With a $2 million gift, the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund (ECECAF) links two organizations with important histories in their commitment to Edmonton's future success.
Members of the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund, NorQuest executive and board of governors, and Edmonton city council.
The announcement was made on January 16 at NorQuest's Edmonton downtown campus. It is the largest gift in ECECAF's 77-year history. The fund represents the charitable efforts of over 11,000 participating members, from nine different unions and associations. Members' contributions have benefited many registered charity and benevolent organizations.
As a result of the donation, and in honour of the ECECAF and its members, the college's Heritage Tower is being renamed the Civic Employees Legacy Tower.
"This is an incredible honour," says ECECAF board chair, Brenda Waluk. "On behalf of all of our members, we would like to say how proud we are to be part of the spirited and vibrant growth of NorQuest College. Our members are very committed to making a difference in this community. This is a legacy that will live on for many generations."
Maximizing Opportunities - The NorQuest Campaign
Launched in 2014 with a goal of raising $20 million, Maximizing Opportunities is the most ambitious fundraising initiative in the college's 52-year history. Five million dollars will support student access to education through scholarships, bursaries, and increased funding for the college's workforce-relevant programs. Fifteen million dollars have supported the construction of the college's $190 million campus expansion, which includes the recently opened Singhmar Centre for Learning, and the retrofit of the newly named Civic Employees Legacy Tower. With this latest gift, the campaign has raised $17.2 million.
"The growth of our college in recent years represents one of the most exciting times in the history of NorQuest," said Dr. Jodi L. Abbott, president and CEO. "From 2013 to 2017, we have become a first choice institution, increasing our student population by 72 per cent from 10,220 learners to the 17,592 we have today (January 16). This incredibly generous gift will allow us to better prepare our learners for tomorrow's workforce needs."
NorQuest's plans for continued growth include reaching 40,000 learners by 2025 and providing them with workforce relevant programming, state-of-the-art facilities, and support services that students need to succeed.
