This description was written by Vicki Strang, the Regional Liaison for Alberta.

There are now 20 groups in Alberta, each with its own distinctive identity and size. We cover the whole province, from a small rural group about 200 kilometres north of Edmonton to another small rural group close to the US border in the south. In between, there are groups located in small cities, towns, rural regions, and in and around Calgary and Edmonton. Groups vary in size from seven members to over 60 members, each with many ‘interested associates’. Because of geography and distance, the groups have tended to work independently but there have been three highly successful annual provincial gatherings, each occurring in different areas of the province. These gatherings have led to strong personal friendships, robust networks and long term collaboration among groups.

The Alberta groups are committed, energetic and productive, engaging in many and varied fundraising activities and projects. We take great pride in being the region where two national grandmother activities originated, the Good Words for Africa Scrabble initiative started by the Sherwood Park Eastside Grannies and the Stride to Turn the Tide National Walk instigated by the Canmore Mountain Grannies. The many fundraising activities range from Scrabble and Stride pledging events to fabric, craft, garage, bake and Kazuri jewellery sales, to benefit concerts, to Antique Appraisal events, to Gala events, and to chili/soup pottery bowl and Dare to Dine dinners. There are active Speakers Bureaus and awareness-raising activities in most regions. Initiatives involving schools and universities are gradually expanding.

With confidence we look forward to broadening horizons and expansion to other regions within the province. We smile and reflect with humility on ‘the power of women of a certain age’.

• Click here to see if there is an upcoming gathering planned for this region.
• Click here to find a group in this region.

Alberta Fundraising Act (AFA)

The AFA is a piece of legislation that governs fundraising activities within the province of Alberta. This act was developed with the commendable intent of increasing transparency and accountability on the part of charities soliciting donations in Alberta and protecting Albertans from fraudulent or misleading solicitation materials.

The AFA requires that Albertans must be provided with specific information about the charitable organization at the time a donation is being solicited, so an informed giving decision can be made. The required information is:

• Our charitable purpose for which the contributions will be used.
• Our current fiscal year revenue budget AND fundraising expense budget (the AFA prescribes providing budget information specifically)
• Our physical address.
• A contact person and a phone number where inquires can be directed.
• Where we are incorporated.
• Our Canada Revenue Agency charitable registration number.

We have put together a statement from the Foundation that provides all required information. This paragraph is found below and must be provided either verbally or in writing at the time a donation is being solicited.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) works with community-level organizations which are turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa by providing care and support to women, orphaned children, grandmothers and people living with HIV and AIDS. Since 2003, we have funded over 700 initiatives, partnering with 300 community-based organizations in the 15 African countries hardest hit by the pandemic. In F2012/2013 the Stephen Lewis Foundation is planning to raise $10,000,000 through all of our fundraising campaigns. It will cost our organization an estimated $998,782 to raise this. For further information, please contact Kellie James, Director of Finance, or Alexis MacDonald, Director of External Relations at 1 888 203 9990. Our address is 260 Spadina Avenue, Suite 501, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 2E4. The Stephen Lewis Foundation is incorporated in the Province of British Columbia and is also registered extra-provincially in the Province of Ontario. The SLF Charitable Registration number with the Canada Revenue Agency is 896354008 RR0001.

This paragraph should be posted at events, sales tables and included on pledge forms.

If you have any questions about how to ensure compliance with the Alberta Fundraising Act, please don’t hesitate to contact us.