Noreen MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Foundation

On behalf of Noreen MacDonald, inspired by the countless hours of volunteer work helping others less fortunate, a memorial foundation has been created to carry on her spirit of giving and selflessness: the Noreen MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

Noreen was raised on a farm in Millet, Alberta, as 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 Calgary where she lived for most of her life. Working at Imperial Oil brought her into the age of computers where she adapted new skills that 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 obtained in the workforce, Noreen began a passionate volunteer career with CWL  (Catholic Women’s League) and St. Vincent de Paul.  She was both the Treasurer and was also heavily involved in the preparation and delivery of food hampers to feed 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, Noreen was forced 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.

The Noreen MacDonald Memorial Scholarship Foundation has been created in her name so that she will continue to give back to those who need it the most. Her foundation will provide scholarship funds for young or mature-aged people with limited financial means who want to improve or obtain their education and, in turn, have a higher chance of providing a safe and healthy life for themselves and their families.

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 in a position to donate funds, we encourage you to share the word of Noreen’s scholarship instead.