Ken MacDonald was a long-standing and dedicated member of the HIV Network of Edmonton Society for over 20 years. He served on the Board of Directors during three separate terms: 1998-2002, 2011-2014, and 2015-2017. Ken also took the helm as Chair of the Board and contributed to various committees, including Executive, Policy, Building, and Strategic Planning. In April 2019, he offered his expertise as the Board Retreat Facilitator and Strategic Plan Consultant.

Ken actively participated in fundraising events such as the Walk for Life and was a generous donor to the organization. In recognition of his leadership within the HIV community, Ken was honoured with the HIV Edmonton Community Leadership Award at the 2019 AGM.

Upon his passing in 2020, HIV Edmonton learned that it was a beneficiary of funds from Ken’s estate. Combined with these bequeathed funds, memorial gifts in Ken’s name, and a generous donation from the MacDonald family, the Ken MacDonald Memorial Fund was established in July 2021 with a combined opening pledged amount of nearly $30,000.

Why Donate?

- Community Support: Your donation provides community members with emergency access to funds for essential needs such as housing, transportation, and food. Your contribution directly impacts lives, offering immediate assistance in times of crisis.

- Honoring a Legacy: Ken MacDonald's commitment to promoting equity and justice within the community set a standard for all of us. By donating, you help preserve his legacy and ensure his values continue to shape HIV Edmonton’s future.

- Make a Real Difference: Every dollar counts. Your support can transform lives, offering hope and stability to those in need. Imagine the impact we can make together!

Impact Stories from Past Beneficiaries

- Empowering a Craftsperson "I have worked with my hands my entire life, creating beautiful projects such as solid wood tables. Despite my passion and talent, I needed additional funds to purchase supplies and complete my projects. HIV Edmonton stepped in to provide the necessary support through the Ken MacDonald Memorial Fund. This assistance empowered me to continue my business, connect with individuals and businesses, and sell my creations. The impact on my work has been profound, allowing me to sustain and grow my business."

- Ensuring Access to Utilities "I was facing a critical situation with my utility bills and received a notice from EPCOR. I was unable to access my bank account to complete the payment. HIV Edmonton was able to step in and pay the amount owed, setting up a payment plan to ensure continued access to utilities. When I regained access to my account, I repaid the amount loaned from the Ken MacDonald Memorial Fund, ensuring that the fund remains available to support other community members in need."

A Message from Ken’s Family

"We are defined and inspired by the people around us, which is why it is so difficult to lose someone you love. Ken was an integral part of HIV Edmonton’s story, and we are so honored to carry on his passion for helping the most vulnerable members of our community receive the compassion, supports, and services they need.

For the past three years, the Ken MacDonald Memorial Fund has been a unique asset in the not-for-profit space, providing flexible funding to directly support those most in need. With a foundation of sound financial governance, the Fund offers much-needed flexibility to address gaps in service delivery. It allows staff to use discretion and common sense to provide one-time funding to bridge emergency and critical needs like housing, transportation, or food. It offers that extra little piece of support that keeps someone moving in the right direction when they have nowhere else to turn.

It is a Fund rooted in compassion and community. It is helping HIV Edmonton do the right thing, at the right time, when it matters most. We hope you’ll join us and make an investment in the Ken MacDonald Memorial Fund."

— MacDonald & Bourque Families

Thank you for making kindness real to our community members, your support could help us take the Ken MacDonald fund to $40,000 in our 40th year! Together, we can make a difference...