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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.

This is what we accomplished in 2020

  • $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 colour) artists.
  • Indigenous art took centre 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 Centre and the Art Gallery of Alberta.
  • World class virtual and in-person experiences offered through six festivals.
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​​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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​2020​ Heart + Soul Recipients​​

​Art programs​​​

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.ca.​
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 centres in the Canadian Prairies, and serves as a major centre 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.
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 p​rograms

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 Centre, 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 Centre for the Arts serves adults with developmental disabilities. EPCOR funding will support increased studio time for the centre'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
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 Centre - Giving Tuesday (December 1 & 2)
​Bissell Centre 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 neighbours 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​​

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 centre 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 - Centre 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 centre 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.

​​Regional recipients

Canmore & Area Health Foundation

In support of the Mindfulness and Meditation Program that introduces individuals to meditation and yoga to help one manage everyday stressors and improve their overall health.

Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign

Funds raised are used for families and single people in need, as well as seniors who are alone at Christmastime. Annually supports 1,500 people in the Canmore and Exshaw area by providing hampers that include grocery cards and toys.

Jasper Community Team Society

In support of the Jasper Santas Anonymous program, which aims to provide assistance to local families and individuals during the holiday season through gifting items of need and financial support to purchase food. In 2020, we are anticipating approximately 100 applications for the program and due to COVID19, we are unable to host our largest fundraiser, the Santa Train.

Yellowhead Historical Society

In support of the Jasper Museum student day camps to help foster a love of history, a sense of community and gain new experiences.

Jasper Food Bank Society

The mission of the Jasper Food Bank is to help relieve hunger and draw attention to the problems associated with hunger through awareness and community resources.

Wheatland Crisis Society

Provides a safe place for families and individuals to stay until they are able to make a ‘next-step’. Heart + Soul Funding providing televisions and DVD players for each of its bedrooms as families are confined to the rooms with the common area closed due to the pandemic.

Wheatland Food Bank

In support of the organization that prepares approximately 800 hampers a year for needy people who live in Wheatland County.

Chestermere Gifts of Kindness

Formerly Christmas with Dignity, Gifts of Kindness is a financial assistance program for basic needs support (rent, damage deposit, utility, medical, training, kids programming, and etc.). It is operated by the Family Community Resource Centre via the City of Chestermere.

Chestermere Food Bank

In support of the Weekends and More Program that ensures children have enough food on weekends.

Reach Regina

REACH serves as an umbrella association for a wide range of healthy food programs. Programs are delivered through almost 200 organizations and schools to ensure that all people in the community have access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. Heart + Soul Funding supported the Holiday Matching Program and new appliances for its new location.

Buffalo People’s Arts Institute

Buffalo People Arts Institute is about sharing traditional Indigenous teachings and knowledge and nurturing it every day so Indigenous culture thrives. Throughout the pandemic, they have worked to use digital tools to continue to deliver programming that includes traditional hide scraping and elder teachings. Heart + Soul Funding will go towards audiovisual equipment to enhance online programming.

Collingwood Art Crawl

In support of its annual free, self guided art & music tour in the heart of downtown Collingwood.

Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions

Committed to working collaboratively to build a safe and strong community where children, youth and families thrive. Services include child protection, family support, family creation through adoption, kinship, customary care and foster care, and in its Muskoka branches, they offer children’s mental health services.

Theatre Collingwood

A not-for-profit professional theatre company dedicated to showcasing the finest talent in quality theatre productions. Heart + Soul Funding supported online programming as a response in in-person events being suspended due to the pandemic.

Out of the Cold Collingwood

Supporting the feasibility study for developing permanent services for people in the Southern Georgian Bay region who are experiencing homelessness.

Art supplies and programs
​Art supplies and programs for Admiral Collingwood Elementary School and Beaver Valley Community School.
Collingwood Youth Centre

Supporting its Virtual Foodies program where youth and their family receive access to live, online classes with engaging chefs from across the country from the comfort of their home.

Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area

Enabling Santa visits within COVID protocols

Aylmer Area Community Foundation

Distributes grants to organizations that provide a wide range of cultural, educational, health, environmental, recreational, heritage and community services to help improve the quality of life in the Aylmer area.

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority

Implements programs to reduce the risk of life and property from flooding and erosion; water and land stewardship; forestry; wildlife habitat creation and outdoor recreation.

Bruce Botanical Food Gardens

​In support of its annual harvest dinner that raises funds to grow fresh, organic produce for the community and the Kincardine & District Food Bank.​

Big Brother Big Sisters of Kincardine & District

In support of the Holiday Giving Program that enables vital and multifaceted programs for young people in Southern Bruce counties.

Lucknow Agricultural Society

Supporting the organization that cancelled annual events due to the pandemic.

Ripley Agricultural Society

Its mission is to inspire life-long learning of agriculture and strengthen the community.

Paisley Blues Festival

In support of its Guitar Lending program for youth and access to online learning.