The Alberta Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation (ARTCF) works hard to find partner charities across Alberta that align with its mandate of helping Alberta’s seniors access secure housing, health-care resources, and English as a second language education. At the end of 2023, ARTCF renewed its support for two programs, the Parkinson Association of Alberta and Alzheimer Calgary, and partnered with a new organization that is helping those with dementia remain in their homes for longer, Jewish Family Services Calgary.
The Parkinson Association of Alberta has been a partner of ARTCF for many years now, and their popular tele-support groups allow Albertans living with Parkinson’s disease to connect with each other remotely, share their experiences, and offer support. ARTCF’s renewed financial support of $25,000 is allowing the Parkinson Association of Alberta to further expand their network, especially when it comes to rural and northern Alberta. It also allows the organization to offer specialized support groups for those who are having very specific experiences with Parkinson’s disease, such as groups for those with advanced cases, groups for those with new diagnoses, and those without a personal support network in their own lives.
Alzheimer Calgary is another long-standing partner of ARTCF. Their focus is on education around Alzheimer’s disease, both for people living with the disease and their loved ones. Upon receiving a diagnosis, many families are unsure how to proceed. Alzheimer Calgary works to build resources that educate, reduce stigma around the condition, and empower families to move forward with confidence and hope. ARTCF awarded Alzheimer Calgary with $30,000 to expand their programming in 2024 and beyond.
A new partner for ARTCF, Jewish Family Services Calgary is building and expanding a program called “Memory Care,” which offers at-home, one-on-one support to those living with dementia. Each participant in the program receives a personalized approach to their care, which uses their existing interests and abilities to build and maintain cognitive, physical, social, and creative health. ARTCF awarded Jewish Family Services Calgary $20,000 to invest in the Memory Care program, bringing hope and comfort to many.
Of course, these charitable efforts could not have been made without the support of ARTCF’s generous donors. With low administrative overhead, 95% of the money donated to ARTCF directly funds programs like those listed above. Visit arta.net/artcf to learn more about our foundation’s mandate, and to make a donation yourself.
Robert Michon holds degrees in English and Communications from the University of Alberta and MacEwan University. He has a background as a writer, editor, and journalist and enjoys every opportunity he gets to bring stories to life.