The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Calgary & Area Chapter would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit personal stories for the Make Your Mark contest, in honour of Philanthropy Awareness Week in Calgary, November 8th – 15th. There were many wonderful entries which we believe have inspired your fellow Calgarians. We are certain you will continue to Make Your Mark!
Our contest winner, Sheldon Oleksyn was selected by random draw and has allocated his $1,000 donation to Save a Family Plan. http://www.safp.org/index.htm His winning submission follows:
Submitted By: Sheldon on November 8, 2007
Before coming to the University of Alberta last July, I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Arthur R. Smith, referred to by some as "Mr. Calgary". Art's love and commitment to the city, for the Province of Alberta and for his country are second to none. He is an inspiration to me and to many and, at age 87, is still doing all he can to be of service through his time, talent and contacts. This is a man on fire for others and who never tires of doing all he can to improve the lives of people and the community around him. I could go on at great length about Arthur's accomplishments as a pilot in World War II, followed by his business accomplishments, and then all he achieved as a politician having served at every level of local and national governance. Others have already done this and much better than I. I want to focus on the Art Smith of the present who I know best. In 2005, after assisting SAIT Polytechnic in securing a sizeable Provincial Government grant to establish the Aero Centre for Training and Technology, Ralph Klein asked that the facility be named after his good friend and mentor Art Smith. Art was surprised and flattered but mentioned on more than one occasion afterward that he was quite willing to give his name on the building to others who wanted it if it meant securing additional funding. Art not only volunteered to help on a variety of committees dedicated to the Aero Centre, he took it upon himself to regularly visit the classrooms and programs at the Centre to learn and support the students. Needless to say, the students and instructors were thrilled to see him and have him participate. Art Smith continues to serve and "give" of his time and talent even when it is not convenient to him. He has suffered from cancer, a stroke and eye degeneration, yet works every day doing all he can for the organizations and charities he is passionate about. Now that both of his eyes are failing, he makes phone calls to prominent business and government leaders and reads everything sent to him using magnifying instruments. He takes a taxi to meetings now that he is no longer able to drive. This man wants to die with his boots on and in the midst of working for the people and causes he loves. Examples of this level of commitment and courage are rare these days and in an era short on heroes, Art Smith is certainly one in my books.
AFP would also like to thank everyone, particularly our sponsors, for helping us to make Philanthropy Awareness Week in Calgary such a success.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
