Nu-West Spirt: Community Focused

I am proud to be from Calgary, the heart of the NU-WEST a city that does well by doing good. I had the privilege of attending two incredible parties on Thursday (June 21): Burnco's 100th anniversary, and Brett Wilson's annual garden party. The garden party benefited Calgary counseling and eating disorder prevention. An issue I relate to. Brett's Garden Party raised $300,000 to fund Juno House, BodyWhys, and Calgary Counseling.

Burnco's Party was a celebration of family business. Burnco Cement company was founded by Jim Burns the first. Burns Came to Albert in 1902 when Calgary had a population of 4398. Burns took a job for the railroad and worked in Revelstok. In 1912 after hearing news of the bombing construction business Burns moved to Calgary and started a cement and sandstone supplier company. Burns worked hard as both Calgary and Burns Company grew. In 1947 Jim Burns sold his company to his son Jim Burns the second.

 Burns 2 was always on the look out for new and innovative technology that would increase the efficiency of his operations. In the 1950's Burns introduced the cement mixing truck to western Canada. The mixing truck simplified the job by cutting the hours required to perform a job as well as gave the company leverage to grow. Burns 2, passed the Burnco torch onto his son Jim Burns 3 in the mid 60's.

Burns 3 worked hard to expand Burnco into new territory while maintaining and promoting a strong family focused corporate culture. In 1993, Burns 3 sold Burnco to his son Scott Burns. Scott Burns leads Burnco with passion, commitment, and a strong will to maintain the family culture of Burnco. Today Burnco employs over 800 people and has diversified into four main operating units: Aggregate, Landscape Centers, Ready Mix, and Asphalt.

In honor of Burnco's 100th Birthday the company played tribute to the Humble Beginning of Calgary and Burnco. In recognition of innovation and community leadership Scott Burns on behave of Burnco made the generous donation of $1 million dollars to Sait Polytechnic. Proving a community focus is always on trend. Congrats Burnco on the big 100!

Beauty In Action: Time-Raising

True beauty is a depth of an individual. Beauty exceeds the surface adornments, the pretty eyes, or sexy facial hair. Beauty is the person; the soul. Beautiful people in my minds eye are smart, charismatic, funny, philanthropic, and present. Beauty fades,  and is hopefully replaced by a strength of character. What I define as beautiful is passion for community, art, and a life that is infectious.  

Beauty is best shared, preferably with a community of your closet and dearest. I am excited to marvel at the Beauty of Calgary at the 7th annual Time Raiser event. The Time Raiser, in my opinion is a genius fundraising initiative that enables philanthropic individuals with shallow pockets to partake in the grandeur of a silent art auction.  The Time Raiser, in contrast to the mold, is an event designed to raise volunteer hours for local charities. The auction items will be available for purchase pending volunteer commitment. 

How It works:

1. Choose An Agencies
2. Bid On Art
3. Volunteer 

The time raiser is a cross country event.  Both the organizations in need of volunteers and the art  for auction are local. The 7th Annual Calgary Time Raiser is happening June 14th at Flames Central. This year the event is hoping to raise 6,500 volunteer hours within the next year. The goal may sound ambitious, as time is always on short supply, however the 6,500 hours can be realized through the generous donation of only 20 hours per ticket. Nada!

Eyeing:

Butter flies, by Karen Klassen.

02, by Alfonso Reyes 

Last of the Fall, by Rayanda Delaini 

The Time Raiser event does understand the frenzy of raising the stakes; and has conscientiously made the decision to cap art bets at  125 volunteer hours. For more information regarding the Time Raiser or to find an event in your city check out their website.