As we come out of this deep freeze, it’s a perfect time to think about how warm we are, how we have reliable vehicles and have food to fill our bellies. Now, think of those who do not have these basic essentials.
Your Community Foundation dedicates resources, time and skill in support of important programs and projects that help our most vulnerable to keep them safe, warm and fed. We do this because community matters
We can do this as a result of the many partners who share our dreams. Of reducing poverty, ending homelessness, encouraging young people to expand their creative sides, and so much more that creates equal opportunities for a strong and caring community. We work hand-in-hand with numerous community partners, charities and civic leaders as they trust in the work of our organization and recognize we are the community knowledge center.
We have the pulse on our community and bring meaningful change.
Thank you to our Smart & Caring Leaders who dedicate annual financial support to our administration. These dollars are directed to our day-to-day operations which in turn help strengthen the community we each call home.
Consider a charitable donation to support our administration. This enables us to continue the work that we do in your community. We offer options for personal, tax deductible donations as well as a corporate program. Consider a financial donation to our administrative operating fund which enables us to continue to do more of this work for your community.
Connect People. Build Community. For Good and Forever.
This is our ask to you. Please contact our office to help or donate here – https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/39819
Warmest Wishes,
Tracey Vavrek, Rotary International District Governor
District 5370 for 2019/2020
Pictured above from left to right – Vince Vavrek, Tracey Vavrek, Rotary International President 2019-2020, Mark Maloney, and wife Gay Maloney
Rotary District 5370 is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracey Vavrek as District Governor for the 2019 to 2020 Rotary year. During her year in office, clubs in her district will look to her for leadership, support, and motivation as she carries out service projects and participates in Rotary programs. As part of her year as District Governor, People of Action – Rotary District 5370’s 2019 conference will take place in Grande Prairie from October 3 to 5, 2019. Congratulations Tracey on your appointment. We are excited to watch you spread the news of Rotary and Community wherever you visit!
Smart and Caring Leader and Proud Supporter
Fletcher Mudryk LLP
Trust, respect and pride drive our firm to excellence in all that we do for our people, our clients and our community. This is the vision that guides our decision-making and fuels our passion. Fletcher Mudryk LLP has been a member of this community for over 80 years. We are proud of our Firm’s heritage and culture and take pride in giving back to our community.
Pictured above are the staff and partners at Fletcher Mudryk LLP
We continue to be inspired by the commitment of the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta to positively impact the region today, while creating a legacy for the future. The Foundation’s Vital Signs survey ensures that it maintains a finger on the pulse of the region and enables timely responses to it’s needs. It is this commitment to excellence that makes the Smart & Caring Leaders program a great match with our Firm’s philosophy. ~ Shawn Penney, Partner at Fletcher Mudryk LLP
YMCA – After School Learning Adventures
Sometimes all it takes is a little boost in confidence to make a huge difference for a child. For a number of kids in Grande Prairie, that boost has come from the After-School Learning Adventures (ASLA) Program offered by the YMCA of Northern Alberta.
Funding from the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta has assisted the YMCA in offering the after-school program, which has expanded, to both Hillside and Swanavon Schools in Grande Prairie this year.
The ASLA program gives kids the opportunity to learn, develop, improve and practice math, reading and writing, as well as physical activities and social skills through games and experimental learning.
Geared to children aged 7 to 11, who are demonstrating academic risks, or struggling with literacy, numeracy, social skills and physical literacy, the ASLA program is free of charge, but students are required to register.
Up to 20 students at each school meet two times a week to work on their academic skills as well as develop life-skills and make some new friends. Built upon the YMCA core values of Respect, Caring, Responsibility, Honesty, Diversity and Social Inclusion, the program engages the kids in activity planning and ensures there are a variety of meaningful choices that reflect their interests.
For many, the time spent in the ASLA program has made a big difference in their confidence and enthusiasm for learning, says YMCA Regional Manager Ken Loudon.
One young boy at Swanavon, who was not very sociable and had a severe lack of confidence stood out. “As he continued with the program, his confidence improved substantially. He became more interactive with other students and has demonstrated active participation in all activities,” he said. “With his numeracy skills, he now asks for assistance to double check his work when he’s not 100% sure. He is now enthusiastically interested in attending every week.”
Another Grade 2 student from Hillside has also made great strides in his learning skills, said Loudon. “When he first came to the program he was very shy and scared,” he explained. “Over a very brief period of active encouragement and engagement, he gained more confidence and started feeling more comfortable. In numeracy, he now understands the concept of addition and subtraction, and in literacy he is now ready at a Grade 2 level. His shyness has faded as he has participated in the program and he’s now actively engaging in all activities with a tremendous amount of confidence.”
Loudon noted early indicators show the kids involved in the ASLA program are having good success in catching up to grade level academically.
For Loudon and the YMCA it is organizations such as the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, who through ongoing funding, contribute to the YMCA’s ability to deliver sustainable programming and impact the lives of local children.
“The support also provides the hope of increased educational success in the lives of the children participating in the program,” he added.
