Macquarie partners with Energy industry for Calgary-based charities

Macquarie Group teamed up with its energy industry partners to hold its inaugural Annual Shuck Off and Seafood Boil charity-day event on September 30, 2015. Bringing awareness to the needs of Juno Foundation, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, Children’s Wish Foundation and Alzheimer Society of Calgary, the event raised more than $230,000 in individual donations and corporate contributions. 

The event included a number of energy industry leaders, with the CEOs of Crew Energy Inc., Toro Oil & Gas Ltd., RMP Energy Inc. and Annapolis Capital Limited competing in the inaugural CEO Oyster Shuck Off on behalf of their nominated charities. The total donation amount comprised approximately $130,000 of funds raised by the CEOs and their supporters, individual contributions from Macquarie staff and clients, together with a matching amount of $100,000 from the Macquarie Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Macquarie Group. 

“We are delighted and honored by the great turnout at our first-ever Seafood Boil. More importantly, we are humbled by the generosity and commitment made by our industry colleagues in supporting such worthwhile causes. At Macquarie, we work to provide innovative solutions for clients every day, so it’s pleasing when we can work with clients to give back financially to those who need it most," said Dan Cristall, CEO of Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. 

The event was held in Calgary’s charbar at The Simmons Building, with food and beverage also provided by Sidewalk Citizen Bakery and Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters. Dale Shwed, President and CEO of Crew Energy Inc. and winner of the Macquarie Oyster Shuck Off, took home bragging rights for his charity, the Children's Wish Foundation. 

Tanya Koshowski, Executive Director at the Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, said: “We are experiencing a huge increase in need in our city. The awareness and support from this fantastic group of people will ensure we achieve our goal of no hungry kids in Calgary and build a stronger, more resilient community while we do that! As of today we are aware of over 2800 kids every day that would otherwise go without a healthy lunch.  We are so grateful that Barry Olson from Toro Oil chose Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids and that the Oyster Shucking event has ensured over 41,000 lunches are fed to kids.” 

Tracy Luca-Huger, Executive Director at the Juno Foundation, said: “What a boost this has been for Juno Foundation! Funds raised by Macquarie will allow us to provide more subsidies for girls, young women and their families in need of financial assistance in receiving treatment for anxiety disorders, including eating disorders, self-harm and depression. The event was creative and engaged the audience, resulting in a win for local charities and a fun-filled night for guests. A resounding ‘thank you’ to Macquarie.” 

Kyla Martin, Director at the Children’s Wish Foundation, said: “This incredible support could not have come at a better time for Children’s Wish and our Wish Families.  Already within our first months of this year, we are experiencing unprecedented increases of wish referrals through our strong medical community relationships for our wishes granted to children with life-threatening illnesses. This tremendous support will ensure that our legacy of never denying eligible children their most heart-felt wish continues.” 

Barb Ferguson, Executive Director at the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, said: “This captivating event was not only entertaining and creative, but also a tremendous boost at a much-needed time for the charitable organizations involved. Through these efforts, Macquarie Group and Macquarie Group Foundation have demonstrated impressive support for thousands of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia in Calgary. It was an honour to be involved and represented by John Ferguson, our champion and our designated oyster shucker from RMP Energy Inc. as well. On behalf of the people we serve, we are most grateful for this level of support.”