NenshiOn Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 100 Men Calgary met at 6:30 PM at Dentons Calgary LLP.

The event, hosted by Ryan Pinder of Sportsnet 960 The Fan, was a resounding success that?saw an unprecedented turnout for the group. In total, over 90 men registered and showed their?support for the three charities that presented, ultimately pledging financial support to one of?them.

In addition to contributions from Ryan Pinder, Dentons Calgary LLP played a generous host,?sponsoring food and drinks for all in attendance, and providing a beautiful venue for the night?s?events.

Guests heard from last meeting?s beneficiary, Helping Families Handle Cancer, as?founder Carie Stock expressed gratitude and introduced a special guest, Ernie, who?s son Luca?has been battling cancer and who was grateful for the assistance that the group provided.

Our Guest Speaker

A highlight of the evening came in the form of Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi, who delivered a?rousing speech on the importance of contributing to community. The founding members of 100?Men Calgary, Oliver Baezner and Alex Putici, expressed their sincere gratitude for the Mayor?s?support, a clear indication of the progress the group has made in recent months. There was?certainly a buzz about the room as Nenshi spoke, as members were excited about the?legitimacy his support lends to 100 Men Calgary.

The evening was structure in a somewhat casual format that allowed members to get to know?one another and discuss issues that were important to them and to 100 Men Calgary. After a?short break where guests ate food supplied by Mercantino?s, Gabriel Kane of 100 Men Calgary?introduced the three new presenters – members of 100 Men Calgary who had nominated the?three new charity candidates to be voted on at the meeting.

Our Three Nominated Charities

First up, Daniel Berube presented on Calgary Poppy Fund, focusing on its Veteran?s Food Bank?initiative. The only one of its kind in Canada, the Veteran?s Food Bank endeavors to ensure that?no veterans or their families be deprived of the necessities of life. Rather, the group aims to?treat them with the dignity they deserve, and to ensure that they have shelter, and medications?that are paid for.

Secondly, Bradley Ball brought the Children?s Cottage Society to the attention of 100 Men,?who?s vision of Safe Children in Healthy Families is realized as they aim to prevent harm and?neglect to all children and build strong families through support services, respite programs, a?crisis nursery, and other programs such as Brenda?s House and Healthy Families.

And lastly, member Bob McInnes spoke on behalf of Calgary Reads, a volunteer led initiative?that works with students who are showing signs of having trouble reading. Having operated in?124 elementary schools in its 14 years of existence, Calgary Reads has contributed a whopping?21000 volunteer tutor hours to help struggling readers. These hours take place in the form of?Reading Rallies, programs like Wee Read, and through volunteering in schools with English?Language Learning (ELL) curriculums.

Who We Chose

While all three causes were more than worthy, Calgary Poppy Fund and the Veteran?s Food?Bank garnered the most votes, albeit by a slim margin, as the members took to their cellphones?to cast their ballot. As 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of World War One and the 75th?anniversary of World War Two, the donation is indeed a fitting one as many Veterans approach?the holiday season with questions about how they will make ends meet.

A celebratory mood filled the air as members were satisfied with the group?s decision. Door?prizes were handed out, drinks and laughs were enjoyed, and members were left anticipating?the next meeting, which again takes place at Dentons, this time on March 10, 2015.

Please?check out hundredmenyyc.wpengine.com for event details, and do not hesitate to invite your friends and?colleagues to be a part of this truly impactful community initiative.