Edmonton – After a summer full of unofficial celebrations, ATB Financial officially turned 75 years young on Friday. To mark the occasion, one party wasn’t enough. So, we had 301 of them – all at the same time.
At each ATB branch and agency in Alberta, from Airdrie to Wildwood, from Milk River to High Level, current and past ATB associates and customers got together to renew acquaintances, enjoy a refreshment, share some memories—and talk about the future.
Then, at exactly 12:30 pm, at every ATB branch in Alberta, something really special happened. Each of ATB’s 171 branches announced a special $1,000 donation to the community organization of its choice. Our 130 agencies also joined in, donating $500 each to a deserving local cause.
When you add it all up, that’s $236,000 donated to local charities in every corner of Alberta. It’s our way of saying thanks for 75 great years.
Here are just a few examples of where and how our investments will help Albertans.
• The Alberta Avenue branch in Edmonton is supporting a much-needed kitchen renovation at Crystal Kids, which is dedicated to nurturing and supporting at-risk urban youth. Crystal Kids diverts children from criminal activity and addictions and protects them from hunger, abuse, and neglect.
• The Calgary Walden branch is partnering with the Chaparral Community Association to help the High River Parent Link Centre. The donation will help provide school supplies and backpacks for children in High River. The High River agency is giving its donation to the Rowan House Emergency Shelter.
• The Lethbridge Highlands Crossing branch is donating to the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, which provides therapeutic instruction in riding and horse care to those with special needs.
• The Bow Island branch funds will go towards a new recycling facility in Bow Island, through the Bow Island Lions Club.
• And Trochu’s funds are going towards building an interpretive centre for the Trochu Arboretum, a beautiful park area which is well used and loved by the community and surrounding area.
In all, ATB is contributing to 20 recreation facilities and community halls, 17 food banks, and 23 parks and playgrounds across the province.
Also, all ATB branches will be giving their communities one two-year-old blue spruce tree and 75 seedlings to plant locally. That’s 12,996 trees to be planted across Alberta.
Each ATB branch also made a draw for an iPad mini, while everyone who visited our celebrations was also eligible to enter the province-wide grand prize draw for a brand new Vespa scooter.
There’s more.
As a way to thank Albertans for 75 years of support, ATB announced a 75th Celebration GIC – a three-year GIC with an interest rate of 3.0 per cent. That’s a full three per cent for a full three years. This special offer will only be around for a limited time. For details, go to atb.com.
So, thank you, Alberta. It’s been a great ride for 75 years. Here’s to the good times ahead.