PROFILE
Leaving a Lasting Legacy on Calgary By David Parker
W
hen you meet Jay Westman, you meet a man full of enthusiasm, sincere in his drive to run successful companies and a thoughtful contributor with his time and donations to so many deserving causes. Under the Jayman Built umbrella, his businesses include homebuilding, land development and the hospitality industry with hotels under the Wyndham flag and two Marriott hotels under construction in Seton that will open later this year. Although Westman is a very busy man, he still found the time to establish the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies at the University of Calgary. He is also a great supporter of education matters at SAIT Polytechnic while maintaining a high level of involvement in many charities, focusing primarily on the MS Society and the Jay Westman points to his company’s name at the kickoff of the first RESOLVE build. A listing of the 11 homebuilders were painted on the building before construction began to represent their commitment to the Campaign. Mustard Seed. Four generations of his family have suffered from MS and Westman has been diligent in raising funds had been done to show that RESOLVE is a practical and for the society over many years. Along with his wife, Karen, achievable solution. RESOLVE will provide 3,000 keys to they have co-chaired the hugely successful annual Seeds of doors for vulnerable and homeless Calgarians. This will be Hope Gala benefiting the Mustard Seed. The Mustard Seed is done by raising $120 million, which is above and beyond one of the nine agencies within the RESOLVE Campaign and the commitment pledged by the provincial government. the funds raised from the annual Seeds of Hope Gala were Westman’s caution before jumping in with both feet was split between the Mustard Seed’s operations and their capital also relieved upon discovering just how well the nine agencies project within RESOLVE. are run – and by such talented and professional staff. Westman is clearly a busy man – so when RESOLVE cabinet To date, 11 of his fellow homebuilders have stepped up to chair Alan Norris approached him to sit on the cabinet he the table with contributions of $1.4 million each, and others had good reasons to decline. But he listened. And he was so are responding to the call. impressed when the goals were explained, he decided one Enough has been raised to represent 915 keys, that is 915 just couldn’t be too busy not to pitch in and help. individuals with a safe and affordable place to call home – He was impressed with the data and reports that have and the campaign is gaining momentum. been amassed regarding the homeless population and how Westman believes the campaign will reach its target and the information is being shared between agencies that are all leave a lasting legacy on the city. working towards a common goal. “This is just the most compelling campaign I have ever As a cabinet member on the RESOLVE Campaign since been involved in.” its beginnings, Westman was encouraged by the math that
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