Tony Blake, Director and volunteer of Red Deer River Naturalists (left) presents a $500,000 endowment cheque to and Erin Peden, Executive Director of Red Deer & District Community Foundation.

By Alessia Proietti

contribution left in will

Red Deer River Naturalists receive $500,000 endowment

Dec 2, 2021 | 12:36 PM

The Red Deer River Naturalists (RDRN) has been left with a generous surprise of $500,000, donated by an anonymous central Albertan in their will.

With the donation, RDRN has partnered with the Red Deer & District Community Foundation (RDDCF) to establish the Red Deer River Naturalists Endowment Fund For Nature.

“The Red Deer River Naturalists trust that with the money invested with the Red Deer & District Community Foundation, the long-term sustainability of our organization and its conservation goals will be ensured alongside fiscal responsibility,” said Rick Tallas, RDRN Interim President.

Starting in 1898 as the Northwest Entomological Society, RDRN focuses on protecting and restoring central Alberta’s natural biodiversity. In recent years, within the city of Red Deer, RDRN has been involved in the protection of the Gaetz Lakes Bird Sanctuary, and Waskasoo Park, as well as the construction and renovation of its sister organization, the Kerry Wood Nature Centre.

Going forward, RDRN will be seeking out creative, forward-thinking and timely ways to invest these funds. Tallas also stated RDRN would like to share the donation with other non-governmental organizations holding the same environmental preservation objectives. Until then, they intend to use the funds to continue their current projects including:

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• Focus groups: Bird, flower, and insect
• City of Red Deer Bird Trail
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“I think it’s really an indication of what the priorities are for people within central Alberta when you see that this is a volunteer board that have put their heart and soul into making sure that tomorrow is taken care of environmentally,” said Erin Peden, Executive Director of RDDCF.

The foundation receives and manages donations, like a community savings account, to invest in projects, programs and organizations in central Alberta. Supporting over 140 funds with $16.4 million in pooled assets, Albertans can give to specific organizations or to the foundation in its entirety.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this partnership. This is a make sense opportunity for both Red Deer River Naturalists and for our community as a whole,” adds Peden. “When we receive this type of endowment and are working with this type of relationship, it’s a clear sign that individuals within central Alberta want to invest in central Alberta.”

RDRN is actively seeking out volunteers and members of the public for committees, and representatives for the board itself in their future efforts.

“It was pretty incredible that we received this,” said Tallas. “It makes us feel really good. Our organization has been around for over 100 years. The person that gave this realized our goals and objectives and missions aligned with hers.”