Noreen MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Foundation
The Noreen MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Foundation has been created in Noreen’s name so that she can continue to give back to those who need it the most. Inspired by Noreen’s countless hours of volunteering, her family has created this foundation in her memory to carry on her spirit of giving and selflessness.
The foundation will provide scholarship funds for young or mature people with limited financial means who want to advance their education and, in turn, have a higher chance of providing a safe and healthy life for themselves and their families.
Thanks to Noreen MacDonald’s contribution from her estate—combined with generous donations from others—Noreen’s Scholarship Foundation will be able to help many in years to come.
Those with the means to donate are encouraged to give as little or as much as they wish, so that Noreen can continue to touch the lives of those who need it most.
If you are not able to donate funds, we encourage you to spread the word about Noreen’s scholarship.
A charitable tax receipt will be issued to you for your donation.
Our scholarship fundraising campaign is time-sensitive. Please submit your contributions by September 13th 2026.
On behalf of Noreen and family, we sincerely thank everyone who donates to or shares this cause. We are grateful for every dollar that we can pass along in Noreen’s name to those who need it most.
About Noreen MacDonald
Noreen was raised on a farm in Millet, Alberta, and was the fourth of eight children.
As a child, she had both scarlet fever and rheumatoid fever, which subsequently weakened her heart with lifelong impact.
In 1958, when she was 19, Noreen attended Comptometer School in Edmonton, Alberta.
Graduates from this type of training took on vital roles in banks and accounting offices; they processed payroll, taxes, and ledgers. Noreen evolved this training into a career with Imperial Oil in Edmonton and, eventually, in Calgary, where she lived for most of her life.
Working at Imperial Oil brought her into the age of computers, where she learned and expanded new skills she was always happy to learn and expand upon. Employed with Imperial Oil in 1968, Noreen was a dedicated employee until retiring in 1991.
With the skills she gained in the workforce, Noreen began a passionate volunteer career with CWL (Catholic Women’s League) and St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP). In addition to serving as treasurer, she tirelessly prepared and delivered food hampers to anyone who needed a helping hand. She helped young families with financial struggles through SVDP with unwavering spirit and dedication for many, many years, and developed strong relationships with those she assisted and worked with over this tenure.
After 37 years as a full-time volunteer, she had to retire from the selfless work that she was so passionate about.
Noreen passed away from health complications shortly after, at the age of 87.
Her mission on Earth is fulfilled
The Noreen MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Foundation is a donor advised fund at Canada Gives, a registered charity and public foundation (#833062144RR0001). The Noreen MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Foundation makes all charity recommendations and Canada Gives provides all administration, support and reporting.