News

Charitable Giving

How we can all help out in a desperate time of need.

Al-Terra Engineering and their partners at EDA Planning & Urban Design have long believed in supporting the charitable and non-profit organizations that provide the social infrastructure vital to a healthy community.

Today, many incredible organizations are struggling to meet their fundraising needs, following restrictions put in place due to Covid-19. All at a time when the pandemic and a hard-hit economy have increased the demand for social services across the Edmonton Region.

Stepping up in a time of need is what Edmonton companies do. It’s what makes our business community a model of care and compassion. At Al-Terra, we are proud to do our small part to help those organizations that work so hard to help others.

A cancelled Christmas party is a gift in disguise.

This year, like many companies, Al-Terra and EDA were sad to announce we will not be holding our annual Christmas Party.

Yet our initial disappointment soon faded, as we realized we could redistribute the money we usually dedicate to this year-end celebration, and instead direct it a variety of worthwhile programs across the Edmonton region.

“Al-Terra is very conscious of the fact that we have had a good year and consider ourselves very fortunate in a time when so many businesses and families are struggling,” said Corry Broks, Chair of Al-Terra’s Board of Directors.

“We’ve always believed it’s our responsibility to give back to our communities where we live and work,” Broks added.

According to Sheldon Hudson, President & CEO of Al-Terra, the need extends beyond Edmonton City Limits.

“Our corporate office is in Edmonton, but our staff choose to live in a variety of communities throughout the entire region. This year, we are supporting close to 50 charitable organizations across the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.”

Ted Muller, Principle at EDA added, “Many organizations in-and-around Edmonton are often overlooked, yet are directly on the front lines of helping those who are in greatest need. We wanted to assist as many of these as possible in this challenging year.”

Causes close to our hearts.

Al-Terra & EDA are humbled to extend our year-end giving to the many organizations that directly serve the people in the Edmonton region, including the City of Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Sturgeon County, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Parkland County and Leduc. Below is a partial list of organizations we selected to highlight. (We’ve included links if you are interested in learning more or making a contribution.)

The Edmonton Food Bank: We have long supported the selfless work of the Edmonton Food Bank. Sadly, there has been a record demand for their services in a year where they have faced unprecedented funding pressure. Donate at EdmontonFoodbank.com

This year, we are also pleased to support food banks in Bon Accord & Gibbons, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc & District, Morinville, Parkland County, St. Albert and Strathcona County.

The Edmonton Christmas Bureau: After working with this charity for many years, we were shocked to learn they are only at 43% of their fundraising goals in this challenging year. You can help provide a magical Christmas to struggling families in our city. Donate at christmasbureau.ca

Spruce Grove Kinette’s Christmas Hamper: Trevor Crawford at the City of Spruce Grove is a passionate supporter of this amazing organization, and was instrumental in getting Al-Terra/EDA on board. We have been informed that our donation went toward helping over 600 Spruce Grove and East Parkland families and has ensured that 650 local children will have generous gifts under their tree this Christmas morning.

Carolyn Ryan of the Kinettes said the contributions of corporate donors like Al-Terra & EDA go a long way. “It’s been a tough year for many. These hampers make Christmas brighter for families and their children, and help relieve their holiday stress.” Donate at sgkinettes.ca

Leduc Hub Association: Originally established in 2008, Leduc Hub has grown from focusing exclusively on emergency shelter services to fulfilling a variety of urgent needs in the community. Susan Perry, Executive Director, said there are many people in Leduc County who are living on the financial edge, where an unexpected expense can be the difference between being able to pay the bills or not. This year they served between 800-900 clients, helping with everything from covering ambulance bills to eviction prevention.

“These types of corporate donations make a huge difference to us. Especially in a year like this, where we had to cancel our annual gala, which represents 25-30% of our fundraising. Thanks to the support of companies like Al-Terra, we haven’t had to turn anyone away and have been able to keep our programs running.” Donate at lrhub.org

Families First Society Fort Saskatchewan: Families First provides programs in early childhood development and parenting as well as support for those impacted by family violence, baby loss, or just needing a shoulder to lean on. Families First also supports Poverty Awareness Fort Saskatchewan (PAFS) emergency fund, which is a resource created by local non-profit organizations with the common goal of preventing individuals and families from facing homelessness and providing them with a hand up when faced with life’s unexpected challenges.

Jacqueline Dagneau, Executive Director at Families First adds, “At Fort Saskatchewan Families First, we believe in the collective power of our village. We value the unique gifts that each individual and family contributes to our community. We recognize that we all experience times when we have something to give and times when we need support. We are committed to caring for one another through the ebbs and flows to ensure we are all healthy, safe and strong.” Donate at www.familiesfirstsociety.ca

Strathcona Country Christmas Bureau: They have been bringing the joy of Christmas to the less fortunate since 1979. This year, they have pivoted – and will focus on giving gift cards vs. gifts, but still need donations to make it happen. Donate at strathconachristmasbureau.com

A Safe Place: Shelters for abused women and their children are experiencing increased demand during these difficult times. You can help by contributing to their vitally important programs in Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, and the rural areas of Strathcona County. Donate at asafeplace.ca

Find a cause that hits close to home.

At Al-Terra & EDA, we give our employees a big say in advocating which charities they would like to see us support as a company. We encourage you to back the causes that reflect your values and priorities in these difficult times. There is no shortage of worthwhile charities doing remarkable work in the Edmonton region that could use your help.

Warmest holiday wishes from the entire team at Al-Terra Engineering and EDA Planning & Urban Design!