2021 Heart and Soul Recipients

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 2021:

$420,000 in matching grants helped charities over $2.6 million, so they can continue to provide critical services in the areas of: food, shelter, mental health, substance abuse and family violence.
Funding for the arts sector helped employ 680 artists, including 141 BIPOC artists, 68 of whom are Indigenous.
The show went on for 8 local theatres.
Kids opened their minds with 4 arts/science programs live streamed to schools and homes.
Arts was front and center through 13 artist centers, like Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective, and Latitude 53 Society of Artists.
Edmonton anchors including the Valley Zoo, Fort Edmonton Park, and TELUS World of Science welcomed guests in new ways.
Festival City lives on with 10 festivals supported, including Fringe Festival, Heritage Festival, Edmonton Comedy Festival. Edmonton Folk Festival, and Street Performers Festival
520 new artistic works were created, including: 102 virtual theatre works and performances, 69 commissioned visual arts pieces, 191 in person performances conducted in a COVID-safe manner, 10 new Indigenous learning workshops, and 146 school-based storytelling workshops.

Hear about some of the programs we supported:

Check out this fun video from FAVA (Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta) showcasing how EPCOR’s funding for their Studio-19 project helped other organizations bring their content to audiences in new ways.
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"The EPCOR Heart + Soul funding allowed us to begin building a relationship with our neighbors and community through programming provided by BIPOC artists in the Edmonton region. To be able to provide programming outdoors in kamâmak nihtâwikihcikan, allowed safe access to programming in the times of COVID-19.”

Becca Taylor, Director Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective 

"I'm really amazed at the great quality of food we got from the Food Bank - Many thanks to all the staff and volunteers. The staff/volunteers are so hard working, they were working outside in the cold (minus 25 degrees) and brought the food out to our car! God bless you. Awesome caring customer service. I have never been to a food bank in my life but COVID-19 has caused job loss - and this food bank has come to rescue me and my family. Thanks again. God bless you all.”

Dez M., Edmonton’s Food Bank Client

"A huge, huge shout out to Western Carnival Development Association Cariwest Festival 2021 . You did an awesome job with the pop up parade and a dynamic weekend long showcase. Thanks for everything you all do!!!!”

Karen, Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival Attendee

"Tomorrow I am participating in an important program for mental health awareness. Mental health and mental illness come in all shapes and sizes. My focus is the issue (the monster) of depression. I walk for myself, my family, friends, and coworkers. It’s a sad reality but I think we all know at least one person who has lost their fight with depression. I know I do. In fact, just last night I found out someone I cherish had a family member take their life. There is pain with every loss, but suicide hits different. Please tell your people you love them. Every second of every day. You never know the battles people are fighting on their own.”

Jamie, Breaking the Silence Mental Health Run/Walk Participant

Edmonton Fringe Theatre Edmonton International Street Performers Hybrid Festival Edmonton Comedy Festival - October 2021 Edmonton Symphony Orchestera ESO Outside - June 2021 Edmonton Heritage Festival World Music Week - July 25 - August 1 AGA Sidewalk Cinema - April 2021 onward Teatro La Quindicina - April 2021 onward Theatre Prospero Enchanted Antlers Production - December 6-17, 2021 Arts on the Ave Birds on a Wire: Placemaking through the Pandemic Latitude 53 Schmoozy 2021 - October 2021 124 Street Business Associations All is Bright Festival - November 20, 2021 Hit that Jive - Play the Fool Theatre Festival - September 2021 Thousand Faces Festival - Rocko and Nakota: Tales from the Land - June 21, 2021 Edmonton Short Film Festival - ESFF in the Community - June & September 2021 Edmonton Ukrainian Festival Society - Ufest After Dark: It's Baaaaack! - October 2021 Mile Zero Dance Society - REELING: Dance on Screen - May & June 2021 Edmonton Folk Music Festival - Takin' It to the Streets - July and August 2021 TELUS World of Science - Edmonton - Summer Science at Home Family FUNdraiser and LUMEN: Where Science Meets Cocktails - June and the fall of 2021 Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective - Indigenous Art Garden - June to October 2021 Center Communautaire d'Edmonton - La Cite Francophone - Concert Series 2021 – June to December 2021 Trickster Theatre - Edmonton Storytelling Program – Fall 2021 Western Carnival Development Association (Cariwest) - Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival – August 6-8, 2021 Northern Light Theatre - Heart and Soul Art Auction – Winter 2021 Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival Online - June 2021 Alberta Craft Council - Craft Collaborations Fundraiser – Winter 2021 Nina Haggerty Center for the Arts - Here's Nina Goes Virtual – November 2021 Ukrainian Shumka Dancers - Emerging Artists Program – Summer 2021 Heart of the City Festival Society of Edmonton - Heart of the City Festival – Summer 2021 Fort Edmonton Park - Indigenous Perspective Experiences Citadel Theatre - Relaunch Campaign Dreamspeakers Festival Society - Rubaboo Digital Series 2021 FAVA - Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta - Studio 19

Edmonton Fringe Theatre

Fringe is optimistically reimagining all the ways we can celebrate 40 years of fringing this August. All plans will respect public health restrictions, and above all else, the safety of fringers. Stay tuned for a public announcement coming soon!

Edmonton International Street Performers Hybrid Festival

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival has planned a variety of Festival programming for 2021. EISPF knows how vital it is for us to contribute to the health and well-being of Edmontonians by continuing to offer our brand of festival spirit and joy for all. One way we plan to do this is by presenting StreetFest Community "MaskParades" in neighborhoods throughout Edmonton. Along with our "MaskParades", Street Performer Skills Workshops - providing training in juggling, balance, dance, and more - will be available upon request.

EPCOR Heart + Soul Fund sponsorship will help support performer fees, tech support, workshop artist facilitators, as well as PPE and marketing.

Edmonton Comedy Festival - October 2021

The festival will feature 20, reduced capacity comedy shows at venues across Edmonton. Funds will go toward comedian fees, venue rental, and advertising.

Edmonton Symphony Orchestera ESO Outside - June 2021

The ESO will form various performance cohorts (of between 3 and 15 musicians each) and play approximately 30 outdoor concerts in June. These concerts will occur in outdoor Edmonton and area venues such as Borden Park, Rundle Park, and Hawerlak Park, in addition locations in Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, and Beaumont. Concert themes will vary depending on the group of musicians, but programs will include a family concert program, a chamber orchestra program, and a program of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

Edmonton Heritage Festival World Music Week - July 25 - August 1

World Music Week will support local cultural acts and share Edmonton's cultural diversity both with a live audience at Hawerlak Park, and online through Facebook and YouTube live feed. Funds will go toward artist fees, and production costs to share performances digitally.

AGA Sidewalk Cinema - April 2021 onward

The Art Gallery of Alberta will feature new digital film, video, music, spoken word and other digital works created by local artists, arts partner organizations and members of the local community. The content will be screened daily on a new, high definition LED screen that will be installed on the exterior north façade of the AGA building in April, and posted on a new AGA Sidewalk Cinema You Tube channel. Funds will be used to pay exhibition fees to participating artists, filmmakers and musicians.

Teatro La Quindicina - April 2021 onward

Teatro is working on a top secret project, to be revealed in the coming months, that is certain to delight audiences at home and abroad. Stay tuned to TeatroQ.com

Theatre Prospero Enchanted Antlers Production - December 6-17, 2021

Enchanted Antlers is the heartwarming story of Elk, Moose, and Deer and their friends as they gather in the wallow for the most important hooved holiday of the year: 'All Ungulates Eve'. The story will teach youth about inclusive behaviour, cross cultural sharing, and respect for the land and creatures on it in a way that is funny, engaging and impactful. The production will be rehearsed and recorded, and made available to schools and seniors facilities. Funds will go toward artist fees, equipment and studio rental.

Arts on the Ave Birds on a Wire: Placemaking through the Pandemic

Using the visual and performing arts and culinary experiences, Arts on the Ave will safely connect Edmonton's most vulnerable individuals through free programming. The project includes numerous activities, like: pop up performances and outdoor visual art galleries, culinary and art workshops, education and hands on learning, physical activities and DIY programming. Funds will be used for artists, educators, rental equipment, supplies, and materials.

Latitude 53 Schmoozy 2021 - October 2021

Schmoozy is Latitude 53's big, annual fundraising event, and will be modified once again this year due to COVID. The "event" will be a hybrid model, including a series of virtual and reduced capacity in-person events over a full month that will celebrate artists and continue to re-energize the arts community safely. Funds will be used to pay artists for performances, edition commissions, and artwork, and cover the cost of regular tickets so that the community can attend free of charge.

124 Street Business Associations All is Bright Festival - November 20, 2021

In November, 124th Street will transform into an outdoor festival of lights, musicians, roving street performers, and ice sculptors, drawing community members to the area and benefitting local businesses. Funds will go toward paying local artists.

Hit that Jive - Play the Fool Theatre Festival - September 2021

Play the Fool is Edmonton's multi-day theatre festival that showcases the tradition and heritage of clown-theatre and physical comedy art forms. The September festival will feature reduced capacity theatre performances, with contingency plans to move online. Funds will go toward professional artist fees.

Thousand Faces Festival - Rocko and Nakota: Tales from the Land - June 21, 2021

The play is about an 11 year old Indigenous boy trying to write a story, and his grandfather who visits him while he is in the hospital and shares many Indigenous tales. The goal is for Indigenous children and youth to discover and celebrate who they are in the land of their ancestors while also allowing non-Indigenous children and youth to understand and respect Indigenous culture. The production will be broadcast live to schools on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21.

Edmonton Short Film Festival - ESFF in the Community - June & September 2021

The main goal of this project is to support local independent film artists by bringing their films to an audience. The first Community Screening in 2021 will be in June to honor National Indigenous Month and will feature Indigenous films. The second Community Screening is planned for September and will feature a wide selection of films for a family audience. Both events will be offered online and at a live event (if permitted) following all applicable Covid19 protocols. Funds will pay for screening fees, production technician, equipment, and venue.

Edmonton Ukrainian Festival Society - Ufest After Dark: It's Baaaaack! - October 2021

This event is a fundraiser to generate revenue to help execute the next Ukrainian Festival. In October, the event will take place at the Alberta Aviation Museum and will feature cultural performances, bands, dancing, food and an auction/raffle. Funds will go toward musicians, performers, equipment/facility rental, and marketing.

Mile Zero Dance Society - REELING: Dance on Screen - May & June 2021

Dance films by over 1,000 applicants will be curated, and developed into films to be shown virtually, and at a drive-in theatre at Bonnie Doon Mall. The initiative also consists of online panels for Edmonton's film and dance artists on the topics of film methods and how to distribute films globally, as well as an online contest for one-minute film creation with cash prizes to encourage public participation. Funds will be used toward the film curator position, and technical costs for drive-in.

Edmonton Folk Music Festival - Takin' It to the Streets - July and August 2021

From mid-July to mid-August, the Folk Music Festival will bring mini concerts to 42 Edmonton communities, creating an experience that offers some of the features of the festival on a smaller scale: music, connection and community. The funds will help the festival cover the costs of flatbed trucks, equipment, artist fees and staffing of the events.

TELUS World of Science - Edmonton - Summer Science at Home Family FUNdraiser and LUMEN: Where Science Meets Cocktails - June and the fall of 2021

Funds will support two fundraising initiatives: Summer Science at Home Family FUNdraiser and LUMEN. The Summer Family FUNdraiser is scheduled for June 16, 2021, and will have hands-on science experiments that families can follow along at home with custom science kits, live entertainment by local performers, behind the scenes look at Expedition: Dinosaur and opportunities for guests to support the science center's community programs. The funds will be used to pay for production, 50/50 costs, virtual silent auction costs, marketing of the events and entertainment and will leverage additional donations from the community. LUMEN: Where Science Meets Cocktails is scheduled for the fall of 2021 and will be an in-person event with entertainment, cocktail and food experiences with a science twist. Guests will have the chance to support science education programs for Edmonton's most in-need schools through an online 50/50, virtual silent auction and donation requests. EPCOR will match all donations up to a total of $15,000.

Ociciwan Contemporary Art Collective - Indigenous Art Garden - June to October 2021

Ociciwan is constructing a garden in the vacant lot adjacent to their building, and will program the space June through October with performances, workshops and artist talks by Indigenous and minority artists located in amiskwacîwâskahikan. Funds will be used towards programming the space, including hiring a Community Coordinator, artist fees, performance fees, equipment rentals and materials for workshops.

Center Communautaire d'Edmonton - La Cite Francophone - Concert Series 2021 – June to December 2021

From June to December, La Cite Francophone will present a weekly series of concerts (Patio Series) offering a wide range of musical styles and settings including classical, folk, jazz, celtic, blues, world, latin, francophone, Indigenous and alternative. Several of the concerts will be in partnership with other community and arts organizations. The majority of the funds will be used to hire the performers/ artists, cultural manager and house theatre technician, with a minor amount to be used in the support of promotion and marketing.

Trickster Theatre - Edmonton Storytelling Program – Fall 2021

In this new, school-based storytelling program, artists work virtually with a class over two 75 minute sessions using Google Jamboard and Google Meets, to develop original stories from picture prompts. The artist and the class then tell the stories orally at the end of each class. Students also create their own storyboard and eventually write one or both stories. The goal is that the teacher will then use some of the techniques demonstrated. The funding will pay Edmonton artists to deliver this program to 200 classrooms spread over 40 Edmonton schools.

Western Carnival Development Association (Cariwest) - Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival – August 6-8, 2021

Cariwest is a festival that showcases various aspects of Caribbean arts and culture to Canadians and maintains a connection to home for the Caribbean community. This year, Cariwest will produce a hybrid version of the festival with virtual and in-person elements featuring music, song, dance, food, parade, local artisans and more. Funds will be used to promote the festival, and pay video specialists to facilitate the recording of the production from various locations across Edmonton.

Northern Light Theatre - Heart and Soul Art Auction – Winter 2021

Northern Light Theatre is a live theatre company dedicated to producing work that speaks to a modern audience, and sparks meaningful discourse on the themes raised, long after the curtain has gone down. Northern Light Theatre will host an in person or virtual auction (depending on restrictions) to raise funds for their ongoing programs. EPCOR funding will pay 10-12 artists for the commission of works to be auctioned at the event.

Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival Online - June 2021

The Canadian Native Friendship Center and The City of Edmonton are proud to present the Edmonton Indigenous Peoples Festival, live streamed on YouTube and Facebook on June 19^th, 2021, from 6 – 8 pm.

Featuring local Albertan musical performances, cultural demonstrations, and a heartfelt message from our Oiler's own Ethan Bear, this special event will showcase Indigenous talent, culture, experiences, and perspectives.

The funds from Epcor's Heart and Soul Foundation will contribute to supporting our local artists, along with event production, equipment, and coordination.

Alberta Craft Council - Craft Collaborations Fundraiser – Winter 2021

Alberta Craft Council develops, promotes, and advocates for Fine Craft in Alberta. Craft Collaborations sees artists paired to create one of a kind collaborative artworks for an online fundraising auction and exhibition of artworks in November and December. Artists are paid for their artworks and proceeds raised support the Craft Council's ongoing programming in support of artists and the sector. EPCOR funds will be used to enhance donations to the event and support local artists.

Nina Haggerty Center for the Arts - Here's Nina Goes Virtual – November 2021

Nina Haggerty Center will host an interactive, interesting and engaging virtual event that encourages participation and ideally donations. The event will feature a variety show of incredible performers from all genres, presentation of "The Ninas" awards to artists with developments disabilities, silent auction, raffles and more. Funds will support the development and execution of the event, including the virtual platform, film and video production, and promotion of the event.

Ukrainian Shumka Dancers - Emerging Artists Program – Summer 2021

The Emerging Artist Program gives dancers the unique opportunity to create their own piece of choreography under the Shumka name and with the support of Shumka. The project allows for new works and encourages hidden talents within the organization for succession planning. Current company dancers will be invited to work on creative submissions and six projects will be chosen. Mentorship, production assistance, access to resources including cohort dancers, will be provided. This provides Shumka the opportunity to try riskier works and give young artists professional opportunities that could shape their future careers and potentially, Shumka's ultimate direction. The new works will be presented in a theatre setting in 2022. Funds will be used to pay local artists, designers and technicians.

Heart of the City Festival Society of Edmonton - Heart of the City Festival – Summer 2021

Heart of the City Festival will produce family-friendly programming all summer long, highlighting inner-city artists, and bringing life to the downtown core. Programming will include: free writing workshops (one of which is a poetry editing workshop with Edmonton's Poet Laureate Nisha Patel); cultural sharing workshops (like "Powwow 101" with Metis facilitator Sissy Thiessen Kootenayoo); porch concerts and small live music shows in the neighborhoods of Boyle, McCauley, Queen Mary Park,

Parkdale/Cromdale; a community dance project; and possibly a night market in Giovanni Caboto park near the end of summer. This will bring vitality and entertainment to the inner city which is often overlooked, and provide income for artists. They serve the neighborhoods in the downtown core. Funds will go toward artist fees and production costs.

Fort Edmonton Park - Indigenous Perspective Experiences

Fort Edmonton Park will organize and host several Indigenous-focused workshops and educational programs this summer as part of its new Indigenous Peoples Experience. The Fort will partner with Indigenous businesses to bring fun, engaging, immersive and totally authentic experiences to guests and continue to bring light to Indigenous narratives, customs and traditions.

Citadel Theatre - Relaunch Campaign

Citadel Theatre is embarking on a reopening fundraising campaign to rehire staff to ready the theatre and marketing to reach out to audiences. EPCOR will provide matching funds.

Dreamspeakers Festival Society - Rubaboo Digital Series 2021

Rubaboo Arts Festival celebrates works by Indigenous People, and reflects the diversity of the world's Indigenous nations. This year's festival is being re-imagined as a digital series, and EPCOR's funding will help adapt two pieces into a digital form: Minosis Gathers Hope (a dance theatre production that provides a unique way for children to come to terms with the dilemmas of their inner lives), and Light Strikes (a creation of animated Indigenous visual art, projected onto various surfaces set to Indigenous music for a live streamed spectacle).

FAVA - Film and Video Arts Society of Alberta - Studio 19

FAVA created Studio 19 in 2020, a mobile studio designed to professionally capture, live-edit and stream performances and online festivals for performing arts organizations. EPCOR funding will help to cover the cost of technical crew so additional arts organizations may utilize Studio 19 for their productions.

Social supports - Charitable organizations

Hope Mission - Hope for Hungry Radiothon - October 6 & 7, 2021 Terra Center for Teen Parents - Laughs over Lunch 2021 - June 10, 2021 YWCA Edmonton Rose Campaign: Activism Against Gender-Based Violence - 16 Days of Activism runs from November to December 10, 2021 YMCA of Northern Alberta 50/50 Raffle and Summer Camp Appeal - May & June 2021 Edmonton Public Schools Foundation - 2021 Chromebooks for Kids Campaign - October 2021 Edmonton Meals on Wheels Fundraising Campaign - May 2021 BGCBigs Children's First Golf Classic Matching Campaign and Lobster Lovers Gala Edmonton's Food Bank - CBC Make the Season Kind Boyle Street Community Services - Boyle Street 50 Campaign – June 2021 Bissell Center - Match Campaign Feed Our Little Ones - November/December 2021 YESS - Youth Empowerment and Support Services - YESS 2021 Spring Campaign – June 2021 University of Alberta Campus Food Bank – Fast and Studious – November 2021 Mental Health Foundation - Breaking the Silence

Hope Mission - Hope for Hungry Radiothon - October 6 & 7, 2021

The Radiothon will take place on CISN 103.9 over 2 days, and the goal is to raise $110,000 to provide over 42,000 meals to the hungry this fall. The radio DJs will be outdoors on the football field at Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium broadcasting live on the radio and they will move 1 yard down the football field for every $1000 raised to feed the hungry—and they won't leave the field until all the money is raised to provide meals. EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $25,000.

Terra Center for Teen Parents - Laughs over Lunch 2021 - June 10, 2021

Laughs Over Lunch (LOL) is a virtual fundraiser, hosted by Global TV's Carole-Anne Devaney and featuring a live improv show by Rapid Fire Theatre. The goal is to raise $150,000 to support Terra in building its staff capacity to ensure they can provide the right support at the right time. When teen parents are supported in the areas of housing, education, employment and food security, they are able to focus on raising healthy, resilient children and are able to contribute to the community in positive ways. EPCOR will match donations of $500 or more, up to a total of $25,000.

YWCA Edmonton Rose Campaign: Activism Against Gender-Based Violence - 16 Days of Activism runs from November to December 10, 2021

YWCA host an expanded virtual Rose Campaign through online events, speakers series and media over the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a capstone Rose Campaign event on December 6. The goal is to raise the $90,000 critically needed to provide trauma-informed mental health programming and advocacy for those they serve, predominantly women, many who are experiencing violence. EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $25,000.

YMCA of Northern Alberta 50/50 Raffle and Summer Camp Appeal - May & June 2021

The online 50/50 will be open to individuals across Alberta starting in May, with sales projected to reach $20K. EPCOR will support administration and promotion costs associated with the 50/50. In June, the YMCA will run a summer campaign, raising funds to ensure kids whose families are of limited financial means, and may be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, can access summer programs. The campaign will focus on importance physical activity and social inclusion on the mental wellbeing of children and youth. EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $15K.

Edmonton Public Schools Foundation - 2021 Chromebooks for Kids Campaign - October 2021

The most significant learning the Edmonton Public Schools Division and the Foundation has realized during COVID is that technology for students is a BASIC NEED. Funding received would be used to purchase Chromebooks to ensure the Division's vulnerable students have equitable access to technology to support their learning journey during the ongoing pandemic challenges and beyond. The goal is to raise $50,000, which would provide about 140 students with a Chromebook. Principals would play a critical role in identifying students with the greatest need. EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $25K.

Edmonton Meals on Wheels Fundraising Campaign - May 2021

Launching on May 1, Meals on Wheels will conduct a direct mail campaign to 10,000 people this spring with the goal of raising $50,000 to subsidize meal costs for both seniors and young families dealing with food insecurity issues. EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $25K. Find out how to support Meals on Wheels.

BGCBigs Children's First Golf Classic Matching Campaign and Lobster Lovers Gala

Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brother Big Sisters of Edmonton will conduct a golf tournament this August and EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $15,000. With the cancelation of Lobster Lovers in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BGCBigs is excited to bring the flavors of the east coast back to Edmonton this fall thanks to the sponsorship and support of EPCOR's Heart and Soul funding.

Edmonton's Food Bank - CBC Make the Season Kind

Funds raised by the annual CBC Make the Season Kind campaign are essential for Edmonton's Food Bank. Funds are used to provide a festive meal for individuals and families as well as continued food services beyond the holidays. CBC listeners and viewers will be asked to help collectively match the $25,000 EPCOR contribution.

Boyle Street Community Services - Boyle Street 50 Campaign – June 2021

To celebrate its 50^th anniversary this year, Boyle Street Community Services is launching the Boyle Street 50 initiative, with the goal of raising $100,000. This peer-to-peer fundraising campaign will have teams raise funds through actions centered on the number 50. For example: running 50 km, collecting 50 articles of clothing, baking 50 loaves of bread, etc. EPCOR will match the first $25,000 raised by teams.

Bissell Center - Match Campaign Feed Our Little Ones - November/December 2021

This Holiday Season, Bissell Center will launch a three-day campaign to raise funds to provide healthy snacks and meals for the child care program, giving the little ones the best nutrition for optimal brain development and learning. EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $25,000.

YESS - Youth Empowerment and Support Services - YESS 2021 Spring Campaign – June 2021

With the goal of raising $50,000, the YESS Spring campaign will be based on the theme of resiliency and will share impactful stories and information about the challenges faced by our city's youth amidst the pandemic. Funds raised will go toward YESS's ongoing COVID-19 response, including: a 24/7 model of care to offer a safe space at all hours, virtual delivery of some supports and services, COVID-19 screening and isolation protocols, expanded cleaning protocols, and more. EPCOR will match donations up to a total of $25,000.

University of Alberta Campus Food Bank – Fast and Studious – November 2021

Fast and Studious is a peer-to-peer fundraiser taking place in November, where participants pledge to fast for a 24 hour period and collect donations from their networks in support of their fast. The fundraiser has a dual purpose of collecting donations to support the Campus Food Bank and Safe House program, and to raise awareness about student food insecurity and homelessness. Funds raised will be split 50/50 between the Campus Food Bank and the Safe House program, with the goal of raising $30,000 total. EPCOR will match the first $15,000 raised, and the remainder of the EPCOR funding will be used toward the promotion of the initiative.

Mental Health Foundation - Breaking the Silence

Mental Health Foundation’s Breaking the Silence weeklong event in July encouraged people to get outdoors, participate in an hour of activity, and take part in daily webinar learning sessions by mental health practitioners. EPCOR funds supported a wellness kit for each participant, costs for the webinar series, and matching dollars for the fundraising campaign.

Regional recipients

Clearview Youth Center - Collingwood, Ontario Blue Mountain Village Foundation - Collingwood, Ontario Community Foundation Grey Bruce - Owen Sound, Ontario Paisley Artscape Society - Paisley, Ontario Bruce Botanical Gardens - Ripley, Ontario Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce - Owen Sound, Ontario Wes for Youth Online - Southern Bruce, Ontario / Aylmer, Ontario Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation - Aylmer, Ontario Arrowsmith Search and Rescue - French Creek, British Columbia Society of Organized Services - French Creek, British Columbia McMillan Arts Center - French Creek, British Columbia Synergy Youth and Community Development Society - Chestermere, Alberta Wheatland Society of Arts - Strathmore, Alberta

Clearview Youth Center - Collingwood, Ontario

Clearview Youth Center is a positive and inclusive space where all youth are welcomed. Heart + Soul funding will support First Aid & CPR courses with a focus on health & safety and helping youth with future career opportunities.

Blue Mountain Village Foundation - Collingwood, Ontario

The foundation supports local charitable organizations located in southern Georgian Bay with a focus on youth and families. Heart + Soul funding will support the Maple (Re)Leaf Campaign, a Canada-wide tour, giving all Canadians an opportunity to donate and participate in this one-of-a-kind event, which will ultimately support mental health programs

Community Foundation Grey Bruce - Owen Sound, Ontario

The foundation supports local community projects, and scholarships, bursaries or awards for students. Heart + Soul funding will go toward the Next25 Fund, supporting health & wellness, arts & culture, education & lifelong learning, living standards, the environment and community connectedness opportunities.

Paisley Artscape Society - Paisley, Ontario

The society works to increase the public's experience, understanding, appreciation as well as maintenance of the Arts in Paisley and the surrounding area. Heart + Soul funding will help purchase a movable sculpture base that will not disturb underground infrastructure and can be relocated. It will be used to highlight local sculptures around the community.

Bruce Botanical Gardens - Ripley, Ontario

The Bruce Botanical Gardens works to address the issues of food insecurity, sustainable agriculture and the issues faced by the small family farm through tourism, education, hands on experience and cultural activity. Heart + Soul funding will support the annual harvest dinner that raises funds to grow fresh, organic produce for the community and the Kincardine & District Food Bank

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce - Owen Sound, Ontario

Big Brothers Big Sisters enables life-changing mentoring relationships to ignite the power and potential of young people. Heart + Soul funding will support a golf tournament to raise funds for the mentorship program.

Wes for Youth Online - Southern Bruce, Ontario / Aylmer, Ontario

This organization uses a virtual form of communication to provide counselling services to youth in a way that they are comfortable and most familiar with. Since the rise of COVID, the organization has seen a 45% increase in virtual counselling registrations. Heart + Soul funding will go toward providing free counselling to youth.

Elgin St. Thomas Community Foundation - Aylmer, Ontario

The foundation builds and manages endowed funds and grants to support local charities. Heart + Soul funding will support initiatives with a focus on improving the communities in EPCOR's Aylmer service territory.

Arrowsmith Search and Rescue - French Creek, British Columbia

A highly trained 100% volunteer group, on call 24/7/365 operating in the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island. Its quiet community-based heroes are trained in ground, rope and swift water rescues and are dedicated to bringing lost or injured loved ones home.

Society of Organized Services - French Creek, British Columbia

In support of its Project Rebuild program that helps seniors and children in low-income homes, and works to reduce poverty in the community.

McMillan Arts Center - French Creek, British Columbia

In support of its Aging Artfully program that provides a creative and social outlet for seniors and the Art Therapy free, drop-in program that helps participants express emotions without words and improve their mental health.

Synergy Youth and Community Development Society - Chestermere, Alberta

Heart + Soul Funding will support the Connection and Care Counselling program and the Youth Internship program.

Wheatland Society of Arts - Strathmore, Alberta

Heart + Soul Funding provided for the Adaptive Art program that allows people with intellectual and physical disabilities to explore their creative side while socializing with their peers. As well, a new mentorship program led by Nancy Lynn Hughes is also being supported to help participants build on their technical skills.