- With over 450 people in attendance, the Mix-Off themed event is one of the largest industry-driven charitable fundraisers in the Calgary area
- Since inception in 2015, more than $C10 million has been raised for local charities through employee and client donations, with matching from the Macquarie Group Foundation
Macquarie Group today announced that its annual staff-led charity fundraising event held on October 19 raised over $C2.8 million for local Calgary charities. After expected matching from the Macquarie Group Foundation in line with their Non-Profit Support policy, total funds raised will exceed $C4.5 million. The annual fundraising event, now in its seventh year, is held in collaboration with energy industry partners. It is one of the largest industry-driven charitable fundraisers in the Calgary area, raising over $C10 million since 2015.
This year's event was a "Mix-Off," challenging teams of contestants with using local Alberta ingredients to craft unique cocktails. Teams competed on behalf of four local organizations: Make-A-Wish Canada, the Hotchkiss Brain Institute's Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST) at the University of Calgary, Renfrew Educational Services and Gordie Howe CARES (Center for Alzheimer's Research and Educational Society). More than 450 people attended the event held at the Barbarella Bar in downtown Calgary.
Jennifer Geggie, Vice President, Liquids Commercial at TC Energy, and Dylan Johnson, Managing Director in Macquarie's Commodities and Global Markets business, took home the trophy for Make-A-Wish Canada's Southern Alberta Chapter. The other teams that competed on behalf of their charities included: Lindsey McKay, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, and Aarnoud van Weelderen, Macquarie Group; Toby McKenna, Rockpoint Gas Storage, and Tamara Schaefer, Macquarie Group; Chris Carlsen, Birchcliff Energy Ltd., and Mike Anton, Macquarie Group.
"The success of this annual fundraiser demonstrates the positive impact we can have on the community when we bring together clients and colleagues in support of a common good," said Tamara Schaefer, Managing Director in Macquarie's Commodities and Global Markets business. "Charities need our help now more than ever. With support from the Macquarie Group Foundation, we're able to have an even greater impact on organizations helping those in need."
The funds raised at this event, with matching funds from the Macquarie Group Foundation, will support the following Calgary-based charities and their respective initiatives:
- Make-A-Wish Canada, Southern Alberta Chapter creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. They serve children in every community in Canada, and in more than 50 countries worldwide. Make-A-Wish Canada is proudly celebrating 40 years of wish granting in 2023, having granted more than 37,000 wishes since 1983.
- Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST) is an interdisciplinary program that explores how both emotional stress and physical trauma impact the brain and can lead to the development of mental health conditions. Based out of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education at the University of Calgary's internationally recognized Hotchkiss Brain Institute, MIST is responding to the gaps in our understanding and improving education about and treatment for mental health challenges.
- Renfrew Educational Services has grown to be a dynamic organization and is recognized as a leader in best practices for children and youth with disabilities since its inception in 1974. Currently with four school locations across Calgary, Renfrew supports over 600 students. With a 20-year history in outreach services, Renfrew's community services department presently provides programs for over 10,000 students among 52 contracts as well as services on the Stoney Nakoda and Tsuut'ina nations.
- Gordie Howe CARES' (Center for Alzheimer's Research and Educational Society) mission is to ensure dignity, support and education for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer's and dementia-related diseases, so they are never alone on their journey. Gordie Howe CARES is proud to partner with the Gordie Howe Family in helping caregivers of loved ones impacted with Dementia and its related diseases.
Commenting on the success of this year's fundraiser, Pritha Mittal, Macquarie Group Foundation Regional Director, Americas, said: "In its seventh year, the Calgary fundraiser highlights what can be achieved through our employee-led approach to giving. By supporting charities near and dear to them, our passionate staff are able to contribute financial support with the backing of the Macquarie Group Foundation, ensuring donations reach people in the local community who have the greatest need."
This year's Calgary fundraiser coincided with the 10-year anniversary of Macquarie's global Foundation Week, which ran from October 14-22. Organized by the Macquarie Group Foundation, this is an annual week-long initiative to celebrate and empower staff-led support for the communities in which they live and work. Staff are encouraged to be part of Macquarie's long-standing philanthropic culture by getting involved throughout the week, supporting non-profits by contributing time, skills and/or money. Globally, over 300 events were held across our four regions, supporting more than 220 community organizations.
