“The future is built on the flow of new ideas.” – Paul Meyer
Without question, northwestern Alberta is a unique region for many reasons. It’s a diverse area geographically with a variety of small communities, punctuated by our larger hubs that make up this corner of Alberta. It is rich with entrepreneurial spirit, community giving, and collaboration. Our citizens are a rich mix of Indigenous and pioneer families, newcomers, and all stages in between.
We are powered by agriculture, forestry, service, oil and gas, transportation, social services, government agencies, not for profits and charities, educational institutions and of course, our healthcare sector. We are proud of our differences and our distinctiveness, yet we understand the importance of working together. Collectively, we have opportunities to affect change with community circumstances.
At the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, we are privileged to witness firsthand generosity and creativity through all aspects of the human condition. From milestone celebrations to honoring a loved one lost, supporting a new idea, connecting a donor to their why, forwarding an aspiring student, and sourcing solutions for community need, we are honored to be on that journey with you!
Over the past few months, we have been making intentional connections with our fund holders and community agencies. We have heard so many stories of generosity and resiliency in action! We have the privilege to share stories of out of the box thinking, innovative strategies, and immeasurable kindness. Please watch our social media for these highlights!
The framework of philanthropy is changing. Perceptions are shifting. Ideas turn into action! Please share your ideas with us! We remain enthused to help connect you to your community and build the best region to live, work and grow!
At a time where polarizing opinions are plentiful, I urge you to look for our common goals, celebrate the victories, illuminate the positive, and make intentional connections. Explore a new idea, allow yourself to be hopeful, fill the needs of others! It helps solidify what we know to be true, we are better together!
Warmly,
Laura LaValley, CEO
Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund
The memory of Eva Marie lives on through the aptly named Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund. Eva Marie’s journey battling cancer began in 2010 and lasted until her passing in 2020. Cancer however, was what she had and not who she was.
Eva Marie from a young age was described as being a content child, always trying to help others, which is why it was no surprise when she decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development working in Daycares and Elementary Schools for many years and later home schooling her two children, which was one of her greatest joys. Along with education, Eva Marie enjoyed creating a wonderful home environment through renovating, decorating, and doing yard work.
As a testament to the kind and loving person Eva Marie was, and in wishing to create awareness and funds to support those and their families battling cancer, Eva Marie’s brother John Neudorf, owner of NTL Pipelines began raising money with their new, custom, bright pink side boom. The custom boom is named Eva Marie, and in 2019 entrusted the proceeds from this to go towards the creation of the Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund at the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta.
At the end of November 2020, NTL Pipelines sold their equipment through Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, including the pink side boom. The Neudorf’s donated the full proceeds of the sale of the side boom to the Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund. Provincial Rentals, another local company and the Neudorf’s, were the successful bidders on the ‘Eva Marie’ side boom and plan to continue renting it out and donating the proceeds to the Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund. Her legacy will continue with strong support for this cause in our region!
In 2020 the Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund granted to the Alberta Cancer Foundation and Sorrentino’s Compassion House.
Sorrention’s Compassion House
Sorrentino’s Compassion House is more than a house. Thanks to the generosity of the Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund, it’s a haven for women who must leave their homes for cancer care.
Since November 2020 when Compassion House first received support from this fund, this gift has touched the lives of seven women and four companions who made the Eva Marie Suite their sanctuary. These women and their families come from around Northwestern Alberta including Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, Grande Cache, Peace River and Smith. As of the December report the room had been occupied for a total of 72 nights with the longest stay by one woman being 26 days.
This beautiful room recognizes Eva Marie’s legacy with a digital frame and plant in a custom pot. The desk is set up to allow each guest to write a note of encouragement to the next. In many ways, Eva Marie connects these guests to one another, providing them with the opportunity to face their challenges together. Thank you for your generous support.
The advice from one guest to the next “Welcome to this beautiful room and amazing home. I’m sorry you’re here. None of us would ever choose this journey but I guess we don’t get to pick our path…Let others in, talk, share, laugh, cry, and even sing, like we did last night – it all helps. Sorrentino’s Compassion House is an incredible, comfortable and welcoming haven.”
You can make a difference in our community. When you make a donation to the Eva Marie Cancer Fund, earnings from your gift are distributed to support cancer patient needs within our region. Donations can be made online here – https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/45487 or by calling the Community Foundation at (780) 538-2820.
Student Awards Applications Open Now!
The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is accepting applications for Student Awards now until August 23, 2021.
Find more information and apply here – https://buildingtomorrow.cloudstudio.ca/student-awards/
2021 Vital Signs Survey – Take the Survey Now!
Take the survey now! https://bit.ly/3bZds34
