When the Grande Cache Coal Mine closed on Christmas Eve of 2015, it was a dark day for its 220 employees and an entire community. The mine was among the biggest employers in Grande Cache, and had financially supported many important activities in and around the Alberta town of 4,500.
One of those activities was an annual Edmonton field trip for sixth grade students of Summitview School. Every year, the coal mine was a major contributor to a two-day adventure with visits to the Alberta Legislature and Telus World of Science. It enabled small-town students to see first hand the inner workings of provincial government and get excited about science and technology. When the coal mine closed, it looked like the field trips – and the valuable experiences they brought – would be over.
Although a national debt collection agency may seem like an unlikely saviour to those who don’t know us well, MetCredit was happy to step up as a new project co-sponsor. We were delighted to see our $2,500 contribution help enable the field trips to continue. On May 5th and 6th, the first post-coal-mine field trip became a reality.
On the first day, the 6th grade students toured the Alberta Legislature building , learning about levels of government, the roles of the Lieutenant Governor, Premier, Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly along with a political history of Alberta. They discovered the daily routine followed in the Chamber, parliamentary traditions and ceremonies, and the amazing art and architecture of the 103-year-old landmark building. They were also treated to a mock legislative session, giving them a valuable glimpse at how important government decisions are made.
The students spent their second day at the Telus World of Science, experiencing the Margaret Ziedler Star Theatre (a full-dome planetarium), observatory, Kinetic Hall, Space Gallery, Robotics Laboratory, Health Gallery, Environment Gallery, and Discoveryland. They took in the world-famous International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, and enjoyed an educational IMAX show on the massive 42-foot by 62-foot movie screen.
At MetCredit, community support and involvement is an integral part of our value system. When a small school outside of Edmonton asked for our assistance, we were happy to help. For decades we’ve been backers of many charities and community initiatives, and we believe education is instrumental to building a strong future for everyone.
Currently we are participating in a small donation matching program to Kidsport Canada to assist children displaced by the Fort McMurray wildfire with equipment for soccer, baseball and other activities. Please join us in supporting this very important community initiative at a time when our contributions really matter!
Click here to donate directly to Kidsport. Type “Metropolitan” under “Matching Gift.” I look forward to matching your contribution!
