PEOPLE
OTHER LIFE ‘I lo ve w h at t h e Ca lg a ry St a m ped e d oe s. It g ive s ba ck t o t h e co m m u n ity, creat e s m a n y j o b s, a n d b ri n g s a lot o f m o n e y t o t h e city’
HR EXPERT IS A ‘COWBOY VOLUNTEER’ IN HER SPARE TIME Vicki Blais, of Acera Insurance, is proud she can give back to a city that has given her so much BY DAY, Vicki Blais oversees the day-to-day HR activities for industry-leading companies as senior client services specialist and HR coordinator, as well as employee owner, with Acera Insurance. But when she’s not at work, Blais pulls on her cowboy boots and hat and spends much of her free time giving back to her community. Based in Calgary, AB, Blais began her volunteer work in 2008 with the Calgary Stampede Foundation, which donates to the region’s youth. The foundation is part of the Calgary Stampede, a not-for-profit community organization that preserves
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and celebrates the city’s western heritage, cultures, and community spirit. The Calgary Stampede has held exhibitions and stampedes (rodeos) annually since 1923. “I love what the Calgary Stampede does,” says Blais. “It gives back to the community, creates many jobs, and brings a lot of money to the city.” Blais volunteers on three committees for the foundation. She works with the Stampede’s youth programs, which include “Stampede school,” where kids learn about the history of the west and the Stampede; Indigenous training for First Nations children; and the
Young Canadians School of Performing Arts, Stampede summer camp, poster competitions, and scholarships. Blais also volunteers with the LaDue Ladies Lunch, which offers a scholarship program for young women, and the Special Olympics. She has been nominated for a Calgary White Hat Award, which recognizes individual achievements in the city’s tourism industry. “I love living in Alberta and I love living in Calgary,” she says. “I like to support organizations that support individuals in our community. It gives me a chance to give back to a city that gives so much to me.”