2022 Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta Annual Report

IF YOU CANNOT DO GREAT THINGS, DO SMALL THINGS IN A GREAT WAY.

LEADING CHANGE AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR REGION

The Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta acknowledges that we are situated on Treaty 8 territory, traditional lands of the First Nations and Metis people. We are grateful to work, live and learn on the traditional territory of Treaty 8.

Together with our Board of Directors and Staff Team, we are honoured to share the highlights and accomplishments of our Foundation for 2022. We remain encouraged by the strength of our region and appreciated many opportunities to reconnect and reimagine community together!

The Foundation Board was pleased to join together in person once again. Our Board set strategies and oversaw the immense progress through our committee work. Specifically, the Board redeployed our efforts to engage a Granting Committee, tasked with deliberating on granting decisions, analyzing granting needs in our community along with the effectiveness of our response to those needs. Our Financial Stewardship Committee watched closely as we endured a difficult year of performance within our portfolio, helping to navigate a global scenario with local impact. The Governance Committee was tasked with identifying updates to our existing policies and developing new policies to remain current with our changing world. Altogether, the Board was diligent in thinking outside the box, finding new ways to solve problems and create impact for our region.

We continued to hold meaningful interactions with our fund holders and community agencies. New relationships were forged with rural community groups, and our reach was broadened across Northwestern Alberta.

NOTABLE TRENDS FOR 2022 INCLUDED:

● Substantial increase in scholarships distributed to post-secondary students!

● More interest from donors in developing funds that can create immediate impact, such as our Capital Fund option, which spends down funds over time.

● An increase in requests for information, our Foundation was called into action as a source for support, funding, and organizational development.

● New interest from corporations for us to help support their community investment strategies.

With many social needs still challenging our communities, nation, and globe, we remain intentional about conducting our work through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although we are still living in a time of great uncertainty, we have seen a heightened sense of collaboration, and an incredible capacity for adaptability, ingenuity, and empathy.

- Napoleon Hill

Cover image by Amanda Uhl Photography, Blossoming Garden of Hope

2022’s GROWTH HIGHLIGHTS

● Asset base of $11,175,225

● Invested $914,924 into charitable organizations and post-secondary students

● Over 30 fund advisor meetings held

● Over 125 connections with agencies

● 7 new funds established. (Anchored in Community Fund, Pirates Fastball Girls Legacy Fund, Stand with Ukraine Fund, Mighty Peace Youth Fund, Schollaardt Family Legacy Fund, Mason Lockrem Creative Writing & Reading Fund, Chandra Oliver Student Award Fund)

● Invested $7,573,742 into regional projects and programs since 1996

● Invested in 417 post-secondary students since 2005

● Disbursed $970,000 in partnership with Wood Buffalo Community Foundation for the Canada’s Healthy Community Initiative

Throughout 2022, we have been able to provide incredible support to our entire region, on behalf of our 183 fund advisors, government support, and other generous donors. We are proud of the impact, but most importantly recognize the significance of the work that is being done by community service organizations. Big and small, urban and rural, all areas of our charitable sector are strengthening our social fabric and improving lives. We feel accomplished yet inspired to create and develop more ways to reimagine community together!

Warmest wishes,

THANK YOU

Amy Richards Chair of the Board

Laura LaValley CEO

CAPITAL FUNDS

New to our Foundation in 2022 but not new to the Community Foundation movement as a whole, was the creation of Capital Funds. Capital Funds are a hybrid of the endowed and non-endowed funds. The capital is initially endowed with the expectation that the capital and investment income will be spent within a time period determined by the Fund Advisor and the Foundation. This option is great for those who wish to make a substantial impact within a set period of time.

The recent downturn in the economy has underpinned the need for us to be responsive and provide opportunities for our donors to create immediate impact. Introducing this new fund type helps us achieve this. In 2022 we introduced 2 new Capital Funds.

MIGHTY PEACE YOUTH FUND

THE FUND SUPPORTS

Providing youth age 18 and under in Northwestern Alberta with educational opportunities regarding local and global issues, overcoming diversity, promoting civic engagement and encouraging philanthropy.

MNP COMMUNITY FORWARD FUND

THE FUND SUPPORTS

Targeted efforts or causes which positively impact the community.

FROM

THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE

While MNP is a national firm, our partners are as local as the individuals and family-owned businesses that make up our clientele. MNP proudly supports initiatives that reflect our entrepreneurial spirit and share our values of leadership, excellence, and commitment to enhancing the communities where we live and work. Working together we can make a difference in the lives of people and strengthen our communities. Having a fund through the Community Foundation where we can work towards a meaningful and substantial contribution to causes in our community that are near and dear to our team is very important. This fund is made possible by the generosity of not only our Grande Prairie Partner group but our entire MNP team.

FROM THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE

In 2012 a group of high school friends attended an event in Vancouver set to inspire young people who are interested in social change to make a difference in their community.

These teens were so inspired that they brought their enthusiasm back home and decided to create a similar event for the Grande Prairie area, from this Mighty Peace Day was born. The first event in the Peace Country was hosted in 2013, a total of four events were held up until the last one in 2019.

Mighty Peace Day has seen guests that include; Rob Nash, Spencer West, Zach Ingrasci, Tenille Townes, Tyler Shaw, Her Brothers, Anthony McLean, Michel Chikwanine, Karina LeBlanc, Sonja Baikogli and Komal Minhas, along with countless other artists and motivational speakers. The presenters have educated on topics that affect youth both locally and globally including; poverty, slave labour, bullying, suicide, overcoming adversity, the power of working together, and many different focus areas of philanthropy. Mighty Peace Day welcomed over 4000 youth at each event, serving as a space to be inspired to continue to engage in social change.

Since Covid struck in early 2020 the Society has had to continually cancel the event. After much consultation with their board along with local school divisions, it has become clear that they don’t know when another event of that capacity may be held.

The Society still wish to see youth reap the same benefits that have always been offered through Mighty Peace Day, and as such, have decided to create a fund within the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta that will see this continue to be available.

If you are an organization, group, school division, or individual who wish to engage youth learning about issues that affect young people both locally and globally, to encourage them to become change makers, and to engage in philanthropy, please reach out to the Community Foundation to learn more about the funding available and how to apply.

PEACE POWER CORPORATION COMMUNITY FUND

Purpose: Community Impact Fund

THE FUND SUPPORTS

To support the Community Impact group of funds that address community priorities and emerging issues at the Foundation’s Board of Director’s discretion.

FROM THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Founded in Grande Prairie in 2012 by Chad Mielke, Peace Power has become not only a trusted household name for energy and natural gas needs but knows the importance of giving back to the communities they do business in.

Having lived in Grande Prairie and now raising a family in Edmonton, he and his wife Lorraine are passionate about ensuring that the communities they have lived in flourish.

Their website says it all, “Service with us allows residents and businesses to save money on their utility bills and give back to the local community at the same time through our commitment of donating 20% of yearly profits to local community initiatives.”

Chad created the Peace Power Corporation Community Fund in 2015, with the intent for it to be a part of the Community Impact group of funds that support the charitable activities and charitable organizations with their ever-changing needs within our region. He believes in the connection the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta has with the organizations we serve and wanted to empower the Foundation to continue to do this good work.

ON THE GROUND

Having celebrated their 25th Anniversary on May 26, 2022 we caught up with Dale Tiedemann, CAREERS Regional Manager on the work they are doing in the Northwest region.

CAREERS works with schools to connect students with employers for paid internships and apprenticeship opportunities in a variety of in-demand fields, including: Skilled Trades, Forestry, Agriculture, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Healthcare, and more.

The Alberta based non-profit organization recruits local employers looking to invest in developing their workforce strategy. This is done in-part by engaging youth and providing meaningful paid internships to students. These employers range from small service businesses to global companies. CAREERS then works with school Off-campus Coordinators to match suitable students to available mentorship opportunities. Students gain valuable employability skills and on-the-job training, in a safe working environment. The benefits don’t stop there. Youth interns are compensated with a fair wage (minimum wage or greater), earn high school credits towards their diploma, and when registered with Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training, receive provincially recognized hours toward their chosen apprenticeship.

CAREERS aims to create a diverse skilled workforce by engaging youth, including Indigenous youth and young women in professional development strategies. Their efforts help to build stronger communities by attracting and retaining young people to in-demand career pathways and invigorates local capacity where youth succeed in Northwest Alberta.

With a territory that expands from High Level in the North to Grande Cache in the West and Mayerthorpe in the South, CAREERS efforts in the Northwest Region of Alberta are supported by three full-time Program Coordinators – located in Grande Prairie, Peace River, and Whitecourt.

PROGRAMS LIKE OURS HELP YOUTH TAKE ON THE FUTURE!

- Dale Tiedemann

Through a grant provided by the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta, CAREERS can ensure as many communities as possible can benefit from their delivery of in-person and virtual program offerings, including classroom presentations and handson exploration events like Tours of the Trades and Forestry Quick Connects.

Dale notes, “Experiential learning is the perfect way for students to see what they like and what they don’t, before investing substantial time and money into their post-secondary education. They can earn credits, get paid, and in some cases, get an incredible head start on achieving their career goals. Imagine if every career path had a similar program? What a strong, fun-filled future workforce we could build. Programs like ours help youth take on the future!”

DR. CLAUDIA T. STREHLKE MEDICAL AWARD FUND

Purpose: Scholarship Fund

THE FUND SUPPORTS

EXCELLENT HEALTH CARE

A

FROM THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Having celebrated her 80th birthday in August 2021, Dr. Claudia Strehlke reflected on her life since 2013 when the award was established by her family and colleagues, as a way to honor her upon her retirement.

There are so many in Northwestern Alberta and British Columbia who have been touched by the compassionate and detailed care they received from Dr. Strehlke in her 42 years of practice. She was the first Internist in Grande Prairie and worked as the only specialist in Internal Medicine for 12 years. Dr. Strehlke shares, “This was a lot of responsibility, but I grew into that responsibility. I had lots of support through my classmates and colleagues in Edmonton, having studied medicine at the University of Alberta. I always tried to do as much as I could in Grande Prairie to avoid having my patients and their families travel to Edmonton.”

As a consultant, Dr. Strehlke saw many patients with many different health issues. “I learned how to treat as much as I could - including all types of cancer. The Cross Cancer Institute was looking for someone to start a clinic - the idea was to decentralize the care - and I volunteered to head up the program. I had set up the ICU and been in practice for several years, so this was a new challenge for me. I went to the Cross Cancer Institute for training. I was motivated to develop my capabilities in a new direction. It was a great benefit to the community because we could do the care closer to home. As the physician leading the clinic, I worked hard to create a strong, close-knit team that would look after patients and look after each other. It was a clinic that was very giving, but also took a lot out of us to care for patients, so we made sure to create an environment that was nurturing. I still keep in touch with many of the staff I worked with at the clinic, and there is a deep bond and connection for the work we did together.”

Retiring and leaving Grande Prairie was not easy, shares Dr. Strehlke, as it involved letting go of so much. “Giving up my career, my practice, helping patients, using my skill and talent to be of service to others. Although I recognized that it was time to pass the torch to others, I also knew that my gift was medicine, and I really loved my work.” Retirement is proving enjoyable and keeping her as busy as ever. “I spent my entire life looking after people, so early retirement has been more about self-care and self-reflection. Once I retired I felt that I needed some time for me to focus on my own wellness and spiritual growth.”

REQUIRES

HUMAN ELEMENT.

- Dr. Claudia T. Strehlke

A Peace Area resident attending a public post-secondary institution and studying medicine, nursing or another healthrelated occupation. Priority is given to students studying internal medicine or oncology, and to those who intend to practice in rural Alberta.

Dr. Strehlke initially relocated to the Sunshine Coast in BC near two of her four daughters who live in Vancouver and has recently moved to Edmonton where her third daughter lives. She has done a lot of travelling, including touring Germany, France, New Zealand and Australia (where her eldest daughter lives in Perth). She thoroughly enjoys spending time with family, especially her daughters (Heidi, Christina, Sonya and Monica) and 11 grandkids, and with friends. She has become involved with the church, along with focusing on personal interests including spirituality, reading, health, and watching detective shows!

Dr. Strehlke says she feels very honoured to have a scholarship in her name. “My hope is that the next generation of health care workers continues to hold the care of the individual as paramount and sees that there is a role to play in maintaining the human aspect of our work. We need to ensure that systems, science and technology don’t overshadow the relationships between practitioner and patient. Excellent health care requires a human element.”

“I hope that the scholarship provides an opportunity for students to study without worry about funding their education, and allows them to focus on their learning. I had such a wonderful career in Northern Alberta, and appreciated the community, care and opportunity that Grande Prairie provided to me and my family. It was the best place to raise a family and grow a career.”

ON THE GROUND

Brooke Foster is in her final year of the Accelerated Nursing program at Dalhousie University.

Growing up in the Peace, Brooke has always shown a passion for giving back to the community and working with vulnerable people. Brooke is responsible for spearheading initiatives that supported struggling families and even organizing a fundraiser that sent Christmas boxes for disadvantaged children in Africa.

While working summer positions in group homes and seniors housing, it was apparent to Brooke that her passion for helping people by working in a people-centered environment, nursing was the right career choice.

Brooke plans to come back to the Peace Region upon graduating to practice as a Registered Nurse. Eventually, Brooke plans on returning to school to pursue a Master’s degree and become a Nurse Practitioner to support rural areas that experience disparities in access to healthcare.

“I am very grateful to be the recipient of this award and appreciate the investment the donors have made toward my education. This will be the last year of my nursing program, and I am very excited to start my career as a Registered Nurse and serve my community in Northern Alberta.”

MASON LOCKREM CREATIVE WRITING & READING FUND

Purpose: Field of Interest Fund

THE FUND SUPPORTS

Creative writing and/or reading initiatives for youth in Northwestern Alberta. This may include but is not limited to updating library materials, writing and reading materials, educational programs to enhance skills related to creative writing and reading, and offering educational seminars related to creative writing or reading.

FROM THE DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Mason Lockrem passed away March 8, 2019 at the young age of 20 years old. His death devastated his entire family in countless, immeasurable ways.

Mason possessed a love for literature and creative writing that was extraordinary. He wrote his own book at age 14; avidly studying and developing characters, brainstorming page after page of plot development. His imagination had no bounds and was always alive with ideas. Leaving a legacy fund to honour him and his gift is a great joy and comfort and encourages other creative writers to pursue their dream.

His family felt they were lucky to experience the talents he had for the short time he was with them and it is so meaningful for them to share it with others in the region.

This fund will be available to applicants in 2023.

THE FRANK & AGNES LOVSIN STORY

– THE LEGACY CONTINUES…

Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta is honoured to feature the Lovsin family, who created the Frank & Agnes Lovsin Legacy Fund in 2017. The Lovsin’s started a fund to support the community of Peace River, an area that was near and dear to the family since they made a home in the region in 1962. Within a year and a half of each other, Frank and Agnes completed their earthly journeys, with Agnes’ passing in May of 2021, followed by Frank passing away in November of 2022. Their legacy lives on in their family and the community they helped to build and support over their 60 years together.

Agnes Eisler was born March 16, 1936 in the small town of Cadomin, Alberta and her affection for this community plus the entire Coal Branch was clear to all who knew her. Cadomin was the place that she loved all her life. The mountains, the air, the wind and the people. As the coal mines closed down in the early 1950s, the Eisler family relocated to Edmonton where Agnes completed high school and quickly thereafter started her nurse’s training at the Misericordia Hospital graduating in 1957. Subsequent to her graduation, she was employed as an RN at the Oliver Institution, as well as at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Her family remembers how sharp she looked in her nurse’s uniform with her white hat when she worked at the cancer clinic in Peace River for many, many years.

Frank was born January 28, 1934, in the small town of Mountain Park, Alberta. When the coal mine closed in Mountain Park in June of 1950, this was a defining moment in his life. This decision led to a lifelong journey of being in control of his own destiny and assuming the responsibility for looking after those he loved and cared for. After an initial move to Edson, Frank began a career in the meat business with Canada Packers and this eventually led to his entry into business in November of 1955 with the creation of Freson Market Ltd. in Hinton, Alberta. From this small meat shop on movable skids to Freson Bros. of today, he was extremely proud of all those who helped along the way with this incredible journey, which continues to this day.

The Coal Branch influence came calling again when Frank and Agnes met at a wedding in Edson and within a year, they were married on June 13, 1959. They started building a life together in Hinton followed by a move to Peace River in 1962 which would be home to them for the following fifty-eight years. Agnes immersed

Each is given a bag of tools, A shapeless mass, a book of rules. And each must make – ere life is flown, A stumbling block or a stepping stone.

- R.L. Sharpe

herself in the community and as a busy mom of four rambunctious kids plus the pals that they brought home for lunch, supper, cinnamon toast and hot chocolate. Frank was the type of dad that attended all school and sporting events including figure skating, Ukrainian dance, piano recitals, track and field, hockey, football or baseball and more often than not, he was coaching one of his children at the time. Whether it was hitting pop flies to the Lovsin children and their friends at the Forestry, playing road hockey in the winter on Sunday afternoons or teaching us about life, he was there with his biggest booster, Agnes.

Frank was forever busy working on another project whether it was for the local Chamber of Commerce, a provincial or national board, or on a new business venture. He always looked for the positives in all situations and had an inherent gift in believing the best was yet to come. We heard often that the difference in business, every business, was the people and he proved it many times over.

Agnes was Frank’s biggest fan and very often he indicated that he could not have built Freson Bros. without her. Whether it was in the garden weeding and watering the flowers or listening to Mozart loudly in the living room, she was with him every step of the way and although they were two people, they were one person with similar dreams, aspirations and beliefs. Their love and respect for each other was apparent to all; the greatest gift parents can give to their children. Frank was a man of incredible character, integrity and devotion who led by example in all aspects of his life, every day.

In 2017, the Lovsin’s developed a donor advised fund with Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta. Each year, the Lovsin family deliberate on applications received to support the Peace River area.

PROJECT AND INITIATIVES INCLUDE:

● EE Oliver School - $2,500

● High Prairie Museum - $4,300

● Fairview Fine Arts Society - $4,337

● Northern Lake College - $15,000

● Nampa Museum Society - $10,000

● Peace River School Division - $10,000

● Friends of the Shepherds Society - $10,000

● First Baptist Church - $10,000

● Peace Regional Outreach Student & Daycare Support Society - $10,000

The community support of these Peace River area initiatives speaks to the Lovsin’s desire to uphold the community through a variety of social programs and projects. Frank and Agnes’ legacy of building community will continue to support the area they called home for now and forever. Their support transcends death, their story lives on through lasting impact, and their foresight in planning for community will provide sustainability and growth for the Peace River area for decades to come. Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta honours this incredible couple and their family and offers our sincerest appreciation to their significant and meaningful support!

CANADA HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE

Purpose: Supports projects that create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, or offer digital solutions.

Federal funding that flowed through the Foundation to help communities adapt public spaces and local services safely and equitably. This funding initiative is now complete.

The committee hopes to see other projects like this grow across Northern Alberta. They will be utilizing the saskatoons and raspberries for a U-Pick to help with the sustainability of the project. The orchard will be an educational opportunity in their community, partnering with local schools, seniors, and community members by providing field trips and tours.

Along with the orchard, the Ag. Society also manages the local museum village, community hall, community gardens, and sponsors the local Farmers Market in their area. This project has created considerable opportunities for collaboration within the community and stands to have a multi-faceted impact. This project is an additional way of keeping the history and legacy of orchards and gardens alive for years to come.

Both the orchard and community gardens haven’t reached their full capacity yet. There will be additional phases and more planting going forward. This project stands to further the Society and committee’s vision, objectives, and to greatly increase their impact within the community.

MICRO GRANTING

Purpose: Supports immediate community needs

The Foundation continues to support all communities in our region. One of these avenues is our micro granting which provides smaller, immediate funding to community organizations to address emergency needs.

THE IMPACT

Wapiti House had been supporting a senior male (pseudonym “Phil”) with some complex health issues in their transitional housing program. Phil was particularly vulnerable to illnesses as he is often unable to take proper precautions to limit the chance of infection.

THE IMPACT

In 2018, while searching for books on gardening for their local garden tour event, the La Crete Agricultural Society came across a book on the history of gardens and orchards in Russia and Manitoba. Many of the community forefathers came from Ukraine and naturally this caught their interest. This book inspired the idea to start an orchard in their museum village to depict their community’s heritage. The project encourages a healthy diet, provides additional food sustainability in the north, and encourages future educational and economic benefits as their learnings are shared publicly.

Susan Siemens heads the committee that consists of 11 other members of the community. Together they have made a dugout, planted 1350 trees, installed an irrigation system and a game fence on the 7 acres of land that the Society’s Board of Directors set aside for the project.

Susan has started a “Learnings Booklet” to keep track of the various species that have been planted, to record how each variety weathers the northern winters, and any other issues they might have.

Despite significant progress in the community, support for street involved seniors who are living with compulsive habitual use of alcohol or substances are often denied support and care by existing health systems. Wapiti House worked with several facilities where Phil could be properly housed. The facilities are extremely overwhelmed and it was a challenge to move him into a space where he would receive the care he deserves. A micro grant from the Foundation helped to bridge Phil’s care until a long term solution could be found.

“Our humanity is revealed in how we respect those who struggle to respect themselves.”

- Jared Gossen, Project Lead

2022 REGIONAL IMPACT

Total Value

$914,924.00

In Northwestern Alberta, we strive to create impact across our vast geographical catchment area. With many small rural and Indigenous communities in Northwestern Alberta, we are grateful for the significant efforts of community service organizations, hardworking volunteers, and generous donors! Thank you for strengthening our region and building community!

REIMAGINING COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Assets by Type of Funds

$309,800.00

THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HELPS DONORS CREATE FUNDS UNIQUE TO THEIR INTERESTS, PASSIONS, AND DESIRED LEGACIES. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE COMMITMENT OF OUR FUND ADVISORS TO CREATE IMPACT AND REIMAGINE COMMUNITY TOGETHER!

CAPITAL FUNDS

A hybrid of the Endowed and Non-Endowed funds. The capital is initially endowed with the expectation that the capital and investment income will be spent within a time period determined by the Fund Advisor and the Foundation.

Mighty Peace Youth Fund | MNP Community Forward Fund

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FUNDS

Funds are established by charitable organizations to provide a sustainable source of long term funding.

20/20 Vision for the Community Endowment Fund | Alberta Legal Heritage Fund | Community Foundation Operating Endowment Fund | Golden Age Centre Fund | Grande Prairie and Area Safe Communities Fund | Grande Prairie Live Theatre Fund | Grande Prairie Public Library Fund | kidSport Grande Prairie Fund | Slave Lake Municipal Library Fund

COMMUNITY IMPACT FUNDS

Funds are pooled to address the emerging and pressing needs of the community, both now and in the future.

Ainsworth Community Fund | Atkin/Curtis Family Fund | Beal Family Fund

Bill Rynsburger Legacy Fund | BMO Bank of Montreal Fund | BP Canada Energy Company Fund | Brick Shopik Family Fund | Canadian Tire Grande Prairie Community Fund | Cardon Homes Fund | Chrenek Dion & Associates Fund | Chris and Amy Richards Community Fund | Christine and Wayne Ayling Family Fund | Clyde and Mary Blackburn Family Fund

Community Impact Endowment Fund | Darrell and Joan Radbourne Family Fund | Diane and Fletcher Bootle Family Fund | Drs. David and Karen Chung Fund | Fletcher Mudryk LLP Fund | Fred Rinne Memorial Fund

Gilbert and Kiela Girard Family Fund | Grande Prairie River Rats Association

Fund | Haberman Family Fund | Jody Evans Community Fund | Ken and Cyndy Halbert Family Fund | Kevin and Karen Willsey Family Fund | Mark

Picard Legacy Fund | McLevin Family Fund | Menzies Family Fund | Merv and Dawn Marie Crouse Family Fund | Ness Family Fund | Northey/Wiebe

Family Fund | Pat and John Reid Family Fund | Peace Power Corporation

Community Fund | Pete and Lori Merlo Family Fund | Pirates Fastball Club

Legacy Fund | RBC Peace Country Staff Fund | Ric’s Grill Grande Prairie

Community Fund | Rotary Club of Grande Prairie Memorial Fund

Sheehan Flint Family Fund | SZAKACS/Fedyna Family Fund | Vincent and Tracey Vavrek Family Fund | Wayne Drysdale Campaign Legacy Fund

DESIGNATED FUNDS

Funds provide support to specific charities.

Come Fly With Me Legacy Fund | Community Foundation Staff Enrichment Fund | Grande Prairie Keg Steakhouse & Bar Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation Fund | Grande Prairie Keg Steakhouse & Bar PARDS Fund | Grande Prairie Keg Steakhouse & Bar Pregnant Teen Program Fund

Hannah Ouellette Memorial Supporting Suicide Prevention Resource Centre Fund | Henderson Family Fund

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS

Funds enable donors to be actively involved in recommending grant recipients on an annual basis.

Ainsworth Legacy Community Fund | Anodyne Community Enrichment Fund

Aquatera Environment Fund | Bill and Marg Bowes Family Fund

Calvin and Evelyne Dobish Fund | Campbell Family Foundation | Casey & Finnegan’s Fantastic Furry Friends Fund | CIKT-FM Brian Nash Memorial Fund | Ed Boyce Memorial Fund | Frank and Agnes Lovsin Legacy Fund

Grande Prairie Auto Group Legacy Foundation Fund | Hope Today Tomorrow: The Side/Munro Family Fund | Jeff Toews Memorial Foundation Fund | Kirk Nelson Memorial Fund | Mac and Chris Henderson Family Fund

Morris Financial Group Fund | northernSPIRIT Fund

Opdahl Michaud Family Fund | Peace Country Land Ltd. Fund | Pearcy

Family Fund | Prairie Villa Legacy Fund | CIKT-FM Brian Nash Memorial

Fund | Rex and Karin Marshall Education and Wellness Fund | Schollaardt

Family Legacy Fund Simpson/Phillips Family Fund | Terry Ward KMSC Staff

Fund | Woronuk Legacy Fund

FIELD OF INTEREST FUNDS

Funds are dedicated to a general charitable area of interest as identified by the donor.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Smart & Caring Animal Welfare Fund

Donna Koch and John Lehners Fur Kids Family Fund

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Anchored In Community Fund | Beattie Family Fund | Bryden Sparks Arts

Family Fund | Janet Evans Legacy Fund | Logan Family Fund

Mike Evans Fun For Kids Fund | Smart & Caring Youth Fund

Thomson Boyce Family Fund | Young at Art Fund by T. Sedore Photography

EDUCATION

Mason Lockrem Creative Writing & Reading Fund | Peace Wapiti Education Foundation Fund | Sandy and Luana McDonald Family Fund

ENVIRONMENT

Fund for Environmental Purposes | Marcotte Family Fund

Nurcombe Family Environmental Fund | Smart & Caring Environment Fund

The Stan and Helen Neufeld Environmental Fund

HEALTH

Grande Prairie Keg Steakhouse & Bar Supporting Youth With Cancer Fund

Grande Prairie Lions Club Fund for Mental Health | Palliative Care Fund

‘Talk to Me’ First Responder Fund

HOUSING

Evaskevich Family Fund | Grande Prairie and Area Association of Realtors Fund | Individuals at Risk Shelter Fund

RECREATION

Anonymous Donor Fund | Underwood Fund

SOCIAL SERVICES

Care Human Services Staff Gives Fund | Happy Trails R.V. Fund

Spirit of the Peace Entrepreneurial Women’s Fund

Terry and Darrel Dola Fund

SENIORS

Aimee Carter Bushel and a Peck Fund | Dodd Harms Happy Healthy Seniors Fund | Smart & Caring Seniors Fund

FLOW THROUGH FUNDS

Charitable donations that are dispersed within a time period.

Better Together Fund | Community Kitchen and Foodbank Fund

Eva Marie Cancer Support Fund | Jennifer Henson Memorial Fund

Kindness Meter Fund | Mac and Chris Henderson Family Fund

Nitehawk Landslide Recovery Fund | Stand With Ukraine Fund

Tiny Hands of Hope Children’s Memorial Fund

REGIONAL COMMUNITY FUNDS

Regional Community Funds are a partnership with a community and the Community Foundation where a group of passionate people who either live in the area or who have meaningful connections, wish to build legacy funds in support of a geographical area. These dedicated individuals ensure that their fund supports their communities current priorities along with its emerging needs and future opportunities.

Mike Vavrek Memorial Fund | Sexsmith & District Community Foundation

Fund | Sexsmith Elks Community Fund | Sexsmith Insurance Limited Fund

Sexsmith Legion #60 Community Fund | West County Community Foundation Fund

SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

Funds are used to help students in our region achieve their post-secondary goals.

2000 Alberta Summer Games Legacy Fund | 2016 Rotary Curling

Legacy Fund | Andrea Vavrek Memorial Fund | Beaverlodge Community Band Fund | Brent Sears Memorial Fund | Carmen and Gail Haakstad

Family Fund | Chandra Oliver Student Award Fund | Chief Ronald W. Clarke Fund | Chomik Family Trumpeter Hotel Fund | CIKT-FM Student

Awards Fund | Devonne Norman Legacy Fund | Dirk (Dick) van Nieuwkerk

Fund | Dr. Claudia T. Strehlke Medical Award Fund | Dustin Sieker Legacy Fund | Gib Popkey Legacy Fund | Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce Legacy Fund | Hayley Gardner Memorial Fund | Hilde’s Hope Fund | Horse Lake Education Fund | Howard Griffiths Memorial Student

Award Fund | Jean Duplessis Family Legacy Fund | Joseph F. Reder/ Hansen Fund | Lorne Lind Memorial Fund | Minhas Fund | North Kleskun

Community Club Fund | North Kleskun Student Scholarship | Pay It Forward Fund | Paul Pivert Memorial Student Award Fund | Pirates Fastball Girls

Legacy Fund | Ryan R. Blais Legacy Fund | Sexsmith Citizens on Patrol Student Award Fund | Storm Stay in School Junior A Hockey Scholarship

Fund | Swan City Breakfast Lions Club Fund | Swan City Rotary Club

Community Service Above Self Fund | Travis Pierlot Family Education Fund

Valhalla Charter School Student Award Fund | Vision for the Future Fund

Wolves Minor Basketball Fund

FUTURE GIFTS

Life Insurance is a popular, practical way to make a future gift. Thank you to the following individuals who have named the Community Foundation the designated beneficiary of a Life Insurance policy.

Anonymous Community Donor Fund | Brent and Cindy Oilund

Don Meador Fund | Dwight Logan | Glenn and Judith Keddie

Gordon Pearcy | Grant and Jamie Menzies | Hideo and Marian Fukushima

Jason Lainchbury | Jody Winnicky and Owen Lewis | Pete and Lori Merlo

Ryan Blais | Terry Tissington | Tracey Vavrek | Vincent Vavrek

IN HONOUR AND MEMORY DONATIONS

In Honour and Memorial donations are made to the Community Foundation to recognize achievements, mark milestones and honour friends and loved ones.

IN HONOUR DONATIONS

Declan MacTavish | Shari Johnston

IN MEMORY DONATIONS

Agnes Lovsin | Aimee Carter | Bob Neufeld | Caroline Weber

David Martel | Donna Coulter | Douglas James Gordon | Frank Behnke

Frank Lovsin | Frank and Agnes Lovsin | Gordon Glenn | Harry Rowney

Irene Fanciska Black | Jennifer Henson | Jim Jenner | John Lehners

John Wiebe | Joseph Paquette | Joyce Elizabeth Black | Leslie Dahl

Lionel Jones | Marcus Renz | Mason Lockrem | Matthew Milkovich

Murray Metituk | Patrick John Garrett | Peter Pederson | Rob Weibe

Roman Goff | Rose Sorgen | Rylan Anderson | Shirley Nellis

Stella Gilkyson | Terry Guy | Tyler Skoglund

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

for the year ended December 31, 2022

Summary of Audit Opinion

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Foundation as at December 31, 2022, and its results of operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations (ASNPO).

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

The Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after the date of this auditor’s report. If, based on the work we will perform on this other information, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact to those charged with governance.

Baker Tilly Catalyst LLP - Chartered Professional Accountants

For the full statements and audit report, please refer to our website: www.buildingtomorrowtoday.com/news/financial-statements

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Summary of Management Letter: Our understanding and testing of internal controls did not reveal any significant deficiencies.

1In 2012 the Board of Directors has internally restricted funds within the operating fund as a contingency for funding future operational expenditures as required. Operating costs include asset development, charitable activities, special projects, administration and governance. The Community Foundation invests in low risk fixed income, equities and cash to protect the capital, promote conservative growth and ensure long term gifting.

ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Governance

One of the most valuable assets of any Community Foundation is its Board of Directors. This diverse group of community leaders brings vision, commitment and energy to making a difference in our community.

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Community Foundation which is accountable for the operation of the Foundation, within the parameters established by law; its overall responsibility is that of governance. This includes providing leadership, setting direction, establishing policies and ensuring sound management.

The overall management and daily operations is the responsibility of the CEO. The CEO is the first person below the Board. The CEO implements the goals and plans of the Community Foundation, follows set policies, develops procedures and management systems, attends to the priorities established by the Board, and supervises staff and volunteers.

The Board met 7 times throughout 2022. We shifted focus to the following priorities:

● Reimagining community & pandemic recovery response

● Community building projects and programs

Privacy Policy

Your Community Foundation is committed to protecting the privacy of the information of its employees, members, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders. We value the trust of those we work with, and of the public, and recognize that maintaining this trust requires we be transparent and accountable in how we treat the information that donors choose to share with us.

During the course of our various projects and activities, we frequently gather and use personal information. Anyone from whom we collect such information should expect that it will be carefully protected and that any use of or other dealing with this information is subject to consent. Our privacy practices are designed to achieve this.

Accountability

We are responsive and accountable to our donors, our grantees and our community. We operate with policies and practices that reflect clearly-articulated values, vision and mission, that inspire trust, and that stress fairness, flexibility and inclusiveness.

Canadian Charitable Registration No.: 896544343RR0001

Laura LaValley Chief Executive Officer

Shelley Younger Financial Controller

Brittany Kelsey Development Manager

Natasha Collins-DeCoste Vice Chair of the Board

Todd Tremblay Treasurer

Amy Richards Chair of the Board

Simon Bossen Director

Andrew Boylan Director

Rhonda Thomson Administration & Grants Manager

Todd Russell Director

Cecilia Mzvondiwa Director

Travis Jensen Director

Eunice Friesen Director

Donna Koch Director

Emma Robins Marketing Intern

Lydia Sadiq Director

Wohlgemuth Director