July 25 - Westmount Pancake Breakfast - More pancakes and trimmings were served at the Westmount Safeway in the series of charity breakfasts that are a feature of Capital Ex and are organized by Events Edmonton.

Above - Serving juice with some friendly help.

July 24 - Premier's Capital Ex Breakfast - Laurie attended the pancake breakfast at the Alberta Legislature grounds and met many constituents in the relaxed atmosphere with lots of food and entertainment.

July 23 - Constituency Day - Laurie welcomed a number of constituents throughout the day for individual consultations.  Since the election in Jan '06, the office has handled about 2,000 case files.  Very busy.

July 22 - Korean Vets Cease Fire Parade - Laurie inspected the "troops" and spoke at the annual parade by Unit 21 Korean Veterans Association at the Alberta Legislature.  The parade celebrates the cease fire in 1953 and pays respects to the 27,000 Canadians who served in the Korean War and the 516 who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Above - Inspecting the "troops".

July 21 - Grand Prix of Edmonton - One of the most spectacular events of the Edmonton summer took place 20 - 22 July the City Centre Airport.  The Grand Prix of Edmonton attracted over 167,000 fans to a weekend of sports car, GT car, Atlantic Series, Champ Car and NASCAR racing.  This year, the Conservative Party of Canada sponsored one of the NASCAR competitors for races in Canada.  The car was driven by Pierre Bourque and put in a strong, steady drive.  The whole event brought well over $25 milllion into Edmonton's economy and puts Edmonton on the international sports map.  Four CF-18s, the Snowbirds, the Skyhawks and Griffon helicopters added an exciting aerial dimension.  Well done to all the organizers and volunteers.

Above - Team Tory - (l - r) James Rajotte, Mike Lake, Pierre Bourque, Laurie Hawn, Brent Rathgeber, Tim Uppal

Above - With racing legend Mario Andretti

July 21 - Safeway Pancake Breakfast - Laurie helped serve at the Meadowlark Safeway Pancake Breakfast.  The proceeds from the event went to charity and hundreds of people from the local neighbourhoods enjoyed a beautiful summer morning of food and entertainment.

Above - Serving up some juice.

Above - Presenting entertainer Rick Morgestern with a yellow ribbon pin.

July 20 - Taste of Edmonton - Laurie and Judy helped kick-off one of the many Edmonton summer festivals at the Winspear Centre.  Samples from many of the vendors were available for tasting and all were deemed to be winners.

July 20 - Agri-Food Discovery Place - Laurie toured the Agri-Food Discovery Place at the University of Alberta research farm.  AFDP will provide world-class innovative research, training and technology transfer; focus on food safety and value-added processing of food and industrial products; and further the education of highly qualified individuals.   It is a one-of-a-kind facility for Canada and is attracting interest from across the agri-food industry and from many other provinces and countries.  AFDP will be a great contributor to help keep Alberta’s largest renewable resource industry alive for many years to come and help reach the goal of a $20 billion industry by the year 2010.

July 19 - Door Knocking - Laurie finished off a very busy day with a couple of hours of meeting constituents at their doors.

July 19 - McQueen Family and Friends BBQ - Laurie joined about 250 people at McQueen Seniors Residence for this annual event to celebrate Capital Ex.  Entertainment and a barbecue dinner were highlights.

July 19 - Funding Announcements - Laurie joined the Hon. Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, in announcing over $1 milllion for a variety of programs to benefit Edmonton's aboriginal community and youth in particular.  They also witnessed the opening of the  Kiyanawa (All of Us) exhibit as part of Capital Ex.

Above - With Minister Jim Prentice and Treaty Six Grand Chief Stan Lagrelle

July 19 - Capital Ex Parade - Seven Edmonton MPs and Secretary of State Helena Guergis rode a horse drawn carriage along the parade route lined by thousands of Edmontonians on a beautiful day.  CF-18s and Griffon helicopters flew overhead and everyone enjoyed a lot of colour, music and excitement.

Above - A carriage full of MPs

July 19 - Telus Employees Pancake Breakfast - Laurie brought greetings to this annual pancake breakfast hosted by Bob Westbury, Chairman of the Telus Foundation.  Telus raises money every year for various causes, and this year presented cheques to The Edmonton Food bank for $5,000 and to the United Way for $58,582.24.    Great job!

Above - With friends and a big cheque from Telus for the United Way.

July 18 - Capital Ex Kickoff - Laurie attended the President's Reception at Northlands, which serves to kick off Edmonton's largest festival of the year.  Minister Jim Prentice, several MPs and MLAs and the Lieutenant Governor attended and enjoyed a first-class venue.

July 18 - Joey's Home Grand Opening - Laurie brought greetings and made a presentation as part of the ceremony officially opening Joey's Home.  This home is named for Joey Moss and is a $1 million project by the Winnifred Stewart Foundation to assist people with developmental challenges.  Daytone Construction bulit the home and dedicated hundreds of hours of volunteer labour and thousands of dollars.  Kevin Lowe, General Manager of the Edmonton Oilers was a keynote speaker.  The Federal Government contribution was $300,000.

Above - Presenting  a mirror to Joey Moss so that he and his friends can see beautiful people every day.

July 18 - Mayor's Seniors Picnic - Laurie attended this annual event at the Shaw Conference Centre.  Hundreds of seniors came out to enjoy live entertainment and refreshments as akick-ff to Edmonton's Capital Exhibition.  Various seniors service organizations were on hand, as were members of the Edmonton Police Service in period dress.

Above - With EPS members circa 1910 and a 1957 Chevy paddy wagon.

July 17 - Sizzlin' Summer Luau - Laurie joined the business community at Healy Ford for the Chamber of Commerce business mixer.  The event provides an excellent opportunity for business networking in a casual and fun environment.  Barbecued burgers and live entertainment put everyone ina  relaxed mood.

July 17 - Lunch with aid community - Laurie and Helena hosted a lunch at the Il Portico Restaurant for members of the aid community with an interest in the Afghanistan mission.  The group had an excellent discussion and came away with a better understanding of the full story.

July 17 - Visit to Edmonton Garrison - Laurie, MP Rahim Jaffer and Hon. Helena Guergis visited the Edmonton Garrison, joining the officers' morning coffee and touring the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) lines.  "C" Squadron from the Strathconas will be joining the mission in Afghanistan this fall and they are looking forward to continuing the very positive contribution that the "Strats" and their Leopard tanks are making to the mission.  "C" Squadron will be the first to operate the newer Leopard IIs being leased from Germany.

Above - Talking to the troops.

Above - Laurie, Helena and Rahim with members of "C" Squadron.

Above - Being briefed on the some of the heavy bits.

July 17 - Breakfast with Helena Guergis - Laurie and the Hon. Helena Guergis hosted a breakfast at the Edmonton Petroleum Club.  The purpose of the event was to bring people the complete story about Canada's mission in Afghanistan.  Laurie talked about the military mission and Helena addressed the reconstruction and development aspects.  The message was well received that there are significant successes that are not being reported by conventional media.

Above - Helena Guergis addressing the crowd while Laurie listens.

July 15 - Donation of Tiger Moth - Laurie attended the formal donation of a Tiger Moth to the Edmonton Aviation Museum by Mr. Norman Reid of Vancouver.  This particular Tiger Moth has an aviation history of over 65 years, all of which started at Blatchford Field in Edmonton during World War II.  Many years ago, Mr. Reid decided that he'd like to leave a legacy gift in memory of his wartime mates who didn't make it home.  The Tiger Moth very appropriately filled the bill.

Above - With Norman Reid and Tiger Moth.

July 15 - Colonie Italiane Ragazzi BBQ - Laurie attended and brought greetings in Italian to the event at the Ital-Canadian Drop-in Centre.  The Government of Canada contributed $12,630 to camp programs for community youth.

Above - Delivering his best Italian

Above - With "fellow" Italian Eskimo Head Coach Danny Maciocia

July 14 - Annual Charity BBQ - Over 100 people joined Laurie at the Sherbrooke Community League for our annual charity barbecue.  The beneficiary was the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre, which provides service to the homeless or disadvantaged with job placement accommodation and counseling in a variety of areas.

Above - Chatting over lunch.

Above - Scotty and Murray of JP Health and Wellness

July 14 - Opening the Downtown Market - Laurie rang the opening bell and visited the vendors in the thriving Downtown Market on 104th Street.  This market has become a feature of Summer in the City and there is a wide variety of produce and produced goods for everyone. 

Above - Getting ready to ring the "tinker" bells.

July 13 - The Great Race - Laurie and Judy enjoyed a garden party to unveil the replica of one of the cars that will compete in the 2008 re-enactment of the original New York-to-Paris Automobile Race of 1908.  Local film-maker Frame 30 is producing a documentary about the 1908 / 2008 event with filming taking place at several locations in Alberta.  The Thomas Racer won the 1908 race and the great nephew of winning driver George Shuster was on hand to bring a wonderful historical perspective to the event.  Mayor Stephen Mandel rode in the replica in the Capital Ex Parade.

 

 

Above - In the Thomas Racer with Frame 30 Producer Michael Hamm

July 13 - Nelson Mandel Charity Golf - Laurie made way too many swings in the annual golf tournament to raise more funds for the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund.  Proving something about "stick handling"; Laurie also won a prize for sinking the longest putt with a hockey stick.  A highlight was being on the tee when an occasional golfer named Jaymes Purdon sank a hole-in-one and won a two-week golf vacation to South Africa.  Everyone else seemed to be more excited than Jaymes.

Above - With Jaymes Purdon after his "ace"

Above - With the set of clubs Laurie bought at auction and donated back to Nick Lees for his next charity auction.

July 12 - Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Reception - Laurie brought greetings and spent money at the silent auction as part of this annual reception to raise money for needy children in South Africa.  Turns out that Mayor Mandel and Nelson Mandela have the same birthday, except that Nelson is a few years older.

Above - Bringing greetings

July 12 - Retailer Roundtable - Laurie and several other area MPs attended a lunch roundtable with people from a variety of large and small retail operations.  The group discussed and exchanged ideas on ways to address challenges to the retail industry.  Labour availability was a hot topic.

July 11 - Northern Alberta Summer Barbecue - The annual summer barbecue was held in Fort Edmonton at the Blatchford Hangar and the weather was perfect.  Two very special guests this year were Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Laureen Harper.  A capacity crowd gave them a warm welcome and the Prime Minister gave a rousing speech that had people on their feet.  Laurie made a special tribute to the troops and there were a few wet eyes in the house.

Above - Tribute to the Troops.

July 10 - More door knocking

July 9 - Alberta CPC / PC Joint Caucus - Alberta Conservative MLAs and Alberta Conservative MPs held their second annual joint caucus meeting in Calgary.  Issues discussed included infrastructure / borders, affordable housing, immigration / employment, environment / resources / forestry.  Two recommendations were tabled in each area and federal and provincial members will work together to make progress in areas important to all Albertans.

July 7 - Door knocking - Laurie and volunteers continued their efforts to be available to constituents by knocking on every door in one of the 200 polls in Edmonton Centre.  People are often surprised to see a politician at their doors when there isn't an election on, but Laurie finds it one of many effective ways of staying in touch with people's issues.

July 7 - Grand Opening Queen Mary Park Playground - Laurie dropped ina t the grand opening of this new community league playground.  It was a hot, sunny day and was perfect to introduce the neighbourhood, especially the children, to a great new facility.  Congrats to all who worked hard to make it a reality.

Above - With Queen Mary Park's Brenda Brindza and Sean Douglas  

Above - What it's all about - kids and water

July 6 - Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada 75th Anniversary - Laurie and Judy attended this dinner to commemorate 75 years of the UCBC and their efforts at enriching the spiritual and religious life; preserving Ukrainian culture and language; promoting Canadian citizenship; and supporting charitable and social programs.  Laurie brought greetings and made a significant portion of his remarks in Ukrainian.  They seemed to understand.

July 4 - Street Performers Festival Launch - Another very popular Edmonton Festival is Street Performers and Laurie helped Mayor Steve Mandel and the Hon. Hector Gaudreau kick if off with some juggling and plate spinning.  Not sure what it means, but Laurie was the best "spinner" of the three.  The federal government has also kicked in $55,000 to help stage the event.

Above - With Street Performers Shelley Switzer and Ron Pearson and a cheque

Above - "Master" spinner?

July 3 - Telus Pro-Am - Laurie spent the evening putting the "Am" in Pro-Am with many other local Edmonton business and governmment leaders at this event, as aprt of the Canadian Professional Golf Tour.  Laurie has no plans to join the tour.

July 3 - Last Canada Day Cake - Churchill Retirement Centre was the last of the many seniors residences to enjoy Canada Day cake from their MP as Laurie visited, served and enjoyed listening to the new Churchill Glee Club singers.

Above - Sharing a laugh with "Mother Canada" Brenda at Churchill

July 3 - Taste of Edmonton Kickoff - Edmonton is Festival City and Laurie helped kick off the very popular Taste of Edmonton Festival at the Citadel Theatre.

July 2 - Canada Day Cakes - Even though Canada Day had passed, the cakes kept going out to the Jasper Place Health & Wellness Centre and McQueen Place Seniors Residence.  Laurie spent time with some of the clients of the Health and Wellness Cantre and enjoyed some entertainment with McQueen residents.

Above - With Murray Soroka and Dave at the Jasper Place Health & Wellness Centre

Above - Enjoying entertainment with McQueen residents

July 1st - Canada Day

Canada day - July 1st was a warm and sunny day in Edmonton and dozens of events took place for Edmontonians to celebrate being Canadian.  Laurie spent a very full day making the rounds to a variety of events.  It was a great day to enjoy and appreciate all the privileges, rights and freedoms that we have in the greatest country in the world.  

Ismaili Pancake Breakfast - Laurie flipped pancakes and served hundreds of breakfasts to Edmontonians  on the grounds of the Alberta Legislature.  The Edmonton Ismaili Muslim community has organized this event for many years and serves about ten thousand breakfasts every Canada Day. 

Oliver Community League Pancake Breakfast - More hungry folks were fed pancakes and the fixings by a group that included Laurie, Edmonton Centre MLA Laurie Blakeman and Councillors Jane Batty and Michael Phair. 

Citizenship Ceremony - One of the highlights of every Canada Day is the swearing in of new Canadians and this year was no exception with 99 happy new citizens from 37 countries receiving their new identities from Lieutenant Governor Norman Kwong, Laurie, the Hon. Gene Zwozdeski and Mayor Stephen Mandel under the supervision opf Judge Sonia Bitar.  Laurie said hello in every language represented and handed out welcoming certificates. 


City Hall Canada Day Kickoff - Laurie joined Mayor Mandel and the Hon. Gene Zwozdeski in kicking off the full day of events centred around City Hall.  Hundreds of young and old were already enjoying Churchill Square, the pool and many other attractions in the city centre.  

Edmonton Viets Association Barbecue - Laurie joined several other officials in bringing greetings to this annual event that is in support of Edmonton's inner city kids.  A special addition this year was the kick-off of a campaign by an Edmonton youth group to raise $1 million in loonies and toonies to combat poverty and homelessness. 


Seniors Visits - A whole lot of cakes went out the door on Canada Day to Canterbury Court, Ansgar Housing, Kiwanis Seniors Residence, Canora Gardens and Carrington Terrace.  Fortunately for his waistline, Laurie ate only one piece all day.




Deb Grey at Freedom 55 - Former MP Deborah Grey was a Canada Day baby fifty-five years ago and she celebrated the event with many, many family and friends.


Fireworks - What Canada Day would be complete without fireworks.  The City of Edmonton put on the usual spectacular display near the Kiwanis Centre and thousands enjoyed the sights and sounds.  The High Level Bridge Waterfall was also turned on for the occasion.  A very fitting end to a very fine Canada Day.




June 28 - Central High Emergency Careers Pathway Graduation - At Edmonton City Hall Laurie joined Central High and several leaders of various capital region emergency response organizations in awarding graduation certificates to students who have met the goals of curriculum to prepare them for further training as police officers, emergency medical technicians and firefighters.

June 27 - 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron Annual Dinner - Laurie travelled to 4 Wing Cold Lake to be Guest of Honour at the Annual All-Ranks Dinner for the "Nighthawk" Squadron.  409 Squaron operates the CF-18 Hornet and is responsible for air sovereignty over western Canada and readiness for operations in support of NATO.

June 27 - River Valley Tour - Laurie and several other MPs, MLAs and municipal officials toook an aerial tour of the Saskatchewan River valley, courtesy of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.  The event was organized by the River Valley Association to educate people on the potential for developing the river valley in an environmentally responsible way to enhance the quality of life for all Edmontonians and visitors to the capital region.

Above - MPs Laurie Hawn, Mike Lake, James Rajotte, Rahim Jaffer and other crew members with 408 Squadron CH-147 Griffon helicopter

June 26 - Fourth Town Hall Meeting - Our fourth Town Hall Meeting was held at McQueen Park Community League.  The meeting was well attended and Laurie discussed three selected topics of equalization, justice, and Afghanistan.  Many other issues were also addressed through the question and answer period.  These meetings are important to inform constituents on where Laurie stands on issues and for Laurie to keep current on areas of interest to constituents.

Above - Speaking to Town Hall Meeting

June 26 - More Seniors Visits - Laurie paid visits and served Canada Day cake to residents at Tegler Manor, Rosedale Estates and Manoir St. Joachim.  As always, the seniors appreciated the visit and enjoyed asking questions of their MP.

Above - Laurie speaking to seniors at Rosedale Estates

June 26 - Passages to Canada - Laurie spoke to the Passages to Canada event sponsored by the Dominion Institute.  The Passages to Canada program recognizes the special stories of Canadians who have come to Canada and excelled in their communities, often after leaving very difficult situations.  This year the special story was that of Ms. Dubravka Babic, who immigrated to Canada from Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1994.

Above - Laurie, Dubravka Babic and Todd Linen of TD Bank Financial Group

June 26 - Visit by Hon. Maxime Bernier - Laurie helped host the visit by Minister of Industry the Honourable Maxime Bernier.  Minister Bernier was in town to announce $165 million dollars for seven Centres of Excellence in the areas of health care research, natural resources, the environment, and information communication technology.  Among several events, the Minister also addressed a breakfast meeting and participated in a Science and Technology Roundtable.

Above - Laurie and Hon. Maxime Bernier at breakfast - "It was THIS big!"

June 25 - Safeway We Care Gala - Laurie and Judy attended the annual gala where Canada Safeway presents awards to their stores which have raised money for a wide variety of local charities.  This year the awards recognized a total of nearly $700,000.  Earlier this spring, Laurie had spent several hours in three different Safeway stores assisting their efforts.

Above - Laurie and Jocelyn of Oliver Square Safeway

June 25 - Seniors Canada Day visits - With dozens of seniors residences in the riding, Laurie kicks off his Canada Day cake visits early and started this year with the Meadowlark Seniors Lodge.  Residents enjoyed cake and each received a pin and special bookmark to celebrate being Canadian.

Above - Laurie serving Meadowlark seniors

June 25 - Constituency Day - Laurie and his staff spent the day meeting constituents with a variety of issues.  Our office has developed a very strong reputation as fixers and we are happy to help people whenever we can.

June 24 - Fukienese Assocation Dinner - Laurie brought greetings to the annual dinner of the Fukienese Association of Edmonton.  People from the province of Fukien have come to Canada via many other countires and are an important part of Edmonton's multi-cultural character.

Above - Laurie with scholarship award winners

June 24 - Medal Presentation at World Triathlon - Laurie was pleased to present medals to the winners of the ladies event at the Edmonton World Triathlon event at Hawrelak Park.  The women's event was especially exciting as Kirsten Sweetland of Canada placed an incredibly close second finishing a mere one second behind the winner Emma Moffatt of Australia.  Way to go, Kirsten!

Above - Laurie congratulating Kirsten Sweetland on her silver medal

June 24 - Airfest 2007 - Laurie enjoyed spending time meeting people and patting aircraft at the Air Museum's annual Airfest.  Thousands of Edmontonians enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of air and static displays of vintage and current aircraft.  Edmonton's Blatchford Field is Canada's oldest municipal airport and the Air Museum is an attraction that shouldn't be missed.

Above - Laurie with Manitoba pilot Bob May and his P-51 Mustang "Spirit of Winnipeg"

Above - Laurie and local pilot Ed McDonald with his beautiful L-39 Cold War fighter trainer from Czechoslovakia

June 22 - Nechi Open House - Laurie and Judy spent time at Nechi Research, Training and Health Promotions Institute in St. Albert learning about their programs for holistic healing and the promotion of healthy, addiction-free lifestyles.  Nechi provides a very valuable service to Edmonton and Alberta.

Above - Laurie, Judy and Nechi CEO Lorraine Bear

June 22 - 100th Anniversary of Victoria Golf Course - Laurie brought greetings from the Prime Minister to the celebration of 100 years of the Victoria Golf Course.  Victoria is one of the oldest municipal golf courses in Canada.  A highlight for Laurie was shanking a ceremonial drive off the first tee with a vintage hickory shaft driver.

Above - Laurie, Mayor Stephen Mandel and Hon Gene Zwozdeski unveiling the plaque

Above - Laurie about to shank "ole hickory"

June 21 - Another new coffee shop - Laurie attended the opening of yet another new coffee shop in Edmonton.  This will be one more stop for Laurie to make in his daily routine of being available at different coffee shops first thing in the morning.   This particular opening was also in support of the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre.

Above - Laurie with Murray Soroka (JP Health and Wellness) and Starbucks' staff

June 21 - Barbecue for Amiskwaciy Academy - Laurie brought greetings to the annual buffalo burger barbecue sponsored by the Royal Bank Group in support of the hot lunch program for Edmonton's Amiskwaciy Academy.  Amiskwaciy is located in the former terminal building at the City Centre Airport and is  a key institution in the education of aboriginal youth and in the preservation of their language and culture.

Above - Laurie with a very colourful performer

June 21 - New RCMP helicopter - Laurie joined Deputy Commissioner Bill Sweeney and the Honourable Fred Lindsay to cut the ribbon on new RCMP helicopter that will enhance law enforcement capabilities in Alberta.  The federal goverenment contributed $1.2 million to the project.

Above - Laurie, D/Comm Sweeney and Hon. Fred Lindsay making it official.

June 21 - Aboriginal Day at Westglen School - Laurie visited the Grade 2 class at Westglen School to take part in their celebration of National Aboriginal Day.  He took questions form the class, admired a display of their artwork, and watched performances by an aboriginal youth choir and dance company.

Above - Laurie sporting his golden eagle feather with the children of Westglen School.

June 21 - Yellow Ribbon Campaign Kickoff - Laurie and Edmonton City Councilors Mike Nickel and Ed Gibbons kicked off a campaign to get Edmonton to put magnetic yellow "Support our troops" ribbons on emergency response vehicles.  The men and women overseas and their families deserve our unconditional support for the unconditional commitment that they have made for Canada and for people less fortunate around the world.  Laurie also sent letters to the other 307 MPs suggesting that they urge their own municipalities to do the same.

Above - Laurie and Councilors Nickel and Gibbons addressing the media.

June 17 - 30th Anniversary of St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor - Laurie attended the liturgy in celebration of the 30th anniversary of this orthodox congregation.  He brought greetings from the Prime Minister and was received very warmly by the congregation. 

Above - Laurie, Clergyman, and Ted Byfield

June 16 - Edmonton Flying Club 80th Anniversary - Laurie stopped by for this celebration of 80 years of operations of the Edmonton Flying Club at a hangar on the historic Blatchford Field.  Thousands of people started aviation careers with the Edmonton Flying Club and many were on hand.  One notable was Judge Doug Matheson who first flew from Blatchford Field in 1931 and he is still flying actively at age 86.  Judge Matheson was a WWII fighter pilot who spent time at Stalag Luft III and participated in tunnelling operations for The Great Escape.

Above - Laurie Judge Matheson and "friend"

June 15 - Laurie attended a lecture and Q & A session at MacLab Theatre featuring LGen (Ret'd) Romeo Dallaire in discussion about "Sheltering the Innocent".  Senator Dallaire shared some of his experience and insights in the area of violence against women and children in Africa.

June 15 - 20th Anniversary of Bishop Seraphim - Laurie brought greetings from the Prime Minister to a Liturgy of Thanksgiving at the St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Sobor.  The event was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of service of His Eminence the Most Reverend Archbishop Seraphim.  The fellowship and warm welcome to all visitors was very much appreciated.

Above - Laurie with Archbishop Seraphim and Mayor Stephen Mandel

June 15 - Employabilities Charity Golf - Laurie was able to squeeze in seven holes of golf as part of the annual fundraising golf tournament in support of Employabilities.  The event's major sponsor is Servus Credit Union and proceeds go to promoting full employment for people who are dealing with various challenges.  There was some excellent golf on display by players with some apparent handicaps, but who don't let that slow them down.

Above - Laurie with his team

June 15 - Sudanese Community Association of Edmonton - Laurie delivered funding of $166,657 to the Sudanese Community Association of Edmonton.  The funding is a critical component of a three-year program to help Sudanese young people to adapt to life in Canada.  The leadership of the Sudanese community was very grateful for the funding and for Laurie's part in making it happen.

Above - Laurie and Sudanese community leaders