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Igniting the Heart + Soul of edmonton

 

 

 

 

We've all been impacted by the pandemic in different ways. As a community we lost access to so many of the activities we take for granted—the very things that make Edmonton so special. Some of what we've missed the most—togetherness, community vibrancy, live performances, or a night out with friends and family—are fueled by organizations facing significant challenges delivering the programming that connects and supports us.

In response to COVID's ongoing effects on some of our city's core sectors, the $1.25 million Heart + Soul Fund was developed to help arts, culture, recreation and charitable organizations find new ways to ensure their sustainability, so that we continue to benefit from their essential services. Launched in Fall 2020 and rolled out over the winter months, EPCOR's Heart + Soul Fund helped nearly 50 organizations do what they do best—provide life-altering support, connection and joy to Edmontonians during a very challenging time.

Over three months, 47 organizations accessed small, medium and large grants to help re-energize Edmonton's arts community; develop new and creative ways to ensure the show can go on; implement innovative fundraising programs that inspired the community to step forward to support the growing demand for food, shelter, mental health, substance abuse and family violence programming; and more.

 

Funding helped 47 organizations foundational to our city's identity adjust to the impacts of COVID-19:

  • 15 charities were supported to continue delivering vital services to our most vulnerable citizens.
  • 32 arts and culture organizations were supported to provide meaningful employment to artists and continue producing works.

Hear the impact direct from our grant recipients​​.

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"For people who live hour-by-hour, finding a warm, healthy meal is difficult even at the best of times. We know that EPCOR's generosity has inspired many others to join this effort to help feed the hungry."

 
Bruce Reith, Executive Director, Hope Mission

 



 

 

We brought the heart, you brought the soul

Thank you to Edmonton's artistic and charitable organizations for stepping up and doing what you do best: creating an incredible quality of life and providing a lifeline to those that need it most.

  • $394,000 in matching grants helped charities raise almost $2.5 million.
  • The show went on for 13 local theatres; 440 artists were employed;and 108 new artistic works were produced.
  • More than 30,000 students accessed arts and science-based programs online.
  • New voices were heard thanks to direct support for 25 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) artists.
  • Indigenous art took center stage in seven performance programs.
  • Guests were welcomed in new ways at Edmonton Valley Zoo, Fort Edmonton, Telus World of Science, the Citadel, the Winspear Center and the Art Gallery of Alberta.
  • World class virtual and in-person experiences offered through six festivals.

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"In the middle of the summer our production was very much in doubt. Thanks to EPCOR'S commitment, the building was alive again with staff and crew working towards a common goal – a dedication to bring light, love, and art to the people of Edmonton through A Christmas Carol."


Chantell Ghosh, Executive Director of the Citadel Theatre

 

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With love from EPCOR

At EPCOR, we are so inspired by the communities where we operate. We are proud to call Edmonton our home and believe we have a responsibility to help ensure our city remains strong and vibrant.

Our communities count on us to keep their utilities working. And they count on us to be there during difficult times. We believe in supporting the many organizations and volunteers that are working so tirelessly to offer vital social services, improve our quality of life and foster vibrancy in our communities.

Overall, we've committed $2 million in relief and recovery funding. This includes:

  • $1.25 million Heart + Soul Fund by EPCOR.
  • $300,000 for the United Way and Edmonton Community Foundation.
  • $82,000 for local Edmonton charities from EPCOR employee matching campaign.
  • More than $100,000 in top-up support for EPCOR's existing Edmonton community partners and recovery efforts in the other jurisdictions where EPCOR operates.

The $2 million for pandemic relief and recovery efforts is in addition to the $1 million EPCOR provides annually in community support.


 


"In light of the current health crisis, our team developed an innovative concept to make DARK 2020 happen. Without EPCOR's support, this event would not have been possible."


Darren Dalgleish, President and CEO of Fort Edmonton Management Company

 



​We brought the heart.
You brought the soul.

We are proud to support many great organizations to bring Heart + Soul back to Edmonton.

 

    Thank you for all that you do 

 

We know the importance of being there when our community needs us the most. That's why we deployed $1.25 million in 2020 to help uplift Edmontonians and revitalize our community through our Heart + Soul Fund.

Funding was provided to help these organizations adjust to the changing landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Charities were supported to ensure they could continue delivering vital services to Edmonton's most vulnerable citizens. Arts and culture organizations were supported to ensure they could continue producing new works to bring joy to Edmontonians.

Arts programs

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Play the Fool Festival - Occurred September 24 – 26, 2020 Edmonton Musical Theatre - ​September 2020 – March 2021 SISTER: An Interactive Mystery - October 2 – 10, 2020 2020 Edmonton Comedy Festival - October 14 – 17, 2020 Schmoozy 2020 - ​October 21 – 30, 2020 Welcome Home - ​October 23, October 30, and November 6, 2020 Punctuate! Playwrights' Circle - October 2020 Downtown Live - Fall/Winter 2020 A Christmas Carol - December 15 Art Gallery of Alberta Education On-Line/AGA Live - Runs throughout the 2020-2021 school year The Works Community Gateways - Program launched Oct.22 Wild Rose Scenas - Dates to be announced YEG in Motion - Fall 2020 through to spring 2021 Varscona Theatre Reopening and Digitization - Program launched in October GeriActors Friends Audio Plays - November 2020 - June 2021 The Shadow Theatre: EPCOR Readings - November 15, 2020 - May 30, 2021 Theatre Network Book Club - December 1 - March 31, 2020 Catalyst Theatre - The National Transformation Project The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) - Studio 19 Grindstone Theatre Society - The Grindstone Christmas Comedy Special Spectacular iHuman Youth Society - Arts and Cultural Navigators Quarters Arts Society - CO*LAB Launch Fringe Theatre Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Harcourt House - Art-O-Members' Art Sale Fundraiser - January 2021
Play the Fool Festival - Occurred September 24 – 26, 2020

Hit That Jive Productions creates opportunities for dance and theatre artists to develop their craft and perform their work. Its largest project is the annual Play the Fool Festival, which presents clown theatre and physical comedy performances. The Heart + Soul Fund supported an online edition of the festival. For more information, visit playthefool.ca.

Edmonton Musical Theatre - ​September 2020 – March 2021

Edmonton Musical Theatre offers performances and high-quality instructional programs out of the Woodcroft Community Hall. The Heart + Soul Fund will help the organization adhere to health guidelines and implement safely protocols which will enable them to continue program development and rehearsals for the new season. For more information, visit edmontonmusicaltheatre.com.

SISTER: An Interactive Mystery - October 2 – 10, 2020

The Fox Den Collective is an entirely female-run Edmonton theatre collective specializing in highly interactive and site-specific work that celebrates areas around the city. In partnership with the non-profit Theatre Yes, and through support from the Heart + Soul Fund, the theatre collective developed an all-new, interactive mystery play in which audience members participate as detectives via Zoom. For more information, visit thefoxdencollective.weebly.com.

2020 Edmonton Comedy Festival - October 14 – 17, 2020

Taking place at venues across the city, the Edmonton Comedy Festival stages world-class shows while supporting local talent. Funding provided by EPCOR will help ensure the show can go on with additional measures in place to protect festival goers. For more information, visit atbcomedy.com.

Schmoozy 2020 - ​October 21 – 30, 2020

Latitude 53 Society of Artists is one of the largest and oldest artist-run centers in the Canadian Prairies, and serves as a major center for contemporary art. The annual Schmoozy fundraiser supports artists to create exhibitions that are free and open to the public. EPCOR's support will help the event adapt its in-person programming and develop new, online opportunities. For more information, visit latitude53.org.

Welcome Home - ​October 23, October 30, and November 6, 2020

Teatro La Quindicina is presenting a series of variety/concert events to bring people back to the Varscona Theatre in Edmonton. Through support from the Heart + Soul Fund, the "Welcome Home" events will merge music, comedy, and a few surprises to reintroduce the local community to the theatre and restore confidence by making live events safer to enjoy. For more information, visit teatroq.com.

Punctuate! Playwrights' Circle - October 2020

Punctuate! Theatre helps provide exposure for local Edmonton artists and focuses on telling stories with Indigenous themes. With help from EPCOR, Punctuate! Theatre is launching Edmonton's largest emerging playwrights' circle for 14 artists to hone their craft and develop their theatrical works. For more information, visit punctuatetheatre.com.

Downtown Live - Fall/Winter 2020

The Heart + Soul Fund will also help extend Downtown Live, an initiative created by the Downtown Business Association to draw visitors and promote business in downtown Edmonton. The initiative will directly fund artists to perform live at local businesses, fostering vibrancy, culture and connection in the heart of our city. An event schedule and further details can be found at edmontondowntown.com.

A Christmas Carol - December 15

With support from the Heart + Soul Fund, the Citadel Theatre is developing an online musical production of its annual holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol. The virtual production will go live in mid-December and run throughout the month. Funding for A Christmas Carol is in addition to EPCOR's sponsorship of the Citadel's Horizon Series, which shared conversations between BIPOC theatre industry leaders and the Citadel Associate Artist team: Helen Belay, Tai Amy Grauman, and Mieko Ouchi. For more information, visit citadeltheatre.com.

Art Gallery of Alberta Education On-Line/AGA Live - Runs throughout the 2020-2021 school year
​The Art Gallery of Alberta is re-imagining its education programs into online content, digital learning capsules and mobile studio projects. The project will give teachers and schools access to tools and programs to connect their students to AGA exhibitions, artists, workshops and performances. The Heart + Soul Fund will be used to hire staff, pay artists' fees for content development, and upgrade technology. For more information, visit youraga.ca.
The Works Community Gateways - Program launched Oct.22
​The Works is bringing a giant, arched gateway installation to downtown. The temporary mural structure will be animated with workshops and invitations to add to the artwork, as well as opportunities to meet the artist. EPCOR's support of this installation will help support 20 to 30 artists and craftspeople. For more information visit theworks.ab.ca.  
Wild Rose Scenas - Dates to be announced
​Edmonton Opera is creating a new digital chamber opera, called Wild Rose Scenas, which addresses mental health. The work will address the stigma, effects, and healing of mental health issues in our community, giving voice, through words and music to those suffering from mental health issues and initiating dialogue in the wider community through the digital performance and associated events. For more information, visit edmontonopera.com.
YEG in Motion - Fall 2020 through to spring 2021
​Ballet Edmonton will film short ballet pieces in a variety of iconic spaces in Edmonton. The pieces will be shared digitally throughout the fall and winter. They will also film adapted outreach ballet classes as an alternative to the in-person classes normally provided to children in need and seniors with cognitive impairment. The Heart + Soul Fund will support filming and production. For more information, visit balletedmonton.ca.
Varscona Theatre Reopening and Digitization - Program launched in October
​With help from the Heart + Soul Fund, the Varscona Theatre will implement increased safety measures and reopen its doors for live performances. Funds will also help support the purchasing of video equipment in order to offer shows online and conduct virtual fundraising initiatives. The equipment will be made available to the four resident theatre companies that call the Varscona home. For more information, visit varsconatheatre.com.
GeriActors Friends Audio Plays - November 2020 - June 2021
​GeriActors and Friends (G&F) unites seniors and younger generations through performer-created play development. With staff and technology support from the Heart + Soul Fund, G&F is developing four original audio plays to perform virtually over Zoom, telephone networks and potentially radio. This project engages seniors at a time when many are isolated. For more information, visit geriactors.ca.
The Shadow Theatre: EPCOR Readings - November 15, 2020 - May 30, 2021
​Edmonton New Shadow Theatre Society is presenting in-person, COVID-safe reading events, including two new plays and one performance of excerpts of plays in development. The three events feature 15 artists and no admission fees. For more information, visit shadowtheatre.org.
Theatre Network Book Club - December 1 - March 31, 2020
​Theatre Network is presenting a new way to get Canadian theatre in front of audiences this winter: Theatre Network's Book Club. While attending live theatre is still difficult, this book club will turn audiences into theatre readers, and facilitate discussion with a selection of local playwrights in online sessions throughout the winter. More information is coming soon to theatrenetwork.ca.
Catalyst Theatre - The National Transformation Project
​In a new programming initiative created between theatre companies across Canada, Catalyst will commission five local artists who identify as BIPOC, differently-abled and/or LGBTQ2S+ to create short videos to inspire audiences with imaginative visions of a world transformed for the better. For more information, visit catalysttheatre.ca.
The Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta (FAVA) - Studio 19
​FAVA is creating a dedicated studio space to provide the equipment and digital recording expertise for eight other arts organizations as they pivot in-person performances to virtual delivery. Organizations can work with the FAVA film experts to record and broadcast performances. For more information, visit fava.ca.
Grindstone Theatre Society - The Grindstone Christmas Comedy Special Spectacular
Running December 20 to 23, this live Sketch Comedy Special will bring the Christmas spirit to Edmonton audiences online. The show will be an original sketch comedy special, featuring some of Edmonton's best sketch comedians along with special celebrity appearances. For more information, visit grindstonetheatre.ca.
iHuman Youth Society - Arts and Cultural Navigators
​iHuman will reopen its Creativity program, through which young people create art – helping to empower them to make positive changes toward a healthy life. For more information, visit ihuman.org.
Quarters Arts Society - CO*LAB Launch
​Quarters Arts Society will launch CO*LAB, the adaptation of Quarters arts nights performances and artist-run exhibitions to a digital format so they can be enjoyed by audience members safely from their homes. For more information, visit quartersarts.org.
Fringe Theatre
​Fringe Theatre is developing new processes and skills to film live theatrical and musical performances, laying the groundwork to test this new style during their winter festival, Chinook Series. "Lakes, Songs and Streams," a new adaptation of Jacqueline & Hunter Cardinal's "Lake of Strangers," will stage a simultaneous live-streamed and in-person experience. The Heart + Soul Fund will help pay artist fees and engage a creative team of designers, technicians, film/AV crew, web developers, plus production and delivery costs. For more information visit fringetheatre.ca.
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
​The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is recording concert programs to share with the public, and to schools (including YONA Sistema participants) to enhance music learning in a classroom setting. Funding will help pay orchestra musicians, concert recording, production costs, marketing and communication, as well as provide an opportunity to raise additional funds. For more information, visit winspearcentre.com.
Harcourt House - Art-O-Members' Art Sale Fundraiser - January 2021
​EPCOR is providing artistic honoraria to 52 visual artists in recognition of their support of Harcourt House by donating pieces to be auctioned off at a virtual fundraiser. Funds raised through the auction will support Harcourt's art exhibitions and art education programs.

​Charitable programs

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Hope for the Hungry Radiothon - October 7 - 8, 2020 Laughs over Lunch - October 8, 2020 Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Fall Fundraiser - To be announced The Box (To End Gender-Based Violence) - Public launch Nov.1, fundraising event on Nov.26 EPCOR Creative Connections Initiative - Ongoing from October - March 21 2020 YWCA Rose Campaign: Activisim Against Gender-Based Violence - Series from Nov.25-Dec.10; Virtual Rose Campaign event on Dec.4 Make the Season Kind campaign - December 10-17 Bissell Center - Giving Tuesday (December 1 & 2) Boyle Street Community Services - Holiday Meal Sponsorship CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health - Online Auction - December 6 The Mustard Seed Foundation - Giving Tuesday and Holiday Events - December 12-23 YMCA of Northern Alberta - Year-end appeal - now through December 31 Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) - Giving Campaign - on now Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region - Digital Donor Engagement
Hope for the Hungry Radiothon - October 7 - 8, 2020
​The Hope Mission is helping to bring "Hope for the Hungry" through its annual fall fundraiser, which is aimed at raising enough to serve more than 42,000 meals. Through the Heart + Soul Fund, EPCOR matched $25,000 in donations during the Yards for Hope Radiothon on CISN 103.9 on October 7 and 8, which helped inspire more people to give. Donations can continue to be made online at hopemission.com/radiothon.
Laughs over Lunch - October 8, 2020
​Terra Center, which supports pregnant and parenting teens through programs that help build parenting skills while overcoming life challenges, is making use of the Heart + Soul Fund to deliver its first-ever virtual event. Laughs Over Lunch (LOL) on October 8 will feature a live improv show by Rapid Fire Theatre, a delicious meal and a gift bag filled with local delights. Learn more at terracentre.ca/lol.
Edmonton Public Schools Foundation Fall Fundraiser - To be announced
​The Edmonton Public Schools Foundation is finding new ways to engage prospective donors while addressing challenges with traditional fundraising as a result of the pandemic. Watch foundation.epsb.ca for an announcement regarding its end-of-year fundraiser, featuring an opportunity to double the impact of donations through matching funds from the EPCOR Heart + Soul Fund. EPCOR is also helping to offset the Foundation's new fundraising costs, so donations can go directly to supporting kids in the classroom.
The Box (To End Gender-Based Violence) - Public launch Nov.1, fundraising event on Nov.26

​The Alberta Council of Women's Shelters has developed the "Leading Change Expansion Pack," which includes local artwork, activities, exercises, experiences and more. With support through the Heart + Soul Fund, some 1,000 boxes will be distributed over the next three months to spark dialogue, education, and engage men in helping bring about a change in culture to end violence against women. For more information, visit acws.ca.

EPCOR Creative Connections Initiative - Ongoing from October - March 21
The Nina Haggerty Center for the Arts serves adults with developmental disabilities. EPCOR funding will support increased studio time for the center's 230 artists by increasing staffing hours and helping to build a "virtual art studio." The new studio will enable the filming of art classes and the creation of art kits that will be sold to the public, helping to foster a sustainable fundraising stream. For more information, visit thenina.ca.
2020 YWCA Rose Campaign: Activisim Against Gender-Based Violence - Series from Nov.25-Dec.10; Virtual Rose Campaign event on Dec.4
​Starting November 25, YWCA Edmonton will host a number of online events throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, including a speaker's series and a live virtual Rose Campaign event taking place on December 4. EPCOR is supporting the Rose Campaign to raise funds to provide trauma-informed mental health programming and advocacy. For more information, visit ywcaofedmonton.org.
Make the Season Kind campaign - December 10-17
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From December 10 – 17, CBC's Make the Season Kind campaign, in support of Edmonton's Food Bank will raise funds and collect donations of frozen turkeys to help feed those in need over the holiday season. EPCOR's Heart + Soul Fund will help to match cash donations up to $25,000 on Monday, December 14. For more information, visit edmontonsfoodbank.com.

Bissell Center - Giving Tuesday (December 1 & 2)
​Bissell Center launched a fundraising campaign on Giving Tuesday, with the Heart + Soul Fund matching donations received. Funds raised through the campaign will go toward Feed Our Little Ones — providing healthy nutrition for the kids in their child care. For more information, visit bissellcentre.org.
Boyle Street Community Services - Holiday Meal Sponsorship
​Boyle Street is conducting a fundraising campaign for its Holiday Meal program, with EPCOR funds matching donations. For more information, visit boylestreet.org.
CASA Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health - Online Auction - December 6
​CASA will conduct an online auction to raise funds in place of cancelled in-person events. Funds raised from the auction will support the Art and Music Therapy programs. For more information, visit casaservices.org.
The Mustard Seed Foundation - Giving Tuesday and Holiday Events - December 12-23
​The Mustard Seed aims to give hope to people who are struggling with poverty and homelessness. On Giving Tuesday, the Heart + Soul Fund is matching monetary donations to help care for our most vulnerable neighbors this Christmas. Additionally, the Heart + Soul fund is doubling its impact by matching donations for the 12 Days of Giving campaign between December 12-23, for which The Mustard Seed is collecting in-kind donations of items from its urgent needs list. For more information, visit theseed.ca.
YMCA of Northern Alberta - Year-end appeal - now through December 31
​YMCA creates life-enhancing opportunities for the growth and development of all people in spirit, mind and body. The year-end appeal for donations is one of the most important fundraisers for the Y and will help it remain a strong and viable part of the community. With support from the Heart + Soul Fund, donors can maximize their gifts through a matching campaign. For more information, visit northernalberta.ymca.ca/give.
Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) - Giving Campaign - on now
​Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) provides overnight and day shelter, temporary supportive housing, and supports for young people aged 15–24 to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills and connect with community. YESS launched its annual holiday giving campaign on Giving Tuesday, in which YESS donors will see their donations matched thanks to the Heart + Soul Fund. For more information visit yess.org/givingtuesday.
Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region - Digital Donor Engagement
​CMHA will enhance engagement with donors in virtual formats by producing videos that highlight their programs and stories of participants they support. Videos will include a dramatization of a call to the distress line, impact of housing program, peer support stories, and suicide grief support services. These assets will be used as part of future fundraising efforts.

​Recreational programs

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DARK at Fort Edmonton Park - October 1 - 31, 2020 TELUS World of Science - Edmonton - Ongoing Zoominescence at Edmonton Valley Zoo - December 2020 La Cite Francophone - Center Communautaire d'Edmonton - Flying Canoe Volant Silver Skate Festival Society - acimow - Silver Skate Festival (February 2021) International Festival of Winter Cinema Society
DARK at Fort Edmonton Park - October 1 - 31, 2020
​With support from the Heart + Soul Fund, the Fort Edmonton Management Company has transformed its annual DARK event into a month-long festival offering both in-person and virtual experiences. DARK, which started October 1 and runs until October 31, offers audiences a number of spooky thrills and chills, sure to get hearts racing. Visit fortedmontonpark.ca/dark for details.
TELUS World of Science - Edmonton - Ongoing
​TELUS World of Science – Edmonton has launched a variety of virtual school programs to keep our community connected to engaging science education. Through support from the Heart + Soul Fund by EPCOR, a new production studio will be created at the science center to support live-streamed field trips for students learning from school or from home. For more information, visit telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca.
Zoominescence at Edmonton Valley Zoo - December 2020
​The Valley Zoo Development Society raises funds and awareness to continue development of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Zoominescence is the Society's primary annual fundraiser. For the past several years, EPCOR supported Zoominescence, an outdoor holiday light tradition. This year, EPCOR is increasing its investment to ensure the tradition continues. The Heart + Soul Fund, will support the 10 artists who contribute to the festival. For more information on Zoominescence, which starts December 2020, visit buildingourzoo.com/events/zoominescence.
La Cite Francophone - Center Communautaire d'Edmonton - Flying Canoe Volant
​Located in Edmonton's Francophone Quarter, in the heart of Bonnie Doon, La Cité is a cultural and community center as well as the meeting place for Edmonton's Francophone and Francophile community. The Heart + Soul Fund is supporting the creation of illuminated artworks from local artists plus safety equipment for the 2021 edition of the Flying Canoe Volant. For more information, visit flyingcanoevolant.ca.
Silver Skate Festival Society - acimow - Silver Skate Festival (February 2021)
​The Silver Skate Festival is engaging Indigenous Elders to make audio recordings about how Indigenous families lived and survived the seasonal cold in various ways. These stories will be shared during the Silver Skate Festival (scheduled in February 2021) and also on the festival's web site for future viewing. For more information, visit silverskatefestival.org.
International Festival of Winter Cinema Society
​The Society will deliver their free, outdoor, winter film showcase on a giant snow screen at the Silver Skate Festival. Films will feature snow, mountain and winter sports, films from Edmonton and the north, and Indigenous stories. For more information, visit ifwc.ca.

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