For years there has been one Innisfailian who has quietly and humbly made sure no schoolchild in town or from the rural areas should go hungry, struggle with the cold or miss out on a field trip with friends.
His generosity to the Chinook's Edge School Division for the past eight years was acknowledged this month at the Sept. 11 school board meeting where it was noted for the public record how his helping hand has made a significant positive impact for so many young lives.
Robert Bilton, who was born and raised in Innisfail, is a successful businessman. He is president of Bilton Welding & Manufacturing Ltd., a company that has prospered from his hometown for more than 20 years.
However, behind the scenes Bilton, 57, has ensured his professional success is more than just a profitable bottom line. It has also been about giving back to the community.
“There are kids that are not going on field trips; the whole class goes but one can't go because he can't afford to pay. That is an uncomfortable feeling for a kid to be excluded like that,” said Bilton. “I don't think I have any more empathy than anyone else in the community for children but I think I do have the means to be able to help out so we do what we can.
“I do know how these kids suffer and I do know there are people who don't have what you and I have and as a community we need to help out as best as we can.”
Bilton and his company initiated in 2005 what the board calls the “Bilton Welding Fund”, a commitment of $50,000 to help school kids in need.
The fund has been used to help kids whose families can't afford the cost of a field trip, the wide range of extracurricular activities offered by schools, hot lunches and warm winter clothes.
Susan Roy, treasurer for the Chinook's Edge School Division, said there are no immediately available statistics of the number of children in need but because of the fund the board is able to overcome these often heartbreaking issues as they arise.
“We are just thankful that our schools are able to respond and help these families that can't afford the field trips, the hot lunch programs and the extras that we can offer with the donation made by Bilton Welding,” said Roy.
Jackie Taylor, principal at École John Wilson Elementary School, added the Bilton Welding Fund has made a “significant” difference for many young lives.
“Support of this kind positively impacts the early years of our community's children and adds to connecting them strongly to their school and the community of Innisfail,” said Taylor.
However, Bilton declined to take full credit for the program's success. While he notes the company has input in how the money is used, he praised the school board for its efficient administration of the donated funds.
“We want to make sure money goes to the right people. I commend the school board for managing that for us. They give us a basic accounting where the money goes and I appreciate them doing that,” said Bilton, whose commitment to public service goes beyond the borders of the town. For many years he has been a major sponsor and board member for the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, an organization that also benefits citizens of Innisfail and the surrounding area.
But while giving back to the community is important for Bilton and his company, he has made it a practice not to seek public attention of his philanthropy. His personal satisfaction comes from just knowing that all kids will have the opportunity to be included, not go hungry and stay warm throughout the winter.
“My good fortune shouldn't be looked upon as making me some sort of a special person. I'm no different than anyone else,” said Bilton. “I just have the means to be able to do this.”
