The Calgary Flames Foundation was recognized today by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as the recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropic Group Award as a part of the Generosity of Spirit Awards on National Philanthropy Day. AFP Calgary and Area Chapter recognize the many individuals, families, groups and businesses who demonstrate the spirit of philanthropy through outstanding contributions of time, talent, leadership and financial support.
“Kids Cancer Care has proudly nominated the Calgary Flames Foundation for this year’s Generosity of Spirit Awards, acknowledging their remarkable impact on our community,” said Christine McIver, CEO & Founder, Kids Cancer Care of Alberta. “The Flames Foundation transforms the fervor of Flames fans into a force for good, channeling it into initiatives that promote health, education, and sports participation, thereby encouraging the next generation of vibrant and involved community citizens.”
Each year, AFP honour philanthropists in six categories that make our communities, and our world, better. These individuals and groups take small and large steps, every day, to make changes that improve the world for the people and agencies they support in numerous ways. The ripples that their efforts make have a massive impact.
“The work to connect kids to the food they need takes a whole community. Since 2011, the Calgary Flames Foundation has been a critical part of this community – their generous support, in so many ways, is essential in ensuring kids have access to the food they need. We’re thrilled to celebrate their generosity of spirit today,” said Bethany Ross, Executive Director, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids.
The most recent Calgary Flames Foundation programs and projects recognized include support of community improvement projects focused on pump tracks, rinks and playgrounds, 10 years of support of the Flames YMCA Grade 6 Program – providing free memberships to any YMCA for all Calgary grade 6 students, work to remove barriers to participation and promoting inclusion in hockey, the long term and annual support of the Rotary Flames House along with the Calgary Flames Foundation COVID-19 Support Program that distributed over $3 million in 18 months to communities, people and charities in need.
“We are honoured to celebrate this award with our supporters. Calgary Flames Foundation 50/50 tickets, fundraising events and support from fans turns into the charitable work of the Calgary Flames Foundation,” said Candice Goudie, Executive Director of the Calgary Flames Foundation. “The Calgary Flames Foundation was created through the visionary work of the Calgary Flames ownership group – to improve the lives of people in southern Alberta through professional sports in Calgary. Over 40 years later, this award is a testament to that goal. It is a testament to the thousands of people that support the Calgary Flames Foundation and the charities we work with every year. Thank you.”
The Calgary Flames Foundation strives to improve the lives of southern Albertans through support of health and wellness, education, and grassroots sports. Since inception the Calgary Flames Foundation has been working to help kids play and prosper and has donated over $60 million to southern Alberta charities.