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Sun Media - diference - Index

making a difference
Marc and Desiree are long-time supporters
of Calgary area charities, going on the philosophy:
“We have a lifestyle we’re comfortable
with; the rest should go to giving back.”
They give to the Alberta Adolescent
Recovery Centre, the Alberta Cancer
Foundation, the Bill Brooks Prostate Cancer
Foundation, Safe Haven, the Calgary
Urban Projects Society, the United Way
and Muscular Dystrophy, among others.
They also support community little
league sports such as baseball and
soccer; as well as giving to the Calgary
Stampede and other city activities
that help elevate Calgary’s profile.
Marc and Desiree seek out charities
that ensure a majority of donations go
straight to the cause. They’re also passionate
about local charities that “tend
to fly under the radar,” he says.
“We try to find the ones that
don’t have big budgets to advertise
or have national exposure.”
Marc sits on the Alberta Cancer Foundation
board, believing time donations are just
as important as monetary commitments.
Desiree is currently the Chair of Young Presidents
Organization, Alberta Chapter, sharing
knowledge between business leaders.
“There is some absolutely phenomenal
work done by great people and
they don’t get the support they need
from government, but they’re doing
12
fabulous work in our community.”
MBE Jet Ltd. has donated jet trips to
places such as Las Vegas or Palm Springs
for charity auctions and fundraisers, with
PDL often contributing sponsorship or
other donations to the prize package.
The couple adds that part of the
reason they give so much is the
good feeling they get from it.
“It’s such a great feeling that you
get addicted to being able to help
when you can,” says Desiree.
Both Marc and Desiree have come
from “very humble beginnings,” which
they say is part of the reason they
feel such a need to give back.
“It’s important to us,” says Marc.