Avenue Magazine Calgary

Even in a city that has been accused of being overly driven by commerce, there is an instrumental group of people motivated by something more powerful than money. These are the people and groups who volunteer, who donate, who pour hours of time and tons of dedication into making this city a better place to live.

The best among these people make up our A-List.

Our selection process begins with nominations from readers and those working within Calgary’s non-profit sector. This year, we were overwhelmed by the flood of nominations from across the spectrum of groups in this city.

Fortunately, our partners at Volunteer Calgary, the Calgary Foundation and Calgary Arts Development Authority helped form our selection panel. Groups and individuals were selected based on their impact on the city, rather than on the number of nominations they had received. Our panel had to separate the wheat from the wheat, in this case — deciding from the many incredible nominees to highlight those who went far beyond expectations.

Here, then, is our second-annual Avenue A-List. Perhaps it will inspire
you to make a difference yourself.

Natalie Odd
Executive Director of the Clean Calgary Association.

Marichu Antonio and Cesar Cala
Advocates and volunteers for Calgary immigrant and newcomer groups.

Daniel (Dan) O'Grady
Manager of Community Partnerships and investment at Enbridge.

Highbanks Society
Provides young mothers between the ages of 16 and 24 with affordable family unit accommodation and support services.

Downstage Performance Society
A theatre company with a mandate to exclusively present politically and socially provocative Canadian theatre.

Liana Reschke
Volunteer with Servants Anonymous Association.

The Calgary Humane Society
Provides shelter to more than 8,500 animals, averages 4,500 adoptions, reunites 750 lost pets with their owners and more by relying on 580-plus volunteers, and with a budget of approximately $5 million in donations to make it all happen every year.

John Osler
Volunteer, fundraising advocate, donor and board member, cancer survivor and motivated leader.

Calgary Distress Centre
Provides crisis support through 24-hour crisis lines, a referral service and face-to-face counselling.

Sarah Empey
Film director, volunteer board member and motivational speaker for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

Vermillion Energy Trust
Helps women and their children escape poverty by funding the Vermilion/YWCA Skills Training Centre, which trains women in carpentry and provides the support they need to be successful in the construction industry.

View the 2008 Avenue A-List