The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) to donate proceeds from Calgary Gala to Canadian Red Cross’ Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) to donate proceeds from Calgary Gala to Canadian Red Cross’ Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal

“Business built Fort McMurray.  Business will rebuild Fort McMurray.”

PRESS RELEASE                                                             FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |May 10, 2016     

Toronto, ON — On Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) will be celebrating Aboriginal business achievement while also giving back to the community and people of Fort McMurray. “The events of the past week have deeply touched the hearts of CCAB, its member organizations, our staff, and many of our friends and family. The Alberta business community has always been a strong supporter of CCAB we want to support Fort McMurray in its time of need,” says JP Gladu, President and CEO, Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

CCAB announced on Friday, May 6, 2016, to Gala attendees, that proceeds from its third Annual Calgary Gala, approximately $90,000, will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal. This year’s Aboriginal Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Award winner, Tsuut’ina Nation, has also agreed to generously raffle off 3 experiential packages at this year’s Gala, to raise additional funds.

“Although we’re gathering together in Calgary to celebrate Tsuut’ina Nation, we wanted to use the Gala as a respectful rallying point for our member organizations to support Fort McMurray and its people during this difficult time. Time and time again, the Alberta business community has stepped up to help CCAB in its mission to support and grow Aboriginal business in Canada; now it’s our turn to give back to Fort McMurray as it looks to heal and rebuild,” said Gladu “Business built Fort McMurray. Business will rebuild Fort McMurray.”

Aboriginal communities in Alberta have also opened their doors and provided invaluable assistance to evacuees in recent days. Fort McKay First Nation, which is just north of Fort McMurray, has opened its work camps to shelter over 3,000 evacuees and the Enoch Cree First Nation has been offering free gas to people on their way to Edmonton. “Aboriginal communities, people, and businesses have come together along with the province of Alberta, and the rest of Canada, to fight the ravages of this wildfire. It is humbling to see.”

“On the behalf of CCAB I would like to acknowledge and thank the firefighters, volunteers, and Red Cross workers fighting the wildfire and its effects on families, friends and community members of Fort McMurray, and the Aboriginal and Canadian business community, as well as Aboriginal communities, and the people of Alberta, for supporting Fort McMurray during this difficult time,” said Gladu.

As Canada comes together to help Fort McMurray, CCAB would also like to thank people who are attending this year’s Annual Calgary Gala and offering vital assistance to those affected. The Gala will be used as a time of reflection and to help support the real work that lies ahead as the same business community that built Fort McMurray looks to help its people in the weeks and months ahead.

Please visit www.redcross.ca to donate to the Canadian Red Cross’ Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal.

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CCAB Calgary Gala
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Hyatt Regency Calgary
5:30pm – 9:30pm

For more information or for interviews, please call:

Andre Morriseau Director, Awards and Communication CCAB amorriseau@ccab.com 647-970-7661

Alexander Ross Communications Coordinator CCAB aross@ccab.com 647-458-1701

Exclusive and founding Award Sponsor: Sodexo Canada
Lead sponsor: Sodexo Canada
Sponsor: Enbridge
Coat Check Sponsor: WealthTerra Capital Management
Contributor: Kinder Morgan Canada, Schlumberger

About CCAB

The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is committed to the full participation of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples in Canada’s economy. A national non-profit, non-partisan association, CCAB offers knowledge, resources, and programs to both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal-owned companies that foster economic opportunities for Aboriginal peoples and businesses across Canada.