Friends of the Garden
The Friends of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is a registered charitable society founded in 1971 to support the development of the Garden. Since its founding, the Friends have contributed over $5 million to support development of the Garden’s plant collections, displays, facilities, and education programs.
In recent years, Friends’ fundraising efforts have supported, among other projects: construction of an annex to the Ozawa Pavilion Teahouse (the Ikoi no ba); upgrades to the Garden’s production greenhouses; brick pathway expansion; and support of the UABG's award-winning education programs.
In addition to knowing your membership helps to keep the Garden growing, you will enjoy exclusive benefits and discounts.
For more information on the Friends of the Garden, email friendsofuabg@gmail.com
Vision Statement
The Friends of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden are driven by a deep passion for connecting people to the beauty and wonders of our natural world; we nurture humanity and our environment. We recognize that we are stewards of this land, its resources, and its people. This passion fuels our hard work. Our values serve as a compass for our actions:
- Service: We are dedicated to the well-being of the UofA Botanic Garden, the visitors to the garden, and our community.
- Achievement: We know that true progress comes from action. We transform ideas into tangible outcomes, consistently fulfilling our commitments, delivering on goals and keep getting better as we go along.
- Collaboration: Together, we are stronger. We believe in a collaborative team where each of us feels safe, inspired and confident to express our thoughts so that we can innovate together as we reach for our vision together.
- Belonging: With compassion, we look out for each other, welcome all and embrace the strength found in our differences. By fostering a sense of belonging and a connection to our wonderous land, the wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities will flourish.
Mission Statement
Supporting the University of Alberta Botanic Garden in becoming a welcoming and accessible oasis for all, through excellence in fundraising and community engagement.
The Friends of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden Board Members:
Executive Team:
- President - Ben Schmidt, Strategic Initiatives Officer, University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- Vice President - Danisha Bhaloo, Manager of Engagement & Affinity Groups, United Way of Calgary and Area
- Treasurer - Shafin Kanji, Chairman, KV Capital
- Secretary - Della Paradis, Retired
Directors:
- James Ganton - Retired
- Joanne Lawrence - Court Reporter, Veritext (Canada)
- Anik Larney - Senior Project Manager, Mindtronic, Servex-US
- Tan Bao - Student
- Dave Martin - Retired
- Denis Fortin - Academic Department Manager, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta