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Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk toured the Airdrie Food Bank Feb. 26 as part of a tour of Airdrie prior to the Legislature going back into session.

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Alberta minister of culture visits non-profit organizations

Alberta’s Minister of Culture Heather Klimchuk toured some of Airdrie’s arts and cultural organizations, Feb. 26.

Klimchuk and Calgary Glenmore MLA Linda Johnson visited the Airdrie Food Bank, Creative Airdrie, Volunteer Airdrie, North Rocky View Community Links, the Nose Creek Valley Museum and Bert Church Theatre.

“It is important to connect with all of the organizations under my department” said Klimchuk.

“I have always known there is a huge arts energy in Airdrie.”

She said the arts play a more important role in daily life than many people think.

“They are a large part of why residents want to live in Alberta,” she said.

“The linkage between arts and culture and the economy is very powerful.”

She said many local artists have their work displayed all over the world and projects like filming movies in our province creates jobs for everyone from carpenters to actors to camera operators.

Creative Airdrie Executive Director Linda Bruce agreed.

“The arts are an important way to promote diversification,” she said.

Bruce said Creative Airdrie has put in a bid to host the 2015 Distinguished Artist Awards Gala.

“If we got the gala, the ripple effect within the community would be huge,” she said.

“The hotels, restaurants and many other businesses would benefit from having those delegates in our community.”

Klimchuk said she is happy to see Airdrie’s name on the list for the awards gala.

“I like to see communities where the arts are embraced and Airdrie is one of those,” she said.

“Community involvement is very important. It’s about collaboration. When you do something together, it’s astounding.”

Brenda Hume, executive director of North Rocky View Community Links, said she felt Klimchuk heard the organization’s challenges and will bring them back to her colleagues in Edmonton.

“We spoke with her about our increased demand in service and funding challenges and she was very receptive,” said Hume.

Jennifer Cormier with the Bert Church Theatre said, “it was wonderful to have the chance to share what we do at the BCT and our successes in building community and fostering partnerships.”

Klimchuk said she was taken aback by how effectively Airdrie’s organizations are dealing with challenges.

“I am so impressed with the food bank and the great work they are doing in such a small space,” said Klimchuk.

“It says so much about the volunteer spirit in Airdrie. I’m impressed by the energy.”