Oil and gas operations have always been a big part of the Sundre community – and thanks to a dedicated group of oilpatch employees and company owners, local young people and youth organizations have been benefitting from the industry's success for more than two decades.
The Sundre Oilmen's Association is marking its 24th year in town in 2012. There are currently about a dozen members, all of whom work for or own oil and gas and service companies with operations in the Sundre area.
Since starting up in the 1980s, the association has given tens of thousands of dollars to help support local groups, individuals and families.
Money is raised principally through the association's annual curling bonspiel and golf tournament. On average, about $4,000 is raised each year, said current association president Kevin Irving, owner of Kick Hot Oil Ltd.
Irving explained that supporting young people has always been a focus of the group's effort.
“We raise money mostly for local kids and junior groups, like junior curling, junior golf, minor ball, and lots of individual kids who need help for operations and things like that,” said Irving.
“We don't do this for ourselves. It's all about giving back to the local young people and youth groups.”
For example, the association donated about $1,500 a few years ago for a young boy so he could have facial reconstruction surgery. The association also recently helped pay for another young boy to have medical treatment.
Despite the fact that working in the oilpatch keeps everyone very busy, association members always find the time to support the group's worthwhile fundraising events, he said.
“We've got a good core group and things are sort of set in place. Everyone helps out,” he said.
Association members get together every year to decide which groups and individuals to support, he said.
“When we have our meeting someone will say, ‘I know this group or this person who needs support' and we move forward with that,” he said. “And sometimes people let us know of young people or organizations that need our help.”
Many times individuals and groups taking part in the association's events will make matching donations to increase the total amount raised, he said.
The association's events are not only good fundraisers, but also a great time for people to get together and enjoy a worthwhile initiative.
“We all enjoy the golf tournament and our curling and it's a good way to donate back to the community,” he said. “They are also great social events.”
The association is planning to mark its 25th anniversary with some special events, he said.
“We've actually got some money set aside for that,” he said.
As well as supporting local young people and youth organizations, the association was also involved in helping to fund the construction of the Sundre Curling Club.
