A Legacy of Dedication

Celebrating a Remarkable Woman, Her Family & Their Commitment to Trellis

Ruth Beddoe’s service to Trellis Society and the young people and families it serves is extraordinary.

Ruth realized a long time ago, as she sat with her husband, Clive, in a lovely restaurant, how privileged she was. As they enjoyed their meal, she could not shake the fact that there were children in Calgary who did not have the food they needed to grow. The very next day, rather than just thinking about this troubling fact, Ruth acted. She phoned the then Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary (now Trellis Society), and asked, “What can I do?” This is when her volunteer journey began.

Since that day in 1993, Ruth has done it all. She has worked the phones, leveraged her networks, given transformational gifts, supported transportation and capital campaigns, championed leadership transitions and served as the Splash of Red Gala Committee Chair where she has consistently surpassed her annual goal every year. Ruth and her family built a strong matching program and multiplied the impact. They would continue this generosity for the galas ahead.

To ensure that transportation would not be a barrier for young people and their families, Ruth and the Beddoe Family also purchased a 24 passenger bus for the Clubs. This was another step towards community building and ensuring families could access services.

In 2018, Ruth and the Beddoe family joined community supporters to help renovate the historic Renfrew Hangar location that has been the home to Trellis for over 40 years.

And then when Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary took a leap forward with an unprecedented non-profit merger in 2020 with Aspen Family & Community Services, Ruth and Clive were right there supporting the promise of this new bold agency by becoming Founding Partners.

Ruth leads the Splash of Red Gala to new heights

Under Ruth’s leadership, Trellis’ annual gala event transformed from a modest gathering into a hallmark occasion that brought together her friends, her family and her connections, united by a shared desire to make a difference. Ruth’s magnetic charisma, unwavering and tireless work ethic, and ability to mobilize support, played a pivotal role in shaping the event into the remarkable success it is today. From knocking on corporate doors, to sharing her passion for Trellis’ services, Ruth volunteered her time during every month each year to raise awareness and funds for Trellis. When the pandemic changed the landscape of fundraising, no one could have imagined what it would look like. Ruth showed endless and remarkable resolve to achieve the gala’s goals during a devastating and uncertain time. She led her committee with patience, motivating the members by thoughtfully acknowledging both their generosity and their desire to support Trellis. Ruth also rallied the community, and together they surpassed all previous records in fundraising. Thanks to this astonishing achievement, Trellis was able to provide thousands of warm night’s sleep for youth in shelter, diverted many individuals from homelessness, and supported families to stay together during the stress of the pandemic, while growing their resilience and hope for the future.

For over three decades, Ruth’s unwavering dedication as a volunteer and donor has raised over $8 Million for Trellis, touching countless lives. After more than 30 years of support, Ruth has stepped back from her leadership role. Her legacy is not just in the funds raised but in the spirit of camaraderie, the connections forged, and the hope in the hearts of those who have been touched by her efforts.

This year, the gala committee will also bid farewell to Elaine Frame. In 2012, Elaine was invited by Ruth to join the committee, and has been a fantastic and dedicated support. Elaine’s enthusiastic efforts in securing auction items, selling tickets, inviting donations, and creating an environment full of fun and purpose, added greatly to every year she participated. Her love for the programs that support youth was evident in every conversation. Elaine’s presence will be missed on the committee going forward.

Recognition has not driven Ruth’s passion to help – in fact she deflects much of the praise and re-directs it towards her committee and her family. Since that night in the restaurant with her husband, Ruth has been driven by a deep desire to help young people and families facing challenges. Her passion has enabled Trellis to help hundreds of Calgarians to grow and flourish over the years. In acknowledgement of Ruth’s legacy, we invite you to join us at the 2023 Trellis Society Soirée on Saturday, October 28th , where we will celebrate Ruth Beddoe and the Beddoe Family. Led by Chair Murlyne Fong and the Committee, the Soirée will return to the roots of the gala that Ruth created. The committee will ensure a celebration of unity, compassion, and meaningful change. Their collaborative approach makes certain that the transition is smooth, the essence preserved, and the torch from Ruth is passed on seamlessly.

Last year, the community came together to raise $797,285 for Trellis Society.