This year reminded me that community leadership takes many forms. Some leaders stand proudly at the forefront of change, inspiring us through their visibility and voice. Others lead quietly — mentoring, volunteering or giving back in deeply personal ways that often go unnoticed, and sometimes unappreciated. At Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF), we’re fortunate to see these many faces of leadership every day. This fall, we celebrated trailblazers who are shaping a passionate and inclusive city at the South Asian Innovation Awards. As a sponsor of the event, we were proud to present Bean Gill with the Community Leadership Award. Gill embodies what it means to turn challenge into change. After a virus left her paralyzed, Gill co-founded ReYu Paralysis Recovery Centre, empowering others to rebuild their lives while challenging stigma and sparking conversations about inclusion. Her impact reflects the spirit of empathy and determination we strive to nurture at ECF.
This year, we’ve expanded and deepened our relationships with ethnocultural communities across the city. For example, we granted more than $615,000 to organizations led by and serving Indigenous communities and people of colour. This includes $50,000 for Action for Healthy Communities Society of Edmonton to strengthen grassroots leadership through the delivery of six culturally responsive training courses for groups led by Indigenous people and people of colour, promoting governance, sustainability and peer learning. Leadership also shows up in small, deliberate acts that build a stronger future. The many people who have chosen to name ECF in their will intentions are leading by example and creating lasting legacies that will continue to strengthen Edmonton for generations. Each year, we invite the community to join our volunteer estate lawyers to learn how to navigate the ins and outs of estate planning. Last month, 685 people participated in our annual Wills Week — a nearly 200 per cent increase in attendance over prior years.
Volunteering is a big part of ECF’s culture from the inside out. In 2024, we provided more than $230,000 to Edmonton’s Food Bank. But it was a truly special experience this fall when our entire team spent a day at Edmonton’s Food Bank, sorting donations and packaging hampers for families across the city. It was a reminder that even small contributions, made collectively, create a profound impact. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to Edmonton’s well-being — whether through volunteering, philanthropy, advocacy or simply caring for others. Leadership is not defined by titles or accolades — it’s defined by action. In 2026, we’re inviting every Edmontonian to ask: What’s one action I can take to strengthen my community? Share your thoughts with us on social using #TogetherECF.
Tina Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
Edmonton Community Foundation
