The Calgary Foundation receives the largest charitable gift in Canadian community foundation history - $117 million dollars

CALGARY, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - The estate of Daryl K. 'Doc' Seaman, who was revered as an iconic entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry, respected as a rancher who preserved his land for future generations, and widely regarded for his role in bringing the beloved Flames hockey team to Calgary, has left a gift of $117 million dollars to The Calgary Foundation, the largest charitable gift in Canadian community foundation history and the third largest gift in Canadian charitable giving history, ever.

"Motivator, mentor, trailblazer, leader…Doc Seaman's greatest gift was bringing people together to make incredible things happen. We're so honoured that the legacy of this legendary philanthropist will live on through this unprecedented gift to The Calgary Foundation," says President & CEO, Eva Friesen.

"Doc understood the power of an endowment - a gift that keeps on giving. By establishing an endowment at The Calgary Foundation, in a hundred years, his significant gift of $117 million will have granted an astounding $1.4 BILLION dollars to charities, TEN TIMES the value of the original gift!  And the original fund will have kept pace with inflation and grown to a value of $663 million dollars," says Friesen.

The Daryl K. Seaman Foundation Fund at The Calgary Foundation will focus on supporting critical needs of the day, as determined by the board of the Community Foundation at that time. Today these critical needs include the areas of mental health, aboriginal education, poverty, and sustainability.

"What's staggering about Doc Seaman's historic gift to The Calgary Foundation is the impact it's going to have on Calgary and area - not just now, but forever. Every generation will be touched by his vision and generosity," says Ian Bird, President & CEO of Community Foundations of Canada, the national network for the almost 200 community foundations across Canada.

"Doc used to say, 'Make sure you leave everything as good as you found it, if not better,'" says his brother, Don Seaman. "Doc never forgot the suffering we saw as kids growing up in a small Saskatchewan town during the Depression, so when he saw a need, he strived to make a difference."

Celebrated philanthropist W. Brett Wilson looked up to Doc Seaman as his mentor. "Western Canada is fortunate to have Doc Seaman's footprints all over it," says Wilson. "His leadership in business and community has forever changed our landscape."

The Calgary Foundation (TCF) - Established in 1955, TCF facilitates collaborative philanthropy by making powerful connections between donors and community organizations for the long term benefit of Calgary and surrounding area. In 2011-2012 The Calgary Foundation saw $56 million in new contributions, had an asset base of $425 million and granted $31.9 million to 686 charitable organizations.

SOURCE: Community Foundations of Canada

Media contact -   Taylor Barrie               [email protected]
403 802-7716       C 403 542-8445           www.thecalgaryfoundation.org