The Airdrie and District Community Foundation (ADCF) hosted their annual gala last Thursday, as they looked to celebrate local charities by hearing their stories and donating funds to their important causes.
On June 15, the ADCF awarded $28,000 to four local charities during their annual gala at Brella Vida. The recipients included the Airdrie Public Library, Community Links, Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society, and a charity out of Calgary called Variety that helps build accessible playgrounds for children with disabilities.
Chair of the ADCF, Dale Rathgeber, said he gets emotional knowing they have made an impact in the community.
“It's very gratifying, it's why we do it,” he said. “It makes me feel like I'm giving back.”
Recognizing the impact of giving back to the community, Rathgeber said it is important that societies support organizations that help others. He emphasized the importance of putting time, money, and talents into doing good for the people of Airdrie.
The gala provided charities the opportunity to share their stories and the important work they do around town. Rathgeber said the yearly round-up event is inspiring and touches the hearts of those in attendance.
“It is so inspirational, it opens up people's hearts,” he said. “It's really gratifying to us. I mean, we're all volunteers and when we hear the need and what they're doing, I get choked up talking about [it].”
The ADCF began hosting their gala in 2017. They had one annually until the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to put things on pause in 2020. This is the second year since the pandemic began that they have been able to put on the event.
In addition to the funds doled out to the five noted charities, the foundation was given a COVID related grant by the federal government to be used within the community. This is the third year the foundation has received the grant.
The names of the charities have not been disclosed yet, due to the federal government restricting the foundation from releasing that information. However, Rathgeber did confirm that the amount totalled $295,000. In combination with the previous years, the total amount of COVID-related grants from the federal government is almost $500,000.
According to the ADCF’s website, the foundations mission is “a registered charity for individuals and businesses to make tax deductible donations to a permanent financial legacy to benefit our community, now and forever.” In addition, their vision is “to be a philanthropic leader in the facilitation and enhancement of initiatives that supports the betterment of Airdrie & District.”
Rathgeber said the foundation fills a vital gap within the community while also providing tax receipts to those who donate. The foundation is also growing at a rapid pace.
“We are the fastest growing community foundation in Canada,” he said.
