Philanthropy means generosity in all its forms. It is often defined as giving gifts of “time, talent, and treasure” to help make life better for other people. Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) is designed to introduce motivated young people...

Walt and Debbie Piper both grew up in the Brooks region where they first met in high school, and later reconnected through their careers. After marriage, they decided that Brooks was where they wanted to stay and raise their two...

Michelle MacLean was first introduced to the Community Foundation in Spring of 2018 when research began in the rural areas to explore the need for Rural Community Funds. Participating in the initial information sessions, Michelle...

Every so often, our Foundation is the recipient of an extremely generous bequest that is a true game changer for charities in Southeastern Alberta. The story of John and Mata Rinke began on June 30, 1942 when they eloped and began...

Jane and Sandy (John) MacKay moved from Saskatoon in 1969 with their two sons, Bruce and Doug, so Sandy could begin his ophthalmology practice in Medicine Hat. Jane was the practice’s business manager and accountant, and they made a...

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta has received several generous bequests over the past 30 years. Milta and Donald Hawthorne’s gift was no exception. Together, they gifted over $600,000 to the Community Foundation through...

Danny Koch was a genuine, sentimental, hard-working, accepting man who had a soft spot for young kids, his children and grandchildren included. He left a positive impression everywhere he went. Heather and Danny met on their first day...

Barry and Janet Neubauer were first introduced to the Community Foundation through family friend and CFSEA founder, John Ignatius, who Barry admired. They connected with CFSEA because they were interested in the opportunity to give...

The love of baseball and the dream to support youth, forever, was a driving force for John Ignatius to form a local Community Foundation in Southeastern Alberta. In 1996, John began a conversation with Lovell McDonnell, Medicine Hat...

In 1997, the Medicine Hat Youth Centre received a $35,000 grant from the Community Foundation to officially open their doors. The Youth Centre was established by a committee of youth who desired to see a place ‘for youth, by youth,...

Stephen and Glenda Hawthorne Stephen Hawthorne was born and raised in Medicine Hat. He was married to Glenda, the love of his life and best friend. Glenda moved from a farm in Saskatchewan to Medicine Hat to attend college, which is...