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t is a great privilege to write to you one last time as
the Chair of the Board of Directors for Edmonton
Community Foundation (ECF).
In meeting so many Edmontonians in my role as
Chair, I am reminded continually of the impact ECF has on
our city. We are Edmonton’s largest non-governmental funder
of the charitable sector. Every year, we provide more than $30
million to thousands of charities and students. I am always
moved when I hear how the work we support is changing
lives in our city.
One of my favourite examples of this is YONA-Sistema.
YONA was established in 2013 to provide free music-centred
programming for youth after school. It has served
more than 200 young Edmontonians and Indigenous
youth from the Alexander First Nation. The unique
programming offered by YONA helps youth develop
leadership skills and compassion with a focus on
nurturing relationships rooted in mutual respect, trust
and responsiveness. I am so proud that ECF has been
able to support this work over the years. This is one of
many stories that serves as a reminder that generosity
and kindness matter.
I am thankful to have been involved in ECF’s Social
Enterprise Fund (SEF), which provides low-interest
loans to businesses that prioritize social impact. In 2022,
SEF played a key role in supporting the construction of
a new facility for Connie Stacey’s company, Grengine.
Grengine’s mission is to help solve global ‘energy
poverty’ through sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-
burning generators. Her portable power source, also
called a Grengine, can be powered by a range of different
sources including solar energy, lithium ion and solid-
state lithium batteries. This will play a key role in helping
remote communities around the world access electricity
with a lower carbon footprint.
The reason ECF can be so vital to our community is
the people. I would like to thank the passionate donors
who make our work possible. Stewarding your funds and
visions for a bright future is a big responsibility. I cannot
say enough about the dedicated team of staff, directors
and our CEO, Tina Thomas. They are the centre of
what occurs and translates into the grants, projects
and fulfillment of dreams in our community. I would
also like to thank our brilliant team of volunteers who
sit on our granting committees. Your experience and
knowledge are crucial to delivering support where it is
needed most.
Finally, I would like to thank ECF’s stellar Board
of Directors. They are committed to governing ECF
with grace and tenacity. Each of them brings such an
elevated level of expertise in their given fields and a true
commitment to the people of our community.
It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to chair ECF
and to work hard for a community that I love. I look
forward to seeing you out and about in this great city
that we call home.
Monelle Sturko
Chair, Edmonton Community Foundation
Board of Directors
MESSAGE
FROM THE
BOARD CHAIR