vital

impact Stories of community in action

Building Community…
one conversation at a time
“The first step towards building a sustainable city is to get
to know your neighbour. You may not have much time
or resources, but each and every one of you can
go out this weekend and meet your neighbour.”
—Participant at Vital Conversations

Calgary is a city of rapid change. Over the past
decade, our city has gone through major shifts in its
population, economy, leadership, urban landscape
and cultural framework. As new communities grow,
Calgarians are looking to reconnect – to their city,
their communities, and their neighbours.
The Calgary Foundation (TCF) is working towards
making these connections. In 2010, we are hosting
Vital Conversations – a series of discussions on
issues of importance to Calgarians.
The first Vital Conversation, on January 22, 2010,
convened 150 citizens and asked “How can we build
a more Sustainable City?”
The diverse crowd surprisingly came up with very
similar discussion highlights and consistent themes.
These Calgarians wanted to see more:
• Connections with neighbours and community
• Public spaces
• Community gardens
• Self-organized events
The Calgary Foundation is listening to the opinions
of Calgarians. By creating meeting places, fostering
partnerships, providing grants, and working
closely with donors, we are constantly working towards
bringing people together…to take the pulse of Calgary.

Countless amazing initiatives are happening throughout our city. From grassroots projects to nationwide collaborations,
The Calgary Foundation has community stories to share.

Community Gardens
Blossoming in Calgary
In the fall of 2007, the Calgary Horticultural Society approached TCF with
a plan to create a Community Garden Resource Network to promote and
strengthen the community garden movement in Calgary.

When the application was submitted, there were between 10 and 15

community gardens in Calgary.

As the multi-year grant comes to a close, the Horticultural Society

surpassed expectations. Calgary now has at least 49 public and private
community gardens, while 56 community groups are exploring
gardens for the upcoming seasons.

Over the past two years, TCF has welcomed citizen enthusiasm – 18
groups applied to our Neighbour Grants and Stepping Stones
grassroots granting streams to help establish or renovate gardens. The
City of Calgary has also opened up new granting programs to help out.

Gardens are a great amenity to any neighbourhood. They provide beauty,

often promote self-sufficiency, and celebrate diversity by bringing people
together to share their knowledge and experience.

Questions about community gardens? Visit calhort.org

BE A GRADER
By combining facts, opinions and
perceptions, Calgary’s VitalSigns
for the 2010 Calgary’s provides a realistic look at our
VitalSigns Report. strengths and weaknesses today,
TAKING THE PULSE OF CALGARY so we can effectively move
Add your voice to help shape toward the city we want to create
our rapidly changing city.
SURVEY NOW OPEN! for ourselves and our children.
Have your say at thecalgaryfoundation.org

Publication of vital impact supported by:

thecalgaryfoundation.org
 vital impact

Destination…
A healthy community
The economic downturn will affect
the voluntary sector for years to
come. What can our community do to
weather the storm?
In the fall of 2009, the Calgary Chamber
of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO)
assessed the effects of the economic
downturn on Alberta’s nonprofits
and charities. Their research found:
“Nonprofits and charities have been
adapting to the recession, but they
are stretched to the limit. They have
little capacity to adjust to increased
demand or reduced funding as the
greatest impact of the recession
hits the sector in 2010.”
As a community leader, The Calgary
Foundation is partnering with donors
and funders, nonprofits, government, for
profits and the community to find new
solutions and build new connections
integral to maintaining a healthy
community.
In December 2009, TCF and Mount
Royal University’s Institute for Nonprofit
Studies organized a full day forum,
Building a New Road
– Reshaping Relationships to
Sustain the Collective Impact of
Calgary’s Nonprofit Sector.
The event brought 100 community
influencers together to build new
relationships and move promising
solutions forward.
By asking, “What transformations and
what conversations are needed in the
nonprofit sector?” we challenged a critical
mass of creative people to find a better
route to travel – one that will sustain the
positive impact of Calgary’s nonprofit
organizations.
View the discussion findings at
thecalgaryfoundation.org

NONPROFITS
Collaborate
Six years ago, The Calgary Foundation invited Calgary’s
autism-serving organizations to come together and clarify the
range of services offered.

Two years after the initial meeting, the Autism Calgary

Association (ACA) applied for a grant to work with other
organizations to produce a self-help guide for families
affected by ASD.

During that collaborative process, ACA observed a lack

FUNDERS
of connections, inconsistency in information delivered to
families, and a limited understanding of other support

Collaborate available to clients.

In the fall of 2009, the Foundation enthusiastically supported

Did you know Calgary’s waste water
a new initiative to strengthen relationships and build new
reaches Lake Winnipeg?
partnerships within the autism-serving community.
Lake Winnipeg’s watershed – stretching
Shortly thereafter, a TCF donor enquired about opportunities
from Calgary to Edmonton, from the
to support the autism community. TCF was able to connect
Crowsnest Pass to Lake Superior – is
that donor with this initiative who amazingly doubled the
visibly deteriorating. The watershed is in
initial grant and supported the initiative for two more years.
rapid decline due to pollution, population
pressures and water diversion.

The main threat is eutrophication: an excess

of nutrients causing an overgrowth of
algae. Too much algae consumes an
excess of oxygen and suffocates
fish and plants living in
shallower areas.
The public needs
to know how their CALGARY
actions are threatening
Western Canada’s water Collaborates
quality. Shrinking resources and an increased demand
for services have inspired nonprofits across
Serious threats to our water supply
Canada to find new solutions. Many
have motivated Community Foundations in organizations are becoming more
the watershed to come together and work interested in joining networks to share
as a team. TCF and 19 other Community resources and space to reduce
Foundations are collaborating to find the costs and increase impact.
most effective way to raise awareness and
To provide insight and develop
support change that needs to happen. knowledge about collaborative
The Calgary Foundation has taken the practices, TCF supported the creation
lead on a public awareness campaign. of a new report, Sharing Services,
Sharing Space: Laying the foundation
TCF challenged a number of Community
for increased collaboration in the
Foundations to support Dr. James Byrne
voluntary sector.
of the University of Lethbridge in his
production of Choking Lake Winnipeg With more than 200 participating organizations,
this report gives a comprehensive view of how
– a documentary and education program
to move forward with shared resources in
outlining issues facing the watershed.
Calgary.
Choking Lake Winnipeg aims to enlighten
View the report at calgarycvo.org
the public, beg scrutiny of the issues and
promote discussion about solutions.

Stay tuned for future updates at

thecalgaryfoundation.org

thecalgaryfoundation.org
 vital impact

forever funds
In 2006, The Calgary Foundation established the Forever Funds
Join Us…
The Calgary Foundation
initiative to encourage civic engagement in five areas that require
and Borden Ladner Gervais
increased leadership and funding: Mental Health, Arts & Heritage, will be hosting the last
Diversity & Inclusion, Seniors and the Environment. Forever Funds Speaker Series Event –
To raise public awareness of these important issues, The Calgary
Foundation partnered with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP to establish
Arts & Heritage
the Forever Funds Speaker Series. You & your guests are invited
to share a special evening with
The series has featured inspiring and entertaining speakers… Simon Brault
Vice-Chair, Canada Council for the Arts
CEO, National Theatre School of Canada
Mental Health Seniors
After conducting 15 years Writer and musician Kelly Walker
of research, Dr. Stephen brought humour and compassion
Post found that compassion, to share life lessons about aging
generosity and volunteerism are and enjoying life to its fullest, “We
directly linked to a higher quality of can choose to live in isolation on a small
life – both physically and mentally. planet, or to live deeply within it.”

Diversity & Inclusion Environment

Zaib Shaikh, star of CBC’s,
”Little Mosque on the Prairie”
took an engaging look at the
multicultural miracle known
as Canada. Although he believes
Canada is a vibrant example of
cross-cultural cooperation, Shaikh
didn’t paper over the racism and
social injustice that still lingers.
Adventurer, educator and
environmentalist Geoff Green
exposed important environmental NO Culture, NO Future
issues through incredible visuals and Opening the gates
inspiring tales of polar adventures. As the to a field of creative activity
founder of ‘Students on Ice,’ Geoff has
taken over 1000 students to polar regions
Monday, June 7th, 2010
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
to promote understanding and respect of The Lantern Community Church in Inglewood
our global ecosystem. 1401 10th Avenue SE Calgary

rsvp at thecalgaryfoundation.org

Through several granting streams, TCF has supported many organizations and projects
working in the five Forever Funds issue areas.

Arts & Heritage Seniors

The Midnapore Cycle - Walk in
the footsteps of those who came
before us
“The Midnapore
Cycle,” a Site-
Specific Play by
Mieko Ouchi, is an
outdoor performance
that celebrates the
rich history of the land
St. Mary’s University
College sits on. Written
entirely in verse, this
unique play literally walks
audiences from scene to scene and brings
history to life.... with guilds representing
geology, First Nations, missionaries, music
and history.
Showing June 10-13 2010.
More information at themidnaporecycle.com
Mental Health
River of Life: Aboriginal Youth
Suicide Prevention Workshop
Statistics show that the rate of Aboriginal
youth suicides is significantly higher than
the non-Aboriginal rate. In 2008, the Centre
for Suicide Prevention (CSP) approached
The Calgary Foundation with a plan to
develop a one-day Aboriginal Suicide
Workshop with guidance from Elders and
Aboriginal youth workers.
“The trust, the learning, and the
understanding that was built in this process
was phenomenal,” writes Diane Yackel,
Executive Director of CSP. “The Elders shared
their wisdom and guided the process.”
The workshop is being delivered in three
Métis communities in Saskatchewan, and will
soon be offered online across Canada.
Find out more at suicideinfo.ca through educational programs and a riveting speaker series.
Boomers Staying Active
Kerby Centre is a multi-purpose social service, recreational and educational
facility operated by, and for, Calgarians 55 and over. In 2009, Kerby Centre
conducted a research study that showed 70% of its current members were
concerned about their overall health and lack of fitness.
The Centre also found the new generation of ‘boomers’ have a strong desire to
stay active, but may not have the financial resources to access facilities.
To address this need, Kerby Centre received a grant from TCF to develop
a fitness room and recreation programming. This facility will service 4000
members and should be completed in the winter of 2010.
Diversity & Inclusion
Growing Up Among Strangers
At least 17,000 immigrants living in Calgary
are between the ages of 15 and 23.
To promote inclusion and discussion among
this group, Aspen Family and Community
Network Society approached TCF with a
creative project - to research the experiences
of Calgary’s immigrant youth and make an educational documentary.
“Growing Up Among Strangers” tracks stories of young newcomers and their
struggle to reconcile the world at home with the world at school.
“These are voices that need to be heard,“ says Calgary filmmaker, Nina Sudra,
who grew up in a Hindu household and attended Catholic School. “So many
youth are straddling two cultures or... identities... trying to balance both.”
“Growing Up Among Strangers” was nominated for four Rosie Awards at the
Alberta Motion Picture Industry Awards. View the video online at aspenfamily.org
Environment
Living with Wildlife
Do you keep your garbage inside your tent, or pull
over to take pictures of wildlife? Maybe it’s time you
visit wildsmart.ca
Bow Valley WildSmart recently formed a coalition
with TCF and community partners to outline a
conservation strategy for the Bow Valley.
Part of this strategy includes teaching residents and visitors the skills to reduce
conflicts between humans and wildlife. WildSmart gets its word out creatively

thecalgaryfoundation.org
 vital impact

On April 28th, The Calgary Foundation Inspired by TCF’s Calgary’s VitalSigns, the report combines the
opinions of youth aged 12–24, with timely research to inform
and Youth Central released the first the public and private sectors, governments, youth funders and
Youth Vital Signs Report. youth serving charitable organizations.

A few of the many Vital Facts from the 2010 Youth Vital Signs Report:

• Calgary has the lowest rate of youth cigarette smokers (grades

7–12) in Alberta, but the highest rate of youth who smoked
cannabis in the past year

• Calgary’s Youth offences decreased by almost 25% since 2005.

• In 2009, 29% of Calgary’s Grade 3 students were ESL students,
compared to the provincial average of 13%.

Photo: KRISTA SYLVESTER, METRO CALGARY

• In October 2009, the unemployment rate for Calgary’s youth
reached 15.3% – twice the rate of unemployed adults.

View the Youth Vitals Signs Report

YOUTH
at thecalgaryfoundation.org or cyfc.ca

TAKING THE PULSE OF CALGARY

From Reel to Real Hoops Unite

Community
It all started with three teens from Calgary’s
South East wanting to play basketball. Tired of
not having access to a proper hoop, they gathered
support from their community to apply for a
Neighbour Grant from The Calgary Foundation
to purchase a basketball standard for their
neighbourhood.

The youth, their parents and a wide circle of

community residents came together to install the
standard, and hosted a three-on-three basketball
competition to celebrate.

This project became an ever-evolving inspiration for

Cantos Music Foundation is creating an innovative
music program that teaches students how to make
the most of current technology by creating, composing,
designing, performing and recording silent films.
The program stems from our community’s need
for more immersive, curriculum-linked, experiential
learning opportunities for Calgary’s students.
“Reel to Real” not only allows students to observe the
historical collection at Cantos, but allows students to
use the instruments to create new works of art.
the whole community. The boys who initiated the
project are now thinking of tackling other projects
and the three-on-three competition has become
an annual event that keeps neighbours connected
with each other and with local resources.
Neighbour Grants offers grants up to $5,000 to
support resident-led projects that help create and
strengthen the ordinary bonds of neighbourliness.
Find out how you can apply at
thecalgaryfoundation.org

“This program will really give students an evolutionary

experience as they combine historical instruments with
new technology and software,” says Andrew Mosker,
Executive Director at Cantos.

YOUTH Studio SOUNDS

The Boys and Girls Club of Calgary (BGCC) has exciting
plans in the near future! BGCC, an organization that provides a
safe, supportive environment for children and youth, is moving
forward to build a sound recording studio in the garage of ‘the
Hangar’, their new Renfrew facility.

Before going ahead with plans, they did their homework. They
visited Edmonton’s “I human” program, where homeless
youth are engaged through art, and met with Toronto’s ‘Blue
Sky DJ Service’ to see how DJ programs teach business skills,
“The studio will engage youth that are typically difficult to attract
entrepreneurship and encourage pride in one’s work.
with our traditional community programming,” reports Cheryl
The Hangar already offers programs in areas of visual arts, DJ Doherty, Executive Director of BGCC. “We’re already seeing a
and dance, and plans to expand to theatre, fashion design, new group of kids out, showing up on their own accord every
photography, and recording. week to learn how to DJ.”

GOING GREEN FOR HEALTHY HEALING
My Healthy
Home
After The Calgary Foundation
granted to Green Calgary’s
Healthy Home Calgary Program,
my curiosity led me to sign up for
a free consultation of my little,
old, drafty house in Inglewood.
From what I had learned, Green
Calgary was going to come to my
house and talk about reducing
my ecological footprint.
The experience was amazing.
I welcomed Ami and Lauren into
my home. They began by asking
for my last energy bill. After
taking a quick look, Ami asked
if I had started using an electric
heater in January. In fact I had,
and I learned right away how
energy deficient they were.
They proceeded to examine
everything from the artificial
scents I was using, to my plastic
containers, cleaning supplies,
windows, and shower head. I
couldn’t believe how much I
was learning.
Their recommendations showed
me that simple alterations would
result in a positive and lasting
change. I learned how to improve
the air quality of my home, reduce
energy and water consumption,
and make sustainable food choices.
Since their first visit, I’ve
installed a composter and a rain
barrel in my backyard, made my
own laundry detergent, replaced
my air fresheners with essential
oils, changed my shower head and
switched over to energy-saving
light bulbs.
I’m really looking forward to
the second visit so that Ami and
Lauren can walk through my
house and see that I’ve done
my ‘homework.’ I hope they are
okay with the fact that I’m still
not ready to let go of my vanilla
scented candles!
—Teri Shortreed
Since the program was launched in
2009, the Healthy Homes team has
visited 382 homes all over the city.
They have installed over 1000 energy
saving light bulbs, 355 low-flow
shower heads and 260 compost bins.
Learn more at greencalgary.org
vital impact
The therapeutic
garden
Calgary has a multitude of parks and natural areas
to enjoy. These green spaces offer us a place of rest
or play, an oasis and getaway from our often hectic
lives. Yet for an often marginalized segment of our
population, green space can be even more- it can be
a place of healing and learning.
The Horticultural Therapy Program is designed to
Photo: MaryAnne Robeson
work with disadvantaged persons living with varying
disabilities from Autism and Down Syndrome to
severe learning disabilities. Those who take part in
the program plan, nurture and maintain a variety
of native plants and herbs. Not only do these
participants enjoy the simple pleasures of gardening, they develop important life skills,
make friends and help create a greener Calgary for all to enjoy.
The Horticultural Therapy Program is hosted by Parks Foundation Calgary and Prospect
– an organization that supports disadvantaged adults living with disabilities.
The program is currently running at the Lougheed House and Haultain Park.
For more information visit parksfdn.com
a breath of fresh air
Canmore students launch anti-idling campaign
Last Spring, a group of students
were on the look-out for
Canmore residents who kept
their car idling.
The Green Team, students from
Lawrence Grassi Middle School,
joined The Bow Valley Mountain
Air Program to raise awareness
about the negative effects idling
has on air quality.
Photo: Craig Douce
The project began by
documenting how many cars
were idling around their school.
After compiling data, they
launched a creative public awareness campaign. They put up posters,
recorded radio announcements, held a “Mountain Idle Song Contest,”
and created a film to spread the word about the need for clean air.
The film, “Mountain Idle,” has since been shown at film festivals in
Mississauga, Ontario and Calgary.
Overall, it is estimated that the campaign reduced air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions by 69.25 tonnes of CO2 in one year.
Watch “Mountain Idle” at biosphereinstitute.org.
Wilderness Skills Training teaches outdoor leadership skills for those involved with
Aboriginal youth, wilderness therapy, eco-cultural tourism or at-risk youth. Along with
Certification in R.C. Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Interpretive Guide Apprentice Guide,
Group Management and Wilderness Guide, this intensive, life-changing course explores
the healing and educational aspects of outdoor programs.
June 20th – June 30th, 2010
Register now at ghostriverrediscovery.com
thecalgaryfoundation.org
 vital impact

The Owen Hart

Foundation, established at
The Calgary Foundation, The Calgary Foundation values the assistance
provides opportunities for and expertise of our exceptional volunteers.
hard-working people who Core Committees
have limited resources and
Audit Children, Youth
unlimited potential.
Ian Bourne & Families
More information at Bev Foy, Chair Bernadette Alexander
owenhartfoundation.org Alison Love Edward R. Alexander
Gregory Lohnes Tracy Beairsto
Ruth Spetz Sunny Delaney-Clark, Chair
Scott Timson W.R. (Bill) Dickson
For the love of Hockey Donor Relations/ Kim Kiyawasew
Din Ladak
Ten million dollar Daryl K. Seaman Professional Advisors
Jason Sweeney
Canadian Hockey Fund established Jas Butalia
Dale A. Ens Karam-Ali Talakshi
Doc Seaman has been described as a hero, Pierre Fournier Education &
icon, pioneer, philanthropist, visionary Cheryl Gottselig Life Long Learning
and legend. On the list of his many Ross Kobayashi Allan Baker
achievements, he was an original owner of G. Kenneth Little Cheryl Cohen
Carl Scholz W.R. (Bill) Dickson
the Calgary Flames and was instrumental
Mike Skrypnek A. John Fischer
Photo: courtesy Russell Moore Images

in bringing them to Calgary in 1980. Donald L. Smith, CFP Ross Kobayashi

Through this Fund, Doc’s love for Governance Murray E. Laverty, Chair
hockey and sports, and his dedication Donald G. Cormack Patti Pon
Gerald Deyell Farrah Sunderani
to community will leave a lasting legacy
Alison Love, Chair Anila Umar
for years to come. Bob White
P. Michael Maher
The purpose of grants from the Ross McNichol Environment
Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund Dean Prodan Shelley Alexander
is to support all aspects of nationwide Anne Tingle Kitt Chanthaboune
amateur ice hockey and registered Grants George Damian
Canadian amateur athletic associations. Trish Bond Yasmin Dean
Sunny Delaney-Clark W.R. (Bill) Dickson
The Fund will be ready to accept David Dunlop
W.R. (Bill) Dickson, Chair
applications in the fall of 2010. Sherry Ferronato Tian Everest
Please visit thecalgaryfoundation.org Hamish Kerfoot Hamish Kerfoot, Chair
in the future for updates and details. Murray E. Laverty Jamie Major
Chima Nkemdirim Elizabeth Peters
Betty Schultz Health and Wellness
Don Thurston Azim Aminzadah
Board of Directors Amal Umar Murtaza Amirali
W.R. (Bill) Dickson
Investment
Donald G. Cormack, C.A. Beverley Foy, C.A. Ali Bhojani Jean Dreger
Chair, Board of Directors Partner,
Ian Bourne, Chair Sarah Empey
Partner, Collins Barrow Calgary LLP
Bev Foy Ryan Franke
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Director since 2008 Anne Lockwood
Bob Gibson
Director since 2001 Shannon Seaman
Ross Kobayashi Sandra Macenko Merkley
Alison T. Love Community Volunteer John McCormick Shane Smith
Vice Chair Director since 2005 Wes Peters Amal Umar, Chair
Vice President and Corporate Don Thurston Neighbour Grants
Din Ladak
Secretary, Enbridge Inc.
CEO, Kevin Boyer
Director since 2003
Immigrant Services Calgary Grant Advisory W.R. (Bill) Dickson
Ali A. Bhojani Director since 2003 Committees Jeff Loomis
Investment Banking Ladan Nur
Ken Little Arts & Culture
Director since 2009 Bev Renaud
Partner, Carscallen Leitch LLP Suzanne Boss
Ian Bourne Director since 2008 Don Thurston, Chair
Cathy Cochrane
Chair, Ballard Power Systems DeeAnne Vonde
Ross B. McNichol, C.A. W.R. (Bill) Dickson
Director since 2007 Thao Vu
Partner, Chris Downie
Jeff Loomis
Sunny Delaney-Clark DNTW Chartered Vern Hume
Managing Director, Accountants, LLP Juliette John Organization
Kentrexs International Director Since 2002 Donna Livingstone Development
Director since 2009 Board Chair 2006-2008 Hieu Van Ngo W.R. (Bill) Dickson
Gerald M. Deyell, Q.C. Donald Thurston Chima Nkemdirim, Chair Sherry Ferronato, Chair
Retired Partner, President, Jennifer Victor Keith Seel
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP Selkirk Portfolio Ursula J. Wohlfarth
Campus Calgary/
Director since 2007 Management Inc. Student Awards
Open Minds
Director Since 2004
W.R. (Bill) Dickson, Ph.D Brian Briggs Terry Allen
Community Volunteer Anne Tingle W.R. (Bill) Dickson W.R. (Bill) Dickson
Director since 2004 Community Volunteer Susan Lerner Anne Tingle
Director Since 2003 David B. Mitchell, Chair
Dale Ens
Principal, Amal Umar Marlene Mulligan
Blaeberry Estate Planning Inc. Community Volunteer Trish Savill
Director since 2006 Director Since 2002 Anne Tingle

Publication of vital impact supported by:

#700, 999 ­- 8th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 1J5 • 403 802-7700

thecalgaryfoundation.org