ATB Financial is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, and marked the occasion last Friday with special events at Sylvan Lake and each of its other branches.
During a barbecue at the Sylvan Lake branch, manager Nancy Numan announced a $1,000 donation to Red Deer West 4-H Club.
News of the donation was made public at the same time as other branches in the province announced support for various community groups.
“Today — right now, in fact — simultaneously in 301 ATB communities across Alberta, we are proud to announce that community investments totalling $236,000 are being distributed in celebration of our 75th anniversary,” said Numan. “I’m happy to announce that in our community, ATB Sylvan Lake is pleased to support Red Deer West 4-H Club with a gift of $1,000.”
Reid and Parker Depalme of the club were on hand to accept the donation, and were grateful for the support. Reid felt it was “pretty cool” to receive a donation that will help fund the club’s various endeavours.
Mother Dana Depalme said the club is fortunate to receive so much support from the community, and said the club also gives much back. Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta is just one of a number of organizations the club has supported in recent years.
As part of ATB’s celebrations, 75 spruce seedlings were given to guests.
“As a symbolic gesture of appreciation to everyone in Sylvan lake, we will be planting a special blue spruce tree,” said Numan. “This tree not only represents ATB’s deep community roots, but also our hope for the continued growth and prosperity of Sylvan Lake.
“We hope that you will plant your tree in a place that reflects your own roots in Alberta.”
ATB Financial opened its first branch in Rocky Mountain House in 1938, and now operates 130 agencies and 171 branches throughout the province.