The Michael Benny Foundation

Undertakes, develops and supports major initiatives in advanced education, animal well-being and youth zoological education.

About The Michael Benny Foundation

Welcome to the Michael Benny Foundation

The Michael Benny Foundation undertakes, develops and supports major initiatives in the areas of advanced education, animal well-being and youth zoological educational programs throughout Canada.

Calgary Humane Society

A Legacy Fund at the Calgary Humane Society which provides ongoing support to the ongoing Humane Education programs.

SAIT

An Awards program for Civil Engineering students at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Calgary Zoological Society

A Legacy Fund at the Calgary Zoological Society in support of the Zoo Explorers program, the Empty Backpack program and other Humane Education programs.

What’s New at the Michael Benny Foundation

June 10, 2025

Dear Donors, Friends, and Colleagues,

As we head into summer season, The Michael Benny Foundation (MBF) remains extremely thankful for your donations throughout the year. Your generosity is what keeps us thriving.

Where your support goes

At our May 20, 2025 AGM the Board of Directors, UNANIMOUSLY supported continuing with our commitment to SAIT, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and the Calgary Humane Society. Your support has made it possible to provide learning opportunities to young adults at SAIT by supporting our Civil Engineering Technology Awards Program and has allowed us to continue contributions to our Legacy Fund portfolios for the Calgary Humane Society and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

Our SAIT 2025 Award recipients are Seth Ryder from Bragg Creek, Alberta who graduated in the Civil Engineering Technology Program – Construction Option with a 3.98 GPA and Brandon Lee from Calgary, Alberta who graduated in the Civil Engineering Technology Program – Municipal Option with a 3.78 GPA.

CONGRATULATONS go to both of these Outstanding Award recipients.

Giving can be as impactful as receiving

Life is a wonderful thing, but times can be tough. That’s why the Michael Benny Foundation is grateful for any donation we receive. When considering making your donation to whatever charitable organization you may choose, please remember that 100 percent of your investment to the MBF goes towards our Student Awards gift to SAIT. Alternately, it can be put in one of our Legacy Funds for future endeavours.

Whether you consider donating $100, $300, $500 or more, your donation will make an impact.

Testimonials

Hear firsthand from those you have greatly impacted

Mohamed Chehabeddine – Calgary, Alberta (2021 Award Recipient)

Diploma, Civil Engineering Technology (C.V.T) SAIT

“The scholarship was instrumental in allowing me to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering. It significantly eased the financial burden and allowed me to better focus on my studies, both in the classroom and through extracurricular involvement. That support made a meaningful difference in my academic journey and ultimately allowed me to graduate with my BEng. Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate to gain experience across various fields within civil engineering, and I’m now well on my way to obtaining my P.Eng designation. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities this scholarship opened up for me, and it continues to have a lasting impact on my career path. People often underestimate the impact that scholarships like this can have—not just financially, but in empowering students to fully pursue their goals.” Mohamed Chehabeddine, March 2025

Seth Ryder – Bragg Creek, Alberta (2025 Award Recipient)

“Receiving the Michael Benny Foundation Award is an incredible honour. One that affirms the path I’ve taken and fuels the journey ahead. This award confirms that I’m heading in the right direction. It gives me the confidence and the means to invest in certifications, equipment and continued growth. More than that, it motivates me to keep learning, lead with integrity, and build a business grounded in trust and a deep sense of community. Thank you for investing in students like me. Your belief in the next generation of trades and construction professionals truly makes a difference.” Seth Ryder, May 2025

Brandon Lee – Calgary, Alberta (2025 Award Recipient)

“With profound honour, I would like to thank the Michael Benny Foundation for this amazing award. Before deciding to study Civil Engineering Technology at SAIT, I was pursuing a different career and found myself uncertain about whether I was headed in the right direction in life. Going back to school took a lot of courage for me, and to break from the existing inertia that had kept me stuck in place. But once I enrolled and started my program, I realized that it was the best decision I had ever made for myself. Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me. It truly feels like I really am on the right path and allows me to focus more on my education. I am deeply humbled by this award and would like to sincerely thank the Michael Benny Foundation, for supporting my academic journey and helping me move closer to becoming a Civil Engineering technologist.” Brandon Lee, June 2025

Read more about the incredible impact of your donations, and other testimonials on our website https://michaelbennyfoundation.com/testimonials/.

Make a Donation

If you are interested in making a donation, there are four ways to do so:

o Send an e-transfer to the Michael Benny Foundation at Mike.benny@shaw.ca

o Donate online through Charitable Impact at https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/michael-benny-foundation/

o Donate online through CanadaHelps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/michael-benny-foundation/

o Make a cheque payable to the Michael Benny Foundation by mail to:

2404 – 1588 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC, V4B 0C5

For all donations before December 1, 2025. I will match them dollar for dollar and receipts will be provided for tax purposes for all donations. For more details, visit the MBF website here.

I wish you all a HAPPY SUMMER and a prosperous 2025. Thank you so much for your generosity and continued support.

BE WELL. STAY SAFE AND PLEASE REMEMBER TO BE HAPPY AND SMILE.

Michael Benny, President

Michael Benny
President
Michael Benny Foundation

May 31, 2025

Dear Donors, Friends, and Colleagues,

The Michael Benny Foundation Recently had our Annual General Meeting on May 29, 2025.

Our 2024 MBF Financial Statements are now available!

Michael Benny
President
Michael Benny Foundation

December 1, 2024

Dear Donors, Friends, and Colleagues,

As we head into the holiday season, The Michael Benny Foundation (MBF) remains extremely thankful for your donations throughout the year. Your generosity is what keeps us thriving.

Where your support goes

Your support has made it possible to provide learning opportunities to young adults at SAIT by supporting our Civil Engineering Technology Awards Program and has allowed us to continue contributions to our Legacy Fund portfolios for the Calgary Humane Society and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

Giving can be as impactful as receiving

Whether you consider donating $25, $50, $100 or more, your donation will make an impact.

Testimonials

Hear firsthand from those you have greatly impacted

Tara Coates – Calgary, Alberta (Award Recipient)

Diploma, Civil Engineering Technology (C.V.T) SAIT

“I feel beyond grateful to have received this award, and it really made my heart full knowing that there are groups out there that want to support the studies of others. When I found out I had won this award, it was a surprise, and it made me remember why I worked so hard towards my goals of eventually getting my C.E.T designation.”

Derrick Leung – Calgary, Alberta (Award Recipient)

Diploma, Civil Engineering Technology (C.V.T) SAIT

With this award presented by the Michael Benny Foundation, it helps solidify my resolve and a reassurance that I am where I need to be right now. Without this generous award, I would not be able to continue to pursue my dream to help build a better tomorrow, thank you.”

Tony Ly– Lethbridge, Alberta (Award Recipient)

Diploma, Civil Engineering Technology (C.V.T) SAIT

“My hope as a Civil Engineering Technologist is to contribute projects that have a positive impact on the community. This award will go a long way in contributing to my journey in this industry. Thank you, Michael Benny Foundation!”

Read more about the incredible impact of your donations, and other testimonials here.

If you are interested in making a donation, there are four ways to do so:

Send an e-transfer to the Michael Benny Foundation at benny@shaw.ca
Donate online through Charitable Impact here
Donate online through CanadaHelps here
Make a cheque payable to the Michael Benny Foundation by mail to:

2404 – 1588 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC, V4B 0C5

For all donations before December 31, 2024. I will match them dollar for dollar and receipts will be provided for tax purposes for all donations. For more details, visit the MBF website here.

I wish you all the very best this holiday season and a prosperous 2025. Thank you so much for your generosity and continued support.

Michael Benny
President
Michael Benny Foundation

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

Donate to The Michael Benny Foundation

Charitable Donation Registration 79788 1919 RR0001