas of need.”  – Words from a Community Foundation Fund holder

Our recent student awards and community impact grant announcements are a result of this dedication and commitment. We are grateful that since the beginning we have received many donations to over 120 legacy funds, the “community savings account.”  The emotions in the room is not something that can be easily be put into words. Smiles, tears and happiness were shared as our local organizations and student  award recipients met in celbration and appreciation.  The impact of seeing the groups and fund holders gather together magnified the impact.  

The holidays have always been a special time when families come together, a time to count our many blessings.  It is a time when we make sure we have reached out to one another and made time for each other.  It has also a time when we think about all that we have, family, friends, a warm safe place to sleep and ample food, and reflect on the fact that not everyone is so blessed. 

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with special moments to hold in their hearts forever, and that 2016 in filled with health and joy. 

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.

I thank each donor and fund holder for your generosity and partnership, your passion and donations demonstrate true philanthropy.  We share your passion for community!

Connect people. Build community. For good, and forever.

Warmest wishes, Tracey Vavrek, CEO

2015 Community Impact Grants & Student Awards Announced

December 9, 2015 was a very important day for the Community Foundation and for charitiees and students in the region.  

The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is proud to come together in celebration for the presentations of our annual student awards and to announce the 2015 community impact grants and student award recipients. 

Giving is an act of community. 

We believe the challenges that confront us can be solved — not by one person alone — but by a community. We are all about bringing people together to make an impact. We ARE Community Inspired. 

We recognize that communities are complex and that collaboration between multiple stakeholders is needed to help everyone thrive and evolve.  Every year we fund numerous innovative projects throughout Northwestern Alberta – large and small – in areas such as arts and culture, education, children and youth issues, environment, recreation, community health, and social development. Our goal is to support projects that create meaningful and lasting impact in our communities.

Everything we do is designed to help build more vibrant, healthy and resilient community. Our December 9th ceremony is a testimonial of people coming together. It’s also the product of our staff, board members and volunteers who focus on the work of the Foundation, building upon our reputation of excellence. As a result of the trust and relationships with our friends, donors and supporters, we disbursed just under $139,000 in grants to 30 charitable community organizations with $39,100 invested to support 43 local post-secondary students, our community citizens and future leaders. This is 18% more than 2014. This brings our investment back into the community to over $4.38 million. Each and every year we are going to see this grow, as our community savings account grows, so does our investment back into our region.

Tracey Vavrek, CEO
Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta
P: 780-538-2820  W:www@buildingtomorrowtoday.com
FB: fb.me/cfnwab T: @cfnwab

If you have any questions about making a donation please contact Heather Coney at 1 780 5382820 or via email.

Year End Donations and Holiday Hours

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 greater than $20, 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.

Canadian Tire:  Leaving A Legacy For Community

When Ron Regnier arrived in Grande Prairie in 2005 to take on the role of manager at Canadian Tire, he had thought little about donations, philanthropy or the community he would become an integral part of.

From early on in his time at Canadian Tire, Ron learned the Canadian Tire mentality of giving back no matter the circumstances. Canadian Tire owner’s Jim and MaryHelen Bocciocelliti frequently approached Ron with new ways they could impact the community. Even when the economy was down and sales were not at good Jim and MaryHelen encouraged Ron to continue supporting the charities that needed it the most, especially during difficult times. Since Ron has worked at Canadian tire, he has become a pillar of support for the community, volunteering whenever and wherever needs him, and often bringing his kids along to share in the joy of giving back.

When Ron reached out to his staff about supporting the Community Foundation through payroll deductions, he did so strategically, ensuring that nobody felt pressured to give if they did not have the means to do so. When asked why he feels strongly about the Foundation, Ron points to one individual. A young lady on his team who was rescued from an abusive relationship. After spending a lot of time trying to get back on her feet, a group funded by another Community Foundation helped her revamp her resume, find a job, and provided childcare while she did so. When Ron reached out to his team this young lady came forward, despite her own financial struggles she wanted to give back to a cause that had helped her in her time of need.

The Bocciocelliti’s and the Staff at Canadian tire, led by Ron have been cornerstones of support throughout the Peace County. As dedicated corporate citizens, now holding two separate Legacy funds at the Community Foundation, are actively involved in partnering in our events, and are leaders in our annual corporate sponsorship program as a Smart & Caring Leader. The Grande Prairie Canadian Tire and their staff are an important part of our team.

Want to know more about becoming a community leader?  Contact us 780-538-2820

Calling Volunteers . . . Board of Director Opportunity

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 their Board of Directors.

Embracing the Smart & Caring Communities vision, the Board of Directors works at a governance level to ensure regional residents are served by the Community Foundation and are provided opportunities to strengthen their connection to their community.

The Board of Directors is chosen for their skills and experiences and commitment to building for the long-term success of regional communities. Representing a variety of fields including finance, estate law, accounting, governance and community leadership, they draw on their collective wealth of experience to successfully govern the Foundation into the future.

To learn more, please contact:

Tracey Vavrek, CEO
780-538-2820

Ryan Blais, Chair of the Board of Directors
780-512-9707

Please submit your resume via email to Tracey highlighting your skills and community experience, plus a statement regarding what you feel you can do to further the goals of the Foundation, by Friday January 22, 2016 at 4:30 pm.