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yegcityofchamps-blog · 7 years ago

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Ruth Kelly one of Edmonton’s admired leaders dies at 60

**Editors Note** A GoFundMe page was set-up to help the family with funeral and memorial services expenses. As of June 25th there was $2,850 of a stated $10k goal. Link

June 15, 2017.

“Be curious. Be bold. Be kind,” Ruth Kelly President & Publisher of Venture Publishing, telling a graduating class at the University of Alberta in June 2016, “Pursue your life desires with boldness, for little will come to those who are faint of heart. I believe in you; you pioneers of the next Alberta.”

Members of the Friends of A City of Champions (FOACOC) were either friends or fans of Edmonton’s Ruth Kelly, we would all like to share our deepest condolences to Ruth’s family, friends, business and community partners with the shocking news of her sudden passing on June 15, 2017.

While successful for decades in the male dominated publishing business world Ruth’s heart was always at the grass-root level of her community mentoring countless citizens while always giving her-all to help make Edmonton, Alberta and Canada the best it could possible be.

In 1997 Ruth took a one hundred dollar investment and turned Edmonton based, Venture Publishing Inc., into Alberta publishing powerhouse.

As President and CEO she was also the publisher and editor-in-chief of the award-winning Alberta Venture, Alberta Oil magazines with their added online content, plus Venture Publishing’s custom publishing division which produced magazines for a variety of clients including Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Cancer Foundation, Consulting Engineers of Alberta, Merit Contractors, Alberta Health Services, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Canadian Association of Drilling Engineers, Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association and Petroleum Services Association of Canada and other publications.

The FOACOC could not agree more with Lesley MacDonald, the founder, producer, writer and host of Global’s Women of Vision who said on word of her passing said, “People went to Ruth for business advice. She was one of this city’s most admired leaders and very much a champion for women.”

It is not surprising and actually fitting that Ruth Kelly’s last social media post to the public was in the defense of another high-profile community leader and a “pioneer of the next Alberta”; “Ruth Kelly @RuthatVenture May 26 , 2017. I stand with @marnipanas and all trans women. #womenarewomen.”

Below are just some of Ruth Kelly’s community and business highlights;

Chair of Epcor’s Community Essentials Council, which directs Epcor’s annual philanthropic activities.

Member of the Alberta School of Business’s Advisory Council.

Member of Alberta Promise cabinet.

Board of directors of Magazines Canada.

Mayor’s Business Roundtable advisors for the City of Edmonton.

Ruth chaired the 2015 Capital Region’s United Way campaign.

Was recognized as a Global Woman of Vision in 1998.

2003 YWCA Woman of Distinction in the Entrepreneur category.

Allard Chair of Business at MacEwan School of Business in 2005.

2005 Chaired the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

2008 Canadian Women in Communications, Woman of the Year, making her the first Albertan to receive this national honour.

An honorary degree in business from NAIT in 2008.

2012 Lifetime Achievement in Publishing Award by the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association.

2013, Ruth received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to the community and business.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs awarded Ruth with their Celebration of Entrepreneurial Achievement recognition in 2013.

2014 Distinguished Workplace Leader award recipient from The Alberta Congress Board.

2016 honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Alberta. Complete speech; www.ualberta.ca/news-and-events/newsarticles/2016/june/ruth-kelly-honorary-doctor-of-laws

An outpouring of heartfelt condolences have flooded in since the sad news of Ruth’s sudden passing which came out early on Thursday June 15, 2017.

Marni Panas @marnipanas “Oh my - just heard of her passing. She was an amazing Edmonton woman who stood for up for so many and an inspiration to me. A huge loss.”

Ryan Jespersen @ryanjespersen; “Alberta lost one of its biggest backers with @RuthatVenture's passing. Sending love to her family through this terribly difficult time. #yeg”

Don Iveson @doniveson; A great loss for Edmonton. Ruth was a genuine leader; giving inspiration to @myunitedway & for #EndPovertyEdmonton. Our deepest sympathies.

Sarah Chan @misssarahchan; Edmonton is mourning the loss of one of our fiercest community leaders. A mentor to me. As a mentor, Ruth always had time and wise counsel for me. Thank you for connecting me to such meaningful work and other community leaders

Kathleen Smith @KikkiPlanet; I'm crushed at the news of the passing of #yeg legend Ruth Kelly. Together with @YouAreFIERCE, Ruth believed in me when no one else did. Ruth inspired me, motivated me, kicked my ass when it needed to be kicked, and Ruth mentored me time & time again. A stunning & shocking loss for Alberta, the charities Ruth worked tirelessly for, and women she had yet to mentor. Just crushed. This city lost one of our greats with the passing of Ruth Kelly. Ruth's greatest legacy is her belief that true success is in helping others to succeed. It's who she was at her core. I told Ruth I wanted to be like her when I grow up. She smiled & said "then have another glass of wine" and pushed over the bottle.

atbfinancial‏ @atbfinancial Ruth Kelly contributed so much to our community. She will be remembered for the positive difference she made and the force for good she was.

Heather Klimchuk @HeatherKlimchuk; Such an incredible loss for Alberta. Ruth Kelly was always fiercely positive, inclusive & so supportive of our community. Had an opportunity to cry, laugh & most of all hug good friends tonite for Ruth Kelly. Thks @LesleyWOV & @TraceyScarlett! We love you Ruth

Gale Katchur @GaleKatchur; Ruth was such an amazing women and an inspiration to me with her energy and love for others. She will be greatly missed.

Dan Buff MacLennan @BuffMaclennan; Tragic loss.Have admired @RuthatVenture for over 20 years both professionally and as a friend. Gone to soon. RIP.

Dr.Cristina Stasia @CristinaStasia; Very sad to hear this news. @RuthatVenture was such an important voice for Alberta, especially for women. Sincere condolences to her family.

YWCA CEO Jackie Foord on the passing of Ruth Kelly; "The loss of Ruth Kelly is devastating. Our hearts go out to her family and all those who loved her. Ruth was a true friend to the YWCA. Every time we picked up the phone, Ruth made time for the call. When we asked for advice, she offered us her wisdom. When we needed support, she gave us her all. Much will be written about Ruth and her incredible contributions to Edmonton and the province in the coming days. But we will remember her as a champion for gender equality and a role model for countless women and girls. Ruth was an extraordinary woman, and we will miss her terribly."

“First and Last Interns” Mifi Purvis‏ @MifiP This is Willow White and @iamtracyhyatt, the last and first interns @RuthatVenture ever had.

United Way ACR @myunitedway; We are sad to hear about the passing of Ruth Kelly. Her contributions and the incredible difference she made will always be remembered. Ruth Kelly was a major advocate for many issues and causes, making a difference for thousands. Her passing is a loss for our whole community.

UniversityofAlberta‏ @UAlberta We are mourning the loss of Ruth Kelly, a great friend and advocate of the U of A. Our condolences to her friends and family. https://t.co/4Hq1iBQs9S

Sandra Marocco @ssmarocco; “RIP Ruth Kelly. Utmost respect for what she did for women in publishing. As a competitor and partner, she taught me so much. So sad.”

BGCBIGS @BGCBigs; Ruth Kelly was a gift to our organization; she gave her time, talent, & heart for our kids. Our sincere condolences to her friends & family.

Thomas A. Lukaszuk @LukaszukAB; I will miss my chats with Ruth Kelly, her smile, & her unwavering faith in Alberta. My thoughts are with loved ones & @VentureMags staff.

Beth Allard Clough @AllardBeth; Ruth Kelly @RuthatVenture was one of my first bosses. She was a mentor, a giver, a Big Sister, a committed Albertan. #yeg is mourning.

Stacey Brotzel @staceybrotzel; Ruth Kelly was a trailblazer. She was smart. She cared. So many wanted to be a little more like her. She was bad ass...that's why I liked her so much #RIP @RuthatVenture #yeg.

Paula Simons @Paulatics; Such a tragedy. Dynamic magazine publisher Ruth Kelly dies at 60. She was a force of nature - an extraordinary Edmonton voice, silenced. #yeg #yegmedia http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-publisher-ruth-kelly-dies

Rachel Singh @rachel_singh; This amazing woman gave me my start. It was an honour to work for you and share time on this planet @RuthatVenture.

Carmen @ThatsSoCarmen; Persistence can never be underestimated, Success takes effort. RIP @RuthatVenture. You're the original Girl Boss. Women everywhere thankyou.

Beth Allard Clough @AllardBeth; Ruth Kelly @RuthatVenture was one of my first bosses. She was a mentor, a giver, a Big Sister, a committed Albertan. #yeg is mourning.

Nora Molina @NoraMolina; Love and prayers for this amazing woman, so grateful to have known her and been inspired by @RuthatVenture .

Robert Fernandez @expoman99; So many of us lost a friend. What a trailblazer @RuthatVenture was. I will never forget her wisdom when we talked politics and #ableg RIP.

Wendy Cooper @WCooper28; I am so sad about the loss of @RuthatVenture. Heard this morning. I cannot get her out of my mind. She was such an inspiration to me.

Mike Henry @mikehenry1; RIP Ruth Kelly - bar none, one of the finest people I have ever known -you are missed. @RuthatVenture

Emmy Stuebing @emmystue; Honoured to work with and learn from @RuthatVenture #yeg is better because of her and she will be missed.

Allie Wojtaszek @Allie; "Pursue your life desires with boldness, for little will come to those who are faint of heart." - @RuthatVenture

Jeff Robinson @visibilitypower; Ruth was always willing to listen and provide really solid advice. Extremely busy but always willing to give. @RuthatVenture

J'lyn Nye @JlynNye; She will be greatly missed.

Donna Kennedy-Glans @dkennedyglans; What a loss for Alberta and Canada. Ruth spoke truth, especially when it wasn't easy. Rest in peace Ruth.

Gisele Danis‏ @giseleincalgary; A heavy heart hearing the passing of @RuthatVenture you were an inspiration to so many of us.

Alberta Women Entrep @AWEbusiness; Satement from our CEO, Marcela Mandeville on the passing of @RuthatVenture.

Julie Charchun‏ @Julie_Charchun; Thinking a lot about @RuthatVenture today. We met on @UAlberta BoG. She opendly condemned the lack of women reps, voted with us students. Took us seriously. Didn't give a sh*t what others thought. I admired that so much. She made me braver. 10+ yrs later I'm still grateful.

Dave Hancock‏ @DavehancockQC; We will miss Ruth! She contributed with enthusiasm and spirit! Ruth gave willingly and actively - a role model in so many ways.

Alpha Translations‏ @AlphaExpertise; Truly heartbreaking for our community to lose someone so inspirational.

Dr. Amit Monga‏ @dramitmonga; Shocked to hear the sudden passing of friend #RuthKelly She was passionate about #Entrepreneurship and most importantly loved #Alberta.

David Allan‏ @DavidA0403; Very sad to hear of the passing of Ruth Kelly. She was a visionary and a leader.#ruthkelly.

huxleyboyce‏ @huxleyboyce Jun 15

#ruthkelly Shocked to hear the of Ruth Kelly! you were Great for Edmonton and Alberta! Condolences to the Family!

Wade Izzard‏ @w_izzard; Canada has lost a true Champion in the publishing community with the passing of Edmonton's own #RuthKelly had so many accomplishments #yeg

Chris Bedford‏ @pushboundaries; 'Extraordinary woman': Edmonton publisher, editor Ruth Kelly dies RIP #Ruthkelly you were a true leader.

Kelly Doody‏ @kelly_doody; Gutted over the loss of AB publishing legend #RuthKelly. Leaving behind some very big shoes.

Christine Purvis‏ @PurvisChristine; #RuthKelly was a role model for women in communications. Sympathies to her family and to #VentureMags.

NorQuest College‏ @NorQuest; NorQuest College mourns Ruth Kelly who was a strong advocate for our students & the development of female leaders. We will miss her dearly.

Randy Duguay‏ @randy_duguay; Farewell to a publisher's publisher; Ruth Kelly was a voice for all Albertans

I am Tamara‏ @YouAreFIERCE; Went to the tribute for Ruth Kelly and so glad that I did. Reconnected with my @VentureMags peers blessed to be a part of that family

U of Alberta Press (@UAlbertaPress); UAlberta mourns loss of business, philanthropic & community leader, Ruth Kelly. shar.es/1Bg7To @ABbookpub @WritersGuildAB

Anshuman Khare‏ @shredordelete Ruth Kelly: “Only the good die young ..” Billy Joel. A great loss to Albertans. .@CBCNews @AlbertaVenture

CBC Edmonton @CBCEdmonton; 'Extraordinary woman': Edmonton publisher, editor Ruth Kelly dies www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/extraordinary-woman-edmonton-publisher-editor-ruth-kelly-dead-1.4162051

CTV Edmonton @ctvedmonton Edmontonians remember 'phenomenal' figure in #yeg's business community, Ruth Kelly: www.edmonton.ctvnews.ca/to-us-she-was-ruth-ruth-kelly-prominent-business-leader-and-publisher-passes-away-1.3461221

Global Edmonton‏ @GlobalEdmonton; "Ruth was phenomenal, so this news is very sad for a lot of us," says Mayor @doniveson www.globalnews.ca/news/3530905/prominent-alberta-publisher-ruth-kelly-dies

What Makes Edmonton A City of Champions? People like Ruth Kelly are a gift for any community, Edmonton was lucky to have this lady that made a difference and while she left the world far to early, Ruth left a legacy that will be seen for a long time to come.

Sincerely;

Friends A City of Champions

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yegcityofchamps-blog · 7 years ago

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Thomas Benjamin Banks, better known and respected around the world as, Tommy Banks. December 17, 1936 – January 25, 2018

Friends of Edmonton A City of Champions volunteers on the passing of Edmonton’s Tommy Banks

The volunteers with the Friends of Edmonton A City of Champions are extremely sadden by the world’s loss of a great Edmontonian, Thomas Benjamin Banks, better known and respected around the world as, Tommy Banks.

While he should have and was entitled to be called and addressed as The Honourable for the rest of his life, or first acknowledged Senator, Mr. or Sir, he just simply liked to be called Tommy.

This highly world-wide respected, amazing talented professional never stopped traveling, performing, working in and for his communities at large and lived a long and one of a kind life that others could only wish they could have. This “road warrior” as he was named in the music and TV industry, will not soon be forgotten.

It is not just the City of Champions at large that has lost one of its true Champions; his loss will be felt far and wide around the world. This is reflected in the early hours of his passing and how he is trending across social media platforms as the world spreads.

Aside from his family, Tommy’s professional accomplishments as a pianist, conductor, arranger, composer, television personality, since he first hit a professional stage at the tender age of 14, plus his hands on grassroots level community accomplishments in life are far too long to list on a single post. That said, here are a few highlights;

The Order of Canada, Alberta Order of Excellence, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal, 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Alberta Centennial Medal, an accomplished Senator of Canada, a star performer in many local, national and international syndicated network television programmes, a guest conductor with Symphony Orchestras around the world, musical director for events like the XI Commonwealth Games, Expo ’86, the World University Games and the XV Olympic Winter games, founding member of the Alberta Foundation for the Performing Arts, Association of Canadian Television and Radio Artists’ Life. Time Achievement Award, The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada’ Life Time Achievement Award, Juno Award, Gemini Award, Sir Frederick Haultain Prize, ARIA Awards, a member of the Edmonton Cultural Hall of Fame, served on numerous Board of Governors and Boards of Directors most recently with Wellspring Edmonton and the Northern Alberta of the CKUA Radio Network Capital Campaign.

The Friends cannot forget and would also like to send our condolences and support at this difficult time to Tommy’s family, his loving wife Ida, son Tom Banks, daughter Jill Chipman, son-in-law Kevin Chipman, granddaughter Jenna Banks, grandson Matthew Chipman, grandson Thomas Banks Jr., and granddaughter Mallory Chipman.

A special video produced by the Friends of Edmonton A City of Champions featuring proud Edmontonian, Tommy Banks who was glad to give us his thoughts of the Capital metro region. Direct link; www.facebook.com/YEGcityofchamps/videos/1347706218672970/

Sincerely;

Friends of Edmonton A City of Champions

*Facebook; www.facebook.com/YEGcityofchamps *Twitter; www.twitter.com/YegCityOfChamps *Tumblr; www.yegcityofchamps.tumblr.com *Instagram; www.instagram.com/yegcityofchamps

#Friends of Edmonton A City of Champions #COC #Edmonton A City of Champions #City of Champions #Edmonton #Tommy Banks #Thomas Benjamin Banks #Alberta #Order of Canada #Order of Alberta #CKUA Radio Network #CKUA #lberta Foundation for the Performing Arts #Senator #Senator of Canada

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yegcityofchamps-blog · 8 years ago

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What makes Edmonton A City of Champions? www.facebook.com/YEGcityofchamps

Being part of #AlbertStrong, May 2016 and for months after.

Some say that the deep love for the City of Champions spirit that Edmonton has is just for generations long passed by with time. This of course is just not true! Edmontonians can be very PROUD of their efforts! Citizens of all ages line-up to help evacuees from the Fort McMurray area as the northern Alberta city of up to 90,000 was completely evacuated as the “BEAST” engulfed whole neighbourhoods with an unstopped wall of flames.

It is still a miracle that no one was killed in the first day of this incredibly crippling, record-breaking wildfire. While hundred of thousands of Edmontonians literally stepped up to volunteer in countless ways, the City of Edmonton sent first responders, equipment as well as other city employees and supplies that could help with the unfolding disaster. These brave people risked their lives without question to help everyone they could in the Fort McMurray region. Emergency response managers had more employees volunteering than they needed to go north when called. This was such a massive event that Canadian military personal were activated to help support first responders, including members from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron based at Edmonton Garrison.

"I know the pain that the Fort McMurray people feel,"

Quotes from @CBCEdmonton;****_ www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton_

With the countless amount of people taking part in all levels of the Fort McMurray wildfires relief efforts only a small percentage of first responders, city, business employees, government workers and volunteers were ever featured in the media or online. Not widely reported at the time was an incredible offer of help from a small group of brand new Edmontonians that were not just financially strapped but completely displaced themselves. This small group of Syrian refugees showed just how BIG the City of Champions spirit can be. Morhaf Aldiri, in spite of arriving from a dusty refugee camp in Jordan to Edmonton in February 2016, he plus 20 other new Syrian refugees, also living in a northwest Edmonton neighbourhood stepped up to help with a small, but very thoughtful and kind gesture. "When I came it was very difficult," said Aldiri. "Another country, I don't know anything, any people, but lots of people help and help me, so it's very nice." Aldiri and his family know what it is like to run for your life leaving everything behind when their house was hit by a bomb in Daraa, Syria, in 2013. They had been without a home and country-less since that fateful day.Knowing what it is like losing everything in a second, Aldiri, 25, explains through a translator, "I know the pain that the Fort McMurray people feel," he said, "I lost my home as well in Syria, and it really touched me." His family not only knows what it is like to be without a home but also without a country anymore.

The very grateful Aldiri said “we want to return the favour", the group talked about what they could do to support the people affected by the monsters fires in and around Fort McMurray. The small group came up with the very family oriented idea of raising money to pay for a very special homemade traditional Syrian meal for as many evacuees that they could muster resources for. As word spread, more joined the effort, now with the help of around 60 Syrian families, other. Edmontonians and locally canvassed businesses, $3,500 was raised. With the help from the city of Edmonton the best date and venue was picked to hold the event. These Syrian refugees fit right into Edmonton’s championship spirit, if things work out they might one day be sworn as full-fledged Canadian citizens. Edmonton and Canada should be that lucky; for now Aldiri is very grateful for being able to re-build his life in a city and country where he finally feels safe

The Edmonton Journal listed just SOME of the service offered by Edmonton’s citizens, businesses, non-profit and government agencies; www.EdmontonJournal.com

Reception and Rallying Centres

With the help of Canadian and international donations the Edmonton Red Cross was able to help through many agencies in Alberta.

Edmonton’s Expo Centre at Northlands, 7515 118 Ave., was the main rallying point in the Edmonton area, offering access to phones, TV’s, radios, beds (including onsite pet care), food, cloths, personal and general supplies, showers, medical, mental, clerical/religious services, government agencies set-up to offer all services Alberta normally offers for supports to its citizens, plus pre-loaded credit cards, AHS had health care teams onsite plus beefed up Health Link lines, insurance companies set-up their adjusters onsite to offer services, food truck should up to help feed people. Volunteers showed up to offer help and so much more.

Many entertainers volunteered on site and the players from the Edmonton Eskimos football team, the Eskimos Cheer Team and team mascots also visited evacuees housed at the Edmonton Northlands reception centre.

Food and Refreshments

The Edmonton Food Bank helped supply ten’s of thousands of people with food and personal supplies during the 2016 wildfire disaster.

Many in the general public took in evacuees to house and feed them. Others made food and drive it all the way up to Fort McMurray to hand it out to first responders that they would find just driving around. Amazing extra efforts.

Kinnikinnick Fresh at 10940 120 St. is offering gluten-free food and $50 vouchers to Fort McMurray evacuees with celiac disease.

The Pint Public House Edmonton locations at 10125 109 St. and 8032 104 St. offered a free meal for evacuees with Fort McMurray ID for a week.

Fatburger offered fire evacuees a Fatburger with cheese and soda or a free kids meal at their locations at Edmonton City Centre 10205 101 St., 5611 23 Ave., South Edmonton Common 1755 102 St., West Edmonton Mall, Namao 15987-97 St., locations in Fort Saskatchewan & Red Deer

Block 1912 at 10361 82 Ave., offered a free scoop of gelato and a coffee for Fort McMurray evacuees.

O’Byrne’s Irish Pub at 10616 82 Ave., offered a free pint of beer and a meal for Fort McMurray residence

Naan-O-Licious at 10331 82 Ave., offered free biryani for evacuees.

Earls Edmonton locations including 11830 Jasper Ave., 8629 112 St., 4250 Calgary Trail, 13330 50 St., 9961 170 St. and 1505 99 St., offered any evacuees a free sandwich and drink.

Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant at 10740 101 St., offered free lunch or dinner to fire evacuees.

On The Rocks 11740 Jasper Ave., offered free meal & drink for evacuees.

Delux Burger Bar at 9682 142 St. and 14111 23 Ave., offered evacuees a free burger and drink.

Sandwich and Sons at 10184 104 St. and 13119 156 St., offered a free sandwich for evacuees.

The Bhartiya Cultural Society of Alberta at 9507 39 Ave. is offered free vegetarian meals to evacuees.

Moxie’s Grill and Bar at 10628 Kingsway Ave., offered a free entree and drink to fire evacuees.

Chianti Cafe & Restaurant at 10501 82 Ave., offered a free half-size salad or soup, any one of their Pasta Creations and a non-alcoholic beverage for evacuees.

Mary Brown’s locations at 11358 104 Ave. and 14969 Stony Plain Rd., offered a free meal evacuees.

Wheat Garden Chinese Noodle and Dumpling Bazaar at 10703 103 St., offered a noodle bowl or rice dish to evacuees.

LOVEPIZZA 10196 109 St., offered free pizza for evacuees the first week.

Gurdwara Millwoods at 2606 Millwoods Rd., offered free vegetarian meals for evacuees 24 hours a day.

Celebrate Gluten Free Bakery & Cafe at 15213 Stony Plain Rd., offered free breakfast or a sandwich for Fort McMurray evacuees.

Quiznos, 5366 Windermere Blvd., offered a free lunch for first 2-weeks.

Remedy Cafe offered evacuees free wraps in all of their Edmonton locations at 10279 Jasper Ave., 8631 109 St. and 10310 124 St.

Fuss Cupcakes at 10441 82 Ave. and 17298 Stony Plain Rd., offered evacuees a cupcake and coffee for the fire evacuees.

Noorish at 8440 109 St., offered free vegan, vegetarian & gluten free meals for wildfire evacuees. They also collected donations of toys

Shelter

Hotels, motels and everyday Edmontonians opened their rooms and homes to countless fire evacuees.

Ronald McDonald House Northern Alberta in Edmonton supported families with children with medical needs.

Inclusion Alberta helped people with developmental disabilities displaced by fires in northern.

Airbnb has activated their Disaster Response Tool, waiving all fees so those with Edmonton residences available to evacuees.

Alberta REALTORS Support for Fort McMurray posted available housing for evacuees on their Facebook page.

The Al Rashid Mosque is opening their doors for evacuees in need a place to stay at 13070 113 St.

The Guru Nanak Sikh Society through their members they were able to offer dozens of spare bedrooms, basement suites and motel rooms available free of charge for Fort McMurray area evacuees.

Showers

All #Yeg YMCA locations open the doors to Wood Buffalo area evacuees so they could access drop-in facilities & showers, at the Don Wheaton YMCA at 10211 102 Ave., Jamie Platz YMA at 7121 178 St., Castle Downs YMCA at 11510 153 Ave. & William Lutzky YMCA at 1975 111 St.

The Fraser Community League at 14720 21 St., community league members opened up rooms and showers in their homes for evacuees, plus the league gave away food, general supplies and first aid item

Education/Childcare

Edmonton’s Public and Catholic schools accommodated Kindergarten through high school students from the Fort McMurray area.

Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton offered respite care and supervised safe play space at the Maier Centre at 17451 103 Ave.

The Educational Daycare Group offered up to 50 daycare spaces free for one month for children evacuee parents in need.

The six Edmonton-area Campus Alberta post secondary institutions – including Concordia University, King’s University, MacEwan University, the University of Alberta (for undergraduate and graduate students), the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and NorQuest College offered evacuee students help completing coursework and help them get official marks and transcripts.

Pets and Animals

The Alberta SPCA coordinated support for livestock, horses and other farm animals brought to the Edmonton Expo Centre.

The Companion Animal Welfare Society provided temporary care for pets including cats, dogs and small animals including reptiles.

The Edmonton Humane Society and Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Centre coordinated animal care for people arriving in Edmonton.

Champion Pet Foods at 11403 186 St., offered free cat and dog food for Fort McMurray area evacuees.

Cozy Kitty at 4610 97 St. is offered shelter for displaced cats.

E&E Kennels offered free boarding services for dogs, cats and small pets at their #12 Boulder Blvd location in Stony Plain.

Also a list of Edmonton veterinary area practices offering assistance evacuees; www.albertaanimalhealthsource.ca

Stress Relief Services

The Distress Line 780-482-4357 within Edmonton added extra support staff. those outside can reach the Rural Distress Line at 1-800-232-7288.

· Boyle Street Community Services at 10116 105 Ave., The Mustard Seed Society, with locations at 10635 96 St. and 10568 114 St., is offered counseling, clothing and hot meals to fire evacuees.

Medical

Netcare helped people fill prescriptions through Edmonton pharmacies.

Evacuated breastfeeding mothers were offered services.

Mental health support was offered 24-hours-a-day through the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.

Mint Health + Drugs locations offered free emergency medicine for evacuees who left their medication behind.

Urban Vision and Optometrists at 15957 97 St., offered a free pair of prescription glasses to evacuees who either lost or damaged theirs.

The Southwest Family Dental Clinic at 1719 Towne Centre Blvd., offered free emergency dental care for evacuees.

Business supports

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce offered complimentary office space to businesses displaced by wildfires in the Wood Buffalo region at their World Trade Centre Edmonton building at 9990 Jasper Avenue.

Regus opened up their fully-serviced business lounges to assist business professionals displaced by Alberta wildfires. www.regus.ca

Local business of all kinds also offer, space, vehicle storage, and other supports to their business piers and competition.

Storage

The U-Haul Company of Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories including Edmonton offered 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container use for people evacuated.

·StorageMart donated a free month of storage in Edmonton for evacuees.

Entertainment

City of Edmonton offered free admission to all city-owned attractions & facilities to evacuees, including , Muttart Conservatory, John Janzen Nature Centre & Edmonton recreation facilities

People displaced by wildfires were offered free admission to any Edmonton and any of the 17 Alberta provincially owned and operated historic sites and museums. www.culture.alberta.ca

Allstars Playland at 9510 12 Ave., offered free admission to wildfire evacuee families the first week.

The Devonian Botanic Garden in Highway 60, five kilometres north of Devon, offered free. www.devonian.ualberta.ca

The University of Alberta offered free access to all of its recreation facilities and libraries – including their computers – for all Alberta wildfire evacuees.

The Telus World of Science at 11211 142 St., offered free admission for evacuee families the first week.

Spa and Salon

Est-elle Academy of Hair Design 8004 Gateway Blvd., offered a shampoo, blow-dry service with a scalp massage for evacuees the first week.

The Beauty Parlour, located on the second floor at 10011 82 Ave., is offered a free shampoo and blowout for evacuees.

Echo Hair Design #205 8135 102 St., offered free hair cleanse & style

Many more locations also offered the same and even more free services.

Miscellaneous and extra supports offered

Fountain Tire at 8550 Yellowhead Tr., offered free repairs to tires damaged during the massive evacuation.

K.C Photography and other local photographers offered free family photo shoots to evacuees.

Edmonton Wedding Gallery & Bridal Plus Boutique at 10404 68 Ave., offered 50% off for those who lost wedding gowns during the wildfire.

Anytime Fitness Old Strathcona at 10469 80 Ave., opened their gyms for evacuees to use while they are in Edmonton.

The Celtic Ceilidh Dance Academy at 6325 Gateway Blvd., offered free Highland and Irish dance classes for evacuees.

Fort City Church from Fort McMurray partnered with Edmonton’s Beulah Alliance Church 17504 98A Ave., to host a special church service.

Yoga Central at #104 5124 122 St., offered free yoga for Fort McMurray evacuees. They also collected donations of yoga clothing for evacuees.

Long-time Edmonton children’s charity, www.SportCentral.org stepped up BIG-TIME to help Fort McMurray kids replace as much lost sports equipment that the “Beast” incinerated when it swept through the neighbourhoods. Over the summer with the added help from 3rd generation United Cycle sporting goods store owner, tireless, humble community worker, Wilf Brooks, they collect donations from citizens, suppliers and manufactures from across the country totaling more than

$500, 000 worth of hockey, baseball, football and other sports equipment. In early September 2016, Sports Central’s single largest donation headed north 435+ kilometres thanks to Rosenau Transport’s donation of a big-rig and driver.

The jam-packed 52-foot semi-trailer was greeted with cheers and smiles from RCMP personal as well as hugs and tears from other community members.

Just a small sampling of the stories and events during May 2016 that featured the never wavering grassroots community spirit that runs extremely deep and into all corners of the community, without a doubt cementing Edmonton as Canada’s undisputed;

“It is amazing what you can accomplish when nobody cares who gets the credit.”

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