June 1, 2024
Dear Donors, Friends, and Colleagues,
We are extremely proud to advise that in May 2024 we provided 2 – $5,000 Student Awards to two outstanding students: Mr. Tony Ly from Lethbridge, Alberta and Mr. Derrick Leung from Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Ly achieved a remarkable 4.0 Grade Point Average and Mr. Leung achieved an amazing 3.97 Grade Point Average. Both are excited about advancing and sharing their new skills in the Civil Engineering field.
During their studies at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology – Civil Engineering Technology program, these Award recipients worked on a Team project that they believe may have created the right mix of concrete and graphene to combat the City of Calgary’s growing sidewalk deterioration problem, due to freeze-thaw cycles.
Click here to see the video of CTV’s media broadcast acknowledging this noteworthy achievement.
Both recipients have graciously provided testimonials for posting on the Michael Benny Foundation website. Please take a moment to see what they have to say at here.
It’s been some time since my last MBF Update in October 2023. A lot has happened since then, and with the uptick in employment opportunities, we are hoping things have eased for our young people and that they are able to take advantage of these opportunities for change or to embark on a new career path. We also hope that our Student Awards have made a difference in supporting our recipients move forward with their goals and dreams.
We held our AGM on May 23, 2024 and the Board of Directors agreed to continue our partnership with SAIT by committing our SIXTH Annual Student Awards Gift of $10,000 by offering 2 – $5,000 Student Awards to be given out in May 2025. We are also continuing to build our Legacy Fund portfolios for the Calgary Humane Society and the Calgary Zoo. With facilities and operations returning to normal last year, new and exciting opportunities for our children and young adults are being offered by the Calgary Humane Society and the Calgary Zoo again in 2024. We are proud to remain a part of making dreams come true for these families!
At the Michael Benny Foundation we value the outpouring of support from each of you over the last few years as well as during uncertain times. We remember how a community of people like you from Vancouver to Calgary to Toronto and everywhere in between, came together to show your commitment to helping young adults. You made it possible to provide learning opportunities to our students at SAIT by supporting our Civil Engineering Technology Awards Program. We are hopeful that your support continues for many years to come.
Perhaps last year marked your first donation to the MBF: as a monthly supporter or loyal donor; or if you were unable to make a gift to the MBF last year but have been a past supporter, we remember your generosity and hope that you are able to donate this year.
With summer on its way, it’s almost time for our children and young adults to visit their favourite places with friends and family, and to take time to enjoy just being a kid. Some of our children will dream and wish about being able to attend some of the social programs being offered at the Calgary Humane Society or the Calgary Zoo. Some of our young adults will search for employment opportunities and ways to develop their employment skills and attributes, as well as saving enough funds to return to their chosen educational facility. Some will undoubtedly be faced with some form of financial hardship and may choose to remain in the workforce. For students who choose to enter or return to SAIT, it may be finding a place to live; or wondering how to continue their studies upon graduation; or wondering what career opportunities they will have upon graduation.
The MBF would be honoured if you would consider an investment in the MBF through a donation to the future of ourstudents and young people. When considering making your donation, please remember that 100% of your investment goes towards our Student Awards gift to SAIT. Alternately, it can be put in one of our Legacy Funds for future endeavours. Please remember that all Administration of the MBF is funded entirely by our Directors.
The following link to our website provides more information on the MBF, including Student Award recipients’ testimonials, as well as CRA approved online links to make your donation by credit card. Should you choose this option, Charitable Donations Tax Receipts will be issued directly by the service provider. If you are sending your donation by mail, your Charitable Donations Tax Receipt will be sent to you from the MBF in early February 2025.
https://michaelbennyfoundation.com/
Thank you so much for your support. STAY SAFE and HEALTHY. BE HAPPY and remember to SMILE.
Michael Benny, President
Michael Benny
President
Michael Benny Foundation