Thank you UAlberta!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7Sq16hKEb0?rel=0]
A huge thank you to the 2000 or so University of Alberta faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends who came out to today’s fundraiser BBQ in support of Fort McMurray! As I have noted before, I keep seeing how quickly our community can come together and make things happen. Today was another moving example.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised $16,435 for the Red Cross (which we anticipate will be matched by federal government) and took in 90 boxes of donated items and food on behalf of the Edmonton Emergency Relief Services and the Edmonton Food Bank. Proceeds from the BBQ sales (about 1400 served) will also be donated.

My thanks to the more than 100 volunteers from across the university who enthusiastically offered to help and were critical to making today a success. In particular, I’d like to thank the staff in University Relations and Facilities and Operations who immediately went into action as soon as the BBQ was proposed.


I was so pleased that Chancellor Ralph Young, Board Chair Michael Phair, President of the Alumni Association Mary Pat Barry, AASUA President Heather Bruce, and NASA President Elizabeth Johannson along with members of her executive joined Suromitra and me at the event and helped to flip burgers, greet people in line, and other sundry duties.

Special mention needs to go to the executive and staff of the Students’ Union, who stepped in to bring in another BBQ and more burgers when supplies started to run low. They also donated posters and printing costs to help spread the word on the event. SU President Fahim Rahman was there throughout welcoming people and helping wherever needed. The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and the Graduate Students’ Association were also on hand from set up to take down to manage the collection of items for the Edmonton Emergency Relief Service. Students from the Campus Food Bank led the charge on collecting food. Campus Recreational Services created a fun zone for evacuee families.

At today’s event, it was very clear to me that many of you want to be able to help where you can. If you would like to contribute in another way as well, Ancillary Services is looking for volunteers to help serve food to evacuees in Lister Center. They’ve set up an online form where you can sign up.

Thank you all for your generosity and wonderful show of support. I am so proud to be part of this community.

David H. Turpin
President and Vice-Chancellor