GORDON CUMMING

( AGM ) provided the ideal opportunity for the announcement that the Alberta Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation ( ARTCF ) is up and running and open for business . This celebration brought to fruition an initiative begun by ARTA in 2011 .

The AGM ’ s evening events were highlighted by the presentation of a twenty-six-thousand-dollar cheque to John Petryshen , CEO of the Parkinson Association of Alberta , by the foundation ’ s president , Brian Scott . This initial partnership established by the foundation will enable Parkinson Alberta to operate a tele-support group and peer program to help address mental , emotional and social issues , and the feelings of isolation that are part of life with Parkinson ’ s disease . ( Specifics of this project are detailed in the accompanying letter from John Petryshen .)

Alberta ’ s teachers are known for their generosity of time and talent and fostering charitable initiatives within their schools and

President Brian Scott ( left ) presents the Alberta Retired Teachers Charitable Foundation ’ s first endowment to John Petryshen of Parkinson Alberta . The donation of $ 26,000 will allow the society to initiate the ‘ Alberta Retired Teachers Tele-Support Group ’ and ‘ Peer-to-Peer Program ’.

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