BY DINA O'MEARA AND DAVID PARKER, CALGARY HERALD APRIL 14, 2009 CALGARY
"The corridors of corporate Calgary could be much quieter places this Stampede season
as a number of major companies forgo costly shindigs in favour of charitable giving.
Law firm Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer set downtown on its ear recently, announcing the cancellation
of its annual (and much coveted) Stampede party. Instead, BD&P said it will be funnelling $150,000
toward the Put the Boots to Hunger fundraiser in partnership with the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank.
It also encouraged its former party-list of 1,200 to make donations to the food bank.
Many Calgary executives called the idea brilliant, but few were willing to follow suit and do away with
their parties.
"I like what BDP's doing, but I wouldn't consider calling off the party," said George Gosbee, president
and chief executive of Tristone Capital Corp. "It's a good thing for the company, it's a good thing for
the city and a good thing for the staff."
The investment brokerage contributes around $1 million a year to charities, but doesn't tie its
Stampede party to any organization.
Some companies already have slashed budgets for or eliminated Stampede events as they grapple
with the downturn.
"I think there's a real reluctance to spend money right now on a party, even if your company is still
doing well," said Dave Howards, president of The Event Group. "People are concerned about how it
will play to shareholders--no one wants to look like another AIG."
However, one leader of corporate giving has no plans to abandon its singular brand of festivities.
In fact, FirstEnergy Capital Corp. looks forward to helping its stressed-out clients blow off steam
during its FirstRowdy party.
What makes this event different is it always has had a charitable focus, last year raising more than
$200,000 for four local organizations.
"Either way, a charity is getting the money," chief executive Jim Davidson said. "And, frankly, I think
there's a need to blow a little bit of steam here, there's a lot of angst and stress by what's going on."
Other corporations, such as natural gas giant EnCana Corp.,dedicate big bucks for a family-oriented
Stampede party while hosting smaller events for clients.
Less excess and more giving seems to be the trend, said an industry observer.
"I suspect there will be more bottled water available than alcohol this Stampede," said Prof. Bob
Schulz, with the Haskayne School of Business."
image link:
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