Strengthening Alberta’s Charitable Roots

In 2007, former Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and his wife Marie Stelmach founded The Ed Stelmach Community Foundation with a simple yet impactful mission: to provide financial support to smaller, Alberta-based charities that often struggle to secure funding. Over the years, the foundation has assisted many of these smaller, grassroots organizations, ensuring that vital community initiatives receive the support they need to thrive.

A Legacy of Giving

Ed Stelmach’s tenure as Alberta’s premier was marked by a commitment to community development, social responsibility, and economic growth. However, his dedication to public service didn’t end when he left office. Recognizing that many smaller charities lacked the visibility and resources to attract large-scale donations, Ed and Marie Stelmach established the foundation to bridge the gap and ensure that charitable organizations serving vulnerable populations could continue their work.

Supporting Alberta’s Unsung Heroes

The foundation operates with a keen focus on charities that may not receive the attention they deserve. Many of these organizations work tirelessly to support children, families, seniors, and individuals facing hardship, but often struggle to secure sustainable funding. By providing financial assistance, the foundation helps these groups expand their reach and enhance their services.

Some of the key areas of support include:

  • Youth programs that provide mentorship, education, and recreational opportunities.
  • Family support services that assist parents and caregivers in times of crisis.
  • Health and wellness initiatives that promote mental health, addiction recovery, and medical assistance.

Investing in Alberta’s Future: Scholarships and Bursaries

Beyond its support for charitable organizations, The Ed Stelmach Community Foundation is also committed to investing in Alberta’s future through education. The foundation offers post-secondary scholarships to graduating high school students from specific communities in Alberta, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent promising students from pursuing higher education. For the past several years it has also funded a bursary at Lakeland College.

The Board of Directors: Guiding the Foundation’s Mission

The Ed Stelmach Community Foundation is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of individuals from across Alberta who share a passion for philanthropy and community service. This structure ensures that funds are allocated efficiently and that donations directly benefit those in need.

Current Board Members:

  • Robert James Carwell, FCA, FCPA, ICD.D, CLP – President of Carwell Financial Corporation, with extensive leadership experience in Alberta’s business and nonprofit sectors.
  • Lynette Miller – Team Lead and MDR Supervisor at Alberta Surgical Group Inc., with a background in healthcare and community volunteerism.
  • Curtis Palichuk, FCPA, FCA ICD.D – Managing Partner of Wilde Advisory Group, serving as Treasurer of the foundation since its inception.
  • Marlene Stefura, B.Ed, M.Ed – Retired educator with nearly four decades of experience in Alberta’s school system.
  • Les Stelmach, CFA – Portfolio manager and analyst with 25 years of experience in the investment industry.
  • Liza Stelmach, Ph.D – Registered clinical psychologist employed by Carewest, with over two decades of experience in assessment and therapy.
  • Chris Warren, BA, LLB, Q.C. – A lawyer and senior partner in the Red Deer law firm Warren Sinclair LLP. Chris is actively involved in a local service groups including the Red Deer Rotary Club and Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

Former Directors:

Several dedicated individuals have previously served on the foundation’s Board of Directors, contributing their expertise and leadership to further its mission. Former directors include:

  • Elan MacDonald (2007-2025)
  • Rod Krips (2007-2017)
  • Janet Van Hecke (2007-2018)
  • Allan Farmer (2007-2018)

These individuals played a crucial role in shaping the foundation’s direction, ensuring that its mission remained focused on supporting Alberta’s charitable sector and fostering a culture of generosity.

Looking Ahead

As Alberta continues to evolve, the foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting local charities and fostering a culture of generosity. With ongoing fundraising efforts and a growing network of supporters, The Ed Stelmach Community Foundation is poised to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.