Read about how some local organizations and businesses give back — and not just at the holidays — while encouraging others to do the same. No matter how or how much you give, that generosity of spirit contributes to a supportive city that’s continually trying to lift up those who make it home.
Igniting the Potential in Youth
Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership alumni share their experiences of newfound confidence, courage and independence.
Trying something new can feel daunting and may mean stepping outside your comfort zone. However, the experience, growth and confidence that comes from doing so make it worthwhile. The chance to try new things and take healthy risks in a safe place is exactly what the Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership program provides.
Since 2013, the Calgary Flames Foundation has partnered with YMCA Calgary and annually committed $250,000 to support the ongoing Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA program. The program has provided over 37,000 youth a place to play, develop healthy habits and practice independence through activities, sports and engagement opportunities.
“Through this program, I was given the opportunity to improve my leadership skills, and I was empowered by amazing mentors,” says Maxwell Sabau, a 2024 program alumnus. “Today, I’m a program ambassador, and I get to share my experience and encourage other kids to be adventurous and push themselves out of their comfort zone.”
Loads of benefits
The membership provides grade six students in Calgary with full access to all six YMCA Calgary locations, and discounts on programs and day camps. This allows students to explore what the YMCA offers, and take part in sports activities, special events, fun tournaments and leadership opportunities. Youth can challenge themselves throughout the year, make lasting friendships and try new experiences. Most importantly, it’s a time to grow and develop life-long skills.
“Being pushed outside of your comfort zone is the most tried-and-true way to discover your strengths, hidden interests and waiting opportunities,” says Naqeeyah Karachiwala, a 2022 program alumna. “By doing this, you will naturally lean towards new challenges, and confidence will strongly root itself inside your mentality. [The Grade 6 program] is the time to truly shine and be yourself.”
Ongoing opportunities
Even after the membership ends, the experiences and learned skills continue to lead to new opportunities.
After graduating from the Grade 6 membership, Karachiwala and fellow alumna Kira Syro joined a leadership program offered through the YMCA. The program lets alumni plan and host events for new grade sixers to engage in hands-on volunteer opportunities, including sorting donations at the Calgary Food Bank, as well as learn skills in public speaking, event planning and what it means to be a leader.
“There have been many positive changes in my life that were influenced by my experiences in the [Grade 6] program, but I believe the biggest change is my confidence in myself,” affirms Syro. “I believe I can achieve my goals in everything I do. The leadership program at the YMCA [taught me] invaluable skills.”
The 13-month membership is open to all grade six students in Calgary. Head to any YMCA with a school ID or grade five report card to sign up for a transformative year.
Learn more at ymcacalgary.org/grade6.
Giving Back to Community Through a Trusted Foundation
Calgary Foundation helps people direct their giving based on what the community needs.
Since 1955, organizations, businesses and individuals have been giving back to the community through the Calgary Foundation.
Cheryl James, a retired lawyer who worked in the estate-planning sector, is one of those people. In 1994, she joined the Foundation as a volunteer on the Community Grants committee. Shortly after, she was invited to join the board and remained a member until 2006.
“What intrigued me was they don’t focus on one area of philanthropy. They grant across the community,” says James. “It gave me a tremendous window into what was happening in the charitable sector in Calgary.”
Having served as a board member and volunteer for over a decade, James fully understands and believes in the Foundation’s granting process. That’s why, when she was still working, she advised clients about Calgary Foundation as an option for philanthropic giving, as it ultimately helps to generate a greater community impact.
“They’re a solid organization that’s very trustworthy and has tremendous knowledge to offer on what the need is in the community, in any sector,” she says.
Flexible ways to give
When she left the board, James set up a Field of Interest Fund through Calgary Foundation’s Community Fund. A Field of Interest Fund entrusts the Foundation to disburse the funds to a general area of interest, like children, youth and family, which is what James chose.
“I have such confidence in the granting process that I trust who they’ve selected, and that’s why I did it,” she says.
Calgary Foundation works with many local organizations and civic partners to identify community priorities, and with its expert knowledge of the charitable sector and Calgary’s evolving needs and wants, it grants funds accordingly. The result is a powerful system of generosity and support that resonates throughout the city.
For those who want their dollars to go to specific charitable organizations, they can opt for a Donor Advised Fund, which allows them to make granting decisions. There are also several other donor options to accommodate all kinds of giving, regardless of how much money you have or how you wish to distribute it.
“Serving all areas of need, Calgary Foundation supports the interests of donors,” says James. “It’s not for a particular class; it can carry out a legacy and philanthropic contributions for anyone. It doesn’t have to be huge. It can be built up over time.”
A trusted and knowledgeable foundation
For nearly 70 years, the Foundation has garnered a reputation of trust and care, built upon a diverse team of volunteers and staff who are experts in the community and know where the needs for charitable contributions are.
“There’s so much contribution by the community, whether it’s on the investment advisory side or granting side, that makes it a very safe place to place your philanthropic dollars,” James says. “When you look at the board and the composition of the volunteer committees, there’s such strong community support on a volunteer basis to share that expertise.”
James continues to encourage friends to consider Calgary Foundation as an option for their gift planning journeys. Soon, she’ll be back volunteering for the Foundation because she’s missed seeing “people do incredible things to build our community.”
To learn more about how you can support the community through Calgary Foundation, visit calgaryfoundation.org.
Celebrating 50 Years of Impactful Theatre
Alberta Theatre Projects’ Golden Hearts campaign invests in the future of the arts in Calgary with the support of local businesses.
Through 50 seasons, Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) has brought communities together to celebrate the best local and global talent in theatre. As ATP looks ahead to the next half-century, it is launching a two-year, $2.5 million campaign to continue its mission of enriching the lives of theatre enthusiasts and supporting the next generation of theatre artists.
The Golden Hearts Campaign is a chance to invest in ATP and become a champion for the future of arts in Calgary. Three Golden Hearts businesses share their reasons for championing the vital role of arts and creativity in the city.
Golden Hearts Champion: Strategic Group
Since its founding in 2001, Strategic Group has maintained an unwavering dedication to actively giving back to the community through local and charitable organizations. Strategic Group supports the arts by creating spaces that bring people together through an artistic lens.
“ATP represents what’s best about the arts — innovation, collaboration and community impact,” says Riaz Mamdani, CEO and founder of Strategic Group. “By supporting the arts, we’re not only contributing to the cultural fabric of Calgary, but also helping to build a more compassionate and thoughtful society.”
Golden Hearts Champion: Lions Gate Construction
When it comes to supporting the next generation of artists and the arts, it was an easy “yes” for Armin Karame. He’s the owner and general manager of Lions Gate Construction and a successful actor with roles in Heartland and Debris. With his values in supporting the community and the arts, becoming a Golden Hearts champion was a natural next step.
“The arts, theatre and ATP are part of our city’s history. By supporting the arts and being involved, we send the message that it’s an important component of Calgary, not just to those living here, but to everyone around the world,” affirms Karame.
Golden Hearts Champion: Stormont Capital
Backed by over 25 years of financial advisory and investment experience, Stuart Parnell, CFA and managing director of Stormont Capital, understands the importance and value of investing in local businesses and the artistic organizations that fuel Calgary’s spirit.
“A vibrant arts community contributes to the quality of life in any city, and Calgary is no exception,” says Parnell. “ATP represents one of the cornerstones of the Calgary arts community [and] the Golden Hearts campaign is a celebration of 50 years of excellence. Calgary’s business community has a long history of supporting the broader arts community, and we are proud to be part of that heritage.”
Another 50 years of theatrical excellence
ATP’s upcoming milestone 50th anniversary — the 2024-25 season and Golden Hearts campaign — is the perfect opportunity to support ATP and its artistic future. Subscribe for the whole season or buy tickets to attend captivating theatre shows with lineups showcasing the best of local and international talents, kicking off with The Seafarer, starring Canadian superstar Paul Gross. Join ATP’s community of like-minded theatre lovers and supporters, and become a Golden Hearts champion to ensure the next 50 years at ATP continue to be vibrant and rich.
Learn more at albertatheatreprojects.com/donate.
A Philanthropic Approach to Patient Care
55 years in, EFW Radiology continues to support patients and healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools, education and lasting community impact.
EFW Radiology began modestly in 1969 as the Foothills Association of Radiologists and soon after opened its first community clinic. Since then, EFW Radiology has grown to 13 locations in Calgary and one in Airdrie, offering over 15 comprehensive interventional diagnostic and imaging services, and performing more than 600,000 consultations and studies annually.
With a proud history of unwavering, exceptional patient care, EFW has always remembered its local roots and community, and continues to give back.
“As part of a caring profession, we’ve always had it in our mission to give back to the community,”affirms Dr. David Lautner, managing partner at EFW Radiology.
Localizing community impact
For 55 years, philanthropic giving has been a core pillar for EFW. Each year, EFW partners with several local organizations to provide meaningful support. Since the ride began, EFW has supported the Tour Alberta for Cancer with team fundraising and medical sponsorship. Partnerships with student athletics such as University of Calgary Dinos, Mount Royal University Cougars and SAIT Trojans have been an important part of EFW’s giving philosophy, alongside other athletic organizations such as the Canadian Sport Institute, which helps provide more support towards breakthroughs in sports science.
EFW helps run programs for community counselling, youth engagement and financial wellness — creating a safe community space for those in need. Whether volunteering time to run fundraising events, offering high-quality imaging services or sponsoring new initiatives, EFW’s contributions to community are felt throughout the city.
In September 2023, EFW launched its Community Impact Fund, which provides resources for its employees to champion grassroots causes within their neighbourhoods. Since its inception, the fund has helped build the new Dalhousie School playground, support the Jasper wildfire relief efforts, and provided local, not-for-profit staff and volunteers with essential supplies.
Advancing knowledge and raising awareness
Experts in subspecialties such as MRI, spine and pain management, liver imaging and pediatric ultrasound make up the team behind EFW Radiology. While their expertise ensures exceptional patient care, EFW also believes in sharing that knowledge. Promoting awareness of health issues, new diagnostics and treatment options further removes barriers to accessing care and understanding the available support.
One such initiative is EFW’s breast cancer screening awareness campaign, which provides education and resources to ensure the public and community healthcare providers understand when and how to get screened for breast cancer, including pathways for women aged 45 and over to self-refer. EFW also supports the next generation of healthcare providers by offering complimentary continuing education sessions for healthcare professionals and partnering with Mount Royal University, SAIT and the University of Calgary to support the training of medical students.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference and to partner with so many dedicated individuals and organizations. Together, we are creating a ripple effect of compassion and positive change,” says Jackie Simonelli, CEO at EFW Radiology.
To learn more, visit EFW.ca.
Where People and Ideas Come Together
The Calgary TELUS Convention Centre continues to help build a stronger Calgary with 50 years of meaningful impact.
In the 1960s, there were dreams and discussions of creating a connected convention centre in Calgary. Today, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre (CTCC) has exceeded those initial hopes and has become a gathering place where communities have important conversations, generate ideas and indulge in cultural entertainment. With a 50-year reputation of hosting influential moments and experiences, the CTCC has been a venue for impactful change in Calgary and beyond.
Milestone moments
In 1974, the CTCC became Canada’s first purpose-built convention centre with an attached hotel and museum, and it didn’t take long before the calibre of its impact made headlines. Five years after it opened its doors, the CTCC hosted Canada’s most successful charitable dinner at the time. The “Million Dollar Dinner” had a ticket price of $1,000, in support of Calgary Foundation. The event raised over $2 million for Calgary Foundation — an impressive equivalent to over $8 million dollars in today’s values. The CTCC hit the ground running, and its momentum has not slowed.
The CTCC has welcomed various influential figures, from the Dalai Lama, the Clintons and George W. Bush to David Suzuki, King Charles and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to name a few. Big names and globally recognized events aside, the CTCC also plays host to more than 175,000 everyday people with bold visions and world-changing ideas annually to collaborate and bring innovative and impactful ideas to life.
Perhaps one of the greatest examples of people coming together at the CTCC was during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the CTCC served as a homeless shelter for 300 people, and in 2021, it was Alberta’s largest COVID-19 vaccination site, with over 400,000 immunizations taking place there.
“At the CTCC, we are a place of possibilities where a single conversation can ignite ideas that ripple out across our community, creating an impactful effect,” says president and CEO Kurby Court. “When we collaborate with our city, civic and community partners, as well as local businesses, we are supporting the connections that enhance the quality of life and have a lasting reach on Calgary’s diverse and vibrant communities.”
A connector for all
Centrally located, the CTCC is steps away from internationally recognized hotels, top-rated restaurants and a variety of shopping options. The convention centre serves as a gateway to the best of the city.
“With our location in the heart of downtown Calgary, we are a place to connect, innovate and inspire. For over 50 years, we have been a gathering place for Calgarians and guests from around the world to create meaningful connections, and as a community leader, our impact reaches well beyond our walls when we collaborate and connect with diverse perspectives and people from around the world,” says Court.
In 2023, the CTCC successfully hosted 226 events, resulting in $110.2 million in economic impact. Beyond dollars, the CTCC is also a centre of opportunity, where even small connections can spark world-changing ideas and where people can get connected and enriched so they can return to their own communities equipped to do better.
To learn more, visit calgary-convention.com.
Enriching Communities with Open Hearts
Trico Homes strengthens a southwest community with a symbol of unity created by Jane Seymour.
In the southwest community of Kingsland Junction stands an eye-catching sculpture by renowned actress and artist Jane Seymour. Open Heart, a heart-shaped bronze sculpture finished in striking burgundy lacquer, was unveiled this past June. The heart is open on one end, designed to remind us that love and an open heart can carry us through difficult times.
Trico Homes commissioned the sculpture as part of its ongoing commitment to foster empathy, compassion and well-being through its communities. Located next to Trico LivingWell, a senior retirement community, Open Heart is more than a piece of artwork; it’s a message to say we all have the capacity to open our hearts and minds, and connect with friends, family and fellow community members.
Seymour emphasizes the tactile qualities the piece offers. “What’s lovely about a sculpture is when you go and visit, you touch it, sit on it, lean against it, and you’re there with your grandchildren. It’s a message that’s easily passed on,” says Seymour. “It’s a generational experience.”
With this sculpture, Trico reaffirms its commitment to not just building homes, but creating communities and spaces that foster kindness and connection. Kingsland Junction and Open Heart embody that inclusiveness, inviting all to engage and contribute to the vibrancy of the Kingsland community.
“Trico is not just doing a service for its residents, but to the community and actually the world at large,” says Seymour. “When people see something like this in a public place, they’ll go, ‘What’s that?’ and it sparks a meaningful conversation.”
To learn more about Trico’s commitment to community, visit tricocommunities.com
Hope is in your hands to create a better Calgary
Calgary’s first garden-to-table community nourishes residents and fosters social connections through unique community designs.
“The face of poverty in Calgary is changing. It’s no longer an issue confined to certain neighbourhoods or demographics. Today, it can be a neighbour, a co-worker or a family down the street struggling to put food on the table,” says Karen Young, president and CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area.
Right now, one in four Calgarians is not able to meet their basic needs like food, rent or utilities. This impacts more than our wallets: it affects our mental health, relationships and ability to participate in the community. These challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable. But united, we can create short- and long-term solutions to improve lives across our city.
Hope is in your hands is about the power we have — as individuals and as a collective — to address the complex issues facing our city. When you extend a helping hand, you are driving change.
Anyone can make a difference. By making a gift of any amount to United Way’s Community Impact Fund, you create a ripple of change that touches lives across our community. Last year, United Way of Calgary and Area helped more than 223,000 people across our city and surrounding area. We partnered with 134 agencies and harnessed the inspirational power of more than 15,000 volunteers to drive change and spread hope throughout the communities where we live, work and play.
Hope is in your hands this giving season to make a real impact in our community. United, we can build a future where every Calgarian has the opportunity to succeed. The journey begins with you, and it starts today.
Join the movement. Give today: hope.uwca.cahope.uwca.ca
This content was produced for the advertiser by RedPoint Media for commercial purposes. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Avenue staff.
