Volunteer Profile

Couple's Ongoing Commitment Helps Shape RDC's Future

Jack and Joan Donald provide support in a big way.

“RDC is very important to our community,” says Joan Donald. “If the citizens of central Alberta can receive their education in Red Deer, they may stay, work and live here.”

This is the very passion for and belief in RDC that led Jack and Joan Donald to their volunteer roles at the College. After acting as honourary co-chairs of the Building Communities Through Learning (BCTL) Campaign since 2006, they continue their close association as our honourary advisors for long-term fund development. 

Their contributions to Red Deer and the region go above and beyond the parameters of average – their contributions have been exceptional! The College has been a direct beneficiary of the Donald’s time and energy in a big way.

Not only have they dedicated themselves to BCTL, Joan was the honourary chair of the Taking Charge of Tomorrow…Together Campaign from 1998-2001, which exceeded its fundraising goal by raising $7.3 million for the Library Information Common.  Both Jack and Joan have also sat on RDC’s Board of Governors at different times.

Apart from our College, they have been involved with numerous area initiatives, projects and boards, from Joan volunteering for STARS and the Festival of Trees, and Jack serving as a City Councillor, to each of them serving on the Board – and both as President – of the Westerner Exposition Association. 

Stay and study. The Donalds strongly support the College and what we provide to our community.

“The trades programs are good,” says Jack. “They generate tradespeople who are capable, competent and able to meet employers’ needs.”  A mechanic by trade, Jack is especially passionate about this area; however, he also acknowledges other areas such as “vibrant athletic programs for the active students” at RDC.

The chance to stay and study in central Alberta is really important to both Jack and Joan.

“The College provides great opportunities,” says Jack. “It brings in local kids and has them learning close to home. If learners are married with a family, they’re able to take classes during the week and then work on the weekend. RDC isn’t a far stretch from many locations in the region – people have the opportunity to stay home and continue supporting their families while learning new skills. It’s a wonderful place.”

Deep roots, instrumental roles.  The Donalds’ connection with RDC is deep-rooted in their own successful entrepreneurial activities. The College played an important role for Jack and Joan when they co-founded Parkland Industries Ltd., a public company traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. “While we were building Parkland,” says Joan, “RDC was important for our staff – to upgrade their education or to get the training they needed to work and grow with us.”

Their belief in providing opportunities for our region’s entrepreneurs is obvious, most recently demonstrated by the Donald School of Business, named in their honour. It will relocate to downtown Red Deer in September 2011, connecting College business students to community businesses.
 
The Donalds have played an instrumental role in successfully raising funds for RDC and for our students.

“I’m personally passionate about fundraising in our community and have chaired a number of successful campaigns in central Alberta,” says Joan. “A campaign has to raise funds for a ‘need’, a need that citizens in our area can relate to and believe that the money raised will make this a better place to live. Then, there must be a group of committed leaders who sign on to volunteer their time and expertise to raise funds committed to reach the campaign’s goal.”

Jack and Joan Donald personify the ideal volunteer for RDC: they have recognized and acted on the need for education and opportunity within central Alberta; they have contributed their time, expertise and financial support, helping to connect the College with the community; and they have dedicated themselves to bettering the College, in turn bettering the communities and people of central Alberta.

We offer a heartfelt thank-you to Jack and Joan Donald, for their tireless commitment and generous support.