Alberta Charities Announce Multimillion Dollar Leadership Gifts to Mark the 2015 Giving Season

CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - December 11, 2015) - Six Alberta charities today announced leadership gifts from Calgary business leader and philanthropist Brad Shaw to mark the 2015 giving season.

The Calgary Food Bank and Edmonton's Food Bank received $6 million and $3 million, respectively. "This is Mr. Shaw and his family coming together with our friends and neighbors in the community to ensure that we can all get through these tough times," said Calgary Food Bank CEO, James McAra. "This amazing contribution allows us to continue to work at maximum capacity on behalf of all of the organizations and the people we help. Plus it will give us the confidence to meet the ever-increasing demand in the coming year."

Marjorie Bencz, Executive Director at Edmonton's Food Bank added, "We have been severely challenged by the increased numbers of people and organizations that need food because of the economic challenges faced by Albertans. This gift will help us provide food on the tables for hungry people in 2016."

The Calgary Veteran's Food Bank Project will also benefit from the Shaw's gift with a $100,000 donation. Joey Bleviss, Chief Administrative Officer of the Calgary Poppy Fund & Veterans Food Bank, said, "the generous contribution from the Shaw family helps to ensure that no veteran in the Calgary area will go without."

"Our food banks are critical to the strength of our communities as an important resource that gives hope to families who may have come across hard times," Mr. Shaw added. "We are fortunate to live in such a plentiful and generous province, but still many people in our communities don't know where their next meal is coming from."

One million dollars of the Shaw's leadership gift will go to Alberta animal and wildlife preservation organizations. The animal welfare organizations include: Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation, Calgary Humane Society and the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (CWRS).

"For us, the long term benefits from this significant contribution will reach far and wide," said Colin Weir, Managing Director, Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation.

Carrie Fritz, Executive Director, Calgary Humane Society, said, "This could not have come at a better time. With daily animal intake on the rise and programs at risk due to a struggling economy, their tremendous support will make a huge impact."

"The generous donation to the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society will ensure that Calgary's wildlife in need will receive the best possible veterinary and rehabilitative care for years to come," said CWRS Executive Director, Andrea Hunt.

"My family and I understand that the current circumstances facing our communities are particularly difficult, and we are pleased to be able to support the work of causes and organizations that make a difference to the health of our province," Mr. Shaw said. "We are honoured to support their good work."

This release is transmitted courtesy of Marketwired.