CFCAB Executive Director Erin Peden speaks to the crowd at the organization's first annual Possibility Exchange. (Image Credit: Ian Gustafson/rdnewsNOW)

By Ian Gustafson

Friendraiser

Community Foundation of Central Alberta hosts first-ever Possibility Exchange

Sep 3, 2026 | 4:55 PM

The Community Foundation of Central Alberta (CFCAB) held the first annual Possibility Exchange.

The friendraiser, instead of the usual fundraiser, was created to bring the community and its numerous charities together in one spot.

Instead of asking for funds, CFCAB Executive Director Erin Peden said the event is all about connection and how they can lean on each other. It also provides the community an opportunity to learn more about all of the charities in the region and what they’re about.

“There are about 65 charities here right now, whereas if you were to ask most residents in Red Deer, they’d probably name five or six,” she said. “It really is about providing the opportunity to learn and to exchange.”

The idea for the event came from a project they partnered with through Jillian Vukovich, where she was educating people on the different ways you can donate charitably.

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“From that, we thought there’s another piece of this, and it is directly formed for the charities themselves,” Peden said. “It’s less about fundraising and more about trying to fill up their knowledge library about what’s happening in their community.”

Throughout The Possibility Exchange, attendees interacted with organizations shaping the future of central Alberta while also hearing inspiring stories within the community.

They hope to not only continue to hold the event each year moving forward but expand it to involve more service groups and community members.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for innovation and planting some seeds for some change in our community,” Peden added.

For 35 years, the CFCAB has invested in charitable organizations and projects within the region through unrestricted funding by local donors.

Last year, they granted $2 million.

by Ian Gustafson

Community Foundation of Central Alberta hosts first-ever Possibility Exchange

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