Press Releases – Page 5 – Gord Bamford Foundation

Gord Bamford Shows the Spirit of Giving with $30,000 Donation

Gord Bamford Shows the Spirit of Giving with $30,000 Donation
Several Central Alberta Charities to Benefit

(Lacombe, AB) Gord Bamford is celebrating the spirit of Christmas early this year by donating $30,000 from his Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation to five central Alberta charities.

The organizations that will benefit include: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District ($10,000), Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre ($5,000), McMan Youth and Family Community Services Association ($5,000), Lacombe Minor Baseball ($5,000), and The Ronald McDonald House, Central Alberta ($5,000).

This is the time of year when some of these charities are in great need of support,” explains Bamford. “Thanks to the resounding success of our 2013 Charitable Foundation Golf Classic where we raised a record $355,000, we are in a position to help these important organizations that support the central Alberta community.”

Corinne Szepesi, Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation manager will be making the first of these five donations on behalf of Bamford on the following dates:

December 11: Big Brothers, Big Sisters; Lacombe Minor Baseball
December 12: Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre, Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta
December 17: McMan Youth and Family Community Services (Tentative)

The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation offers under privileged youth and single parent families in Canada an equal opportunity in life by providing monies to support education, health care and music. Furthermore, it is a Foundation goal to improve communities for Canadian youth through the construction or improvement of multiuse facilities.

Bamford, is a 16-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner, and two-time Juno Award nominee. He recently won the 2013 CCMA Album of the Year, CMT Video of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Record Producer(s) of the Year. His 6^th studio album Country Junkie was released on October 8, 2013 and Bamford achieved his first number one hit single “When Your Lips Are So Close” on November 18, 2013.

In 2013, The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation gave $140,000 to select charities, all across Canada. More about Bamford can be found at www.gordbamford.com and www.gordbamfordfoundation.com or you can follow him on Twitter: @GordBamford.

Contact:
Corinne Szepesi
Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation
cchairbiz@aol.com
403-786-9175

Continued:

The following are the December, 2013 recipients of the combined $30,000 donation from the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District ($10,000)
As Canada’s leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Brothers Big Sisters facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower children and youth to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens.

Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre ($5,000)
For 25 years, the CAPCC has been serving not only the underprivileged youth of the communities of Central Alberta, but also anyone facing a pregnancy related issue. All services are free and confidential, and available to anyone, regardless of age, race, income, nationality, religious affiliation or circumstance. In 2010, we served an average of 82 clients per month, with the majority of our clientele being underprivileged youth and single parent families.

McMan Youth and Family Community Services Association ($5,000)
McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association is embarking on a new pathway in the hope of continuing service to youth and families. With knowing there are very little services in Alberta for teens who truly want to rid their lives of addiction, it is the hope of McMan is to provide a residential stay program (affliliated with the renowned Seven Challenges program) for up to six months of addiction counselling and treatment.

Lacombe Minor Baseball Association ($5,000)
Support of the Lacombe Minor Baseball Association will allow the organization to purchase any much needed equipment and uniforms, as well as keep baseball affordable for all families within the great city of Lacombe. Funds will be used to update equipment, uniforms, maintaining batting cages and ball field equipment.

Ronald McDonald House, Central Alberta ($5,000)
The Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta has welcomed over 440 families since its doors opened in February, 2012. The House provides a safe, affordable, comfortable and compassionate home away from home for sick children and their families.

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ME Global Athletic Park Benefits from $25,000 Gord Bamford Donation

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Money Assists with Funding 8-Lane Regulation Running Track

(Lacombe, AB) Staying true to his word in supporting kids and community, Gord Bamford will be presenting a $25,000 cheque to the Lacombe Athletic Park Association at 1:30 p.m. (MST) on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Bamford recently generated $355,000 at his 6^th Annual Charity Golf Classic on August 7, 2013. The $25,000 donation will assist the L.A.P.A. in realizing its dream of completing an eight lane regulation running track that surrounds the artificial turf under the lights at MEGlobal Athletic Park in Lacombe.

“The Lacombe Athletic Park Association (L.A.P.A.) is very appreciative of the support that Gord and his foundation have given to this project throughout the past few years. Our facility is home to kids and families who benefit from healthy physical activities, sense of community, and the values that come with being involved in team sports. Without the commitment to the community and the generosity of organizations like the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation, this facility would not exist and our community would not have access to the benefits of ME Global Athletic Park,” says Darren Gagnon, L.A.P.A. chairperson.

L.A.P.A. is organizing its funding to complete the final phase of a project that started with a dream over seven years ago. The rubberized surfaced track and accompanying field athletics facilities will cost $1.2 million but will be the final major phase of construction at the park.

“This type of community project is exactly what the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation wishes to support,” says Bamford. “The park will allow for generations of new children and families to enjoy athletic activities, and all important family time. I know my family will look forward to using it.”

MEGlobal Athletic Park is currently home to Lacombe Composite High School rugby, soccer and football teams, Central Alberta Field Lacrosse, and several football organizations in Central Alberta. The facility has hosted Soccer, Rugby, Running events, sports camps, and non-sports community events in the past few years. It is expected about 40,000 people enter the facility throughout the year, but will increase with the new track and field event facilities.

Bamford, is a 16-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner, and two-time Juno Award nominee. He recently won the CCMA Album of the Year (presented by Walmart), CMT Video of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Record Producer(s) of the Year for 2013. His 6^th studio album Country Junkie will be released on October 8, 2013. More about Bamford can be found at www.gordbamford.com.

The L.A.P.A. (www.lacombeathleticpark.ca) has subleased land from the City of Lacombe, and operates MEGlobal Athletic Park with the mandate to provide a premier outdoor sports venue for minor sports in Lacombe and Central Alberta.

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Contact:
Tracey Feist
Ground Words Communications
Cell: 720-254-6194
Email: tracey@groundwords.com

PHOTO:

“Without the commitment to the community and the generosity of organizations like the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation, this facility would not exist and our community would not have access to the benefits of ME Global Athletic Park,” says Darren Gagnon, L.A.P.A. chairperson, seen here shaking Gord Bamford’s hand during the cheque presentation on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

Gord Bamford’s Charitable Foundation logo will be cut into the grass surface on the MEGlobal Athletic Park football field. “Knowing that the money we generate through our Foundation will help thousands of kids stay healthy by staying active helps fulfill my dream of giving back to the community that gave so much to me,” says Bamford.

Gord Bamford Donates $10,000 to Alberta Children’s Hospital

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Money Assists with Funding Music Therapy Program

(Calgary, AB) Keeping the sound of music alive at the Alberta Children’s Hospital is priority of Canadian country music superstar Gord Bamford.

To help with that effort, Bamford is donating $10,000 from his Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation to the Alberta Children’s Hospital’s Music Therapy Program.

“Helping children in hospital to express themselves through music is a big part of their healing. For some, it represents what can’t be put into words,” says Saifa Koonar, President and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We’re grateful to live in a community where people recognize how vital programs like Music Therapy are to a child’s emotional and physical well-being.”

Bamford understands this first-hand. During his visits to a many children’s hospitals across Canada, he has seen how music gives children something to look forward to. “Music is that universal language that we all speak. It has that power to allow us to escape whatever is happening in our lives, even if it is just for a brief moment,” says Bamford. Bamford recently generated $355,000 at his Annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic held on August 7, 2013.

Music therapy is a therapeutic method of effecting change both physically and mentally. Marc Houde, a Music Therapist in the Music Therapy Program at the Alberta Children’s Hospital explains that music, whether it be on the piano, guitar or drums, helps kids to either express what they are feeling which can boost their mood, and in turn, boost their immune system. He says it also helps them to feel normal or even boosts their energy.

Bamford, is a 16-time Canadian Country Music Association award winner, and two-time Juno Award nominee. He recently won the CCMA Album of the Year (presented by Walmart), CMT Video of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Record Producer(s) of the Year for 2013. The CCMA also recognized Bamford as its 2010 Humanitarian of the Year for his charitable contributions.

The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation (www.childrenshospital.ab.ca) raises funds for excellence in child health, research and family centred care. As the official fundraising body for the Alberta Children’s Hospital, all money raised by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is re-invested in the hospital and child health needs in this region.

Bamford’s complete biography can be found on his website at www.gordbamford.com.

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Contact:

Tracey Feist, Ground Words Communications
Cell: 720-254-6194
Email: tracey@groundwords.com

Marc Houde, Music Therapist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital says music is a great distraction for the pain a child might be experiencing, even if it’s just for a couple of minutes. Says Gord Bamford, “I am just a guy with a guitar. But I have seen first-hand, the power of music when it comes to healing.”

Gord Bamford Donates $10,000 to Stollery Children’s Hospital

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Gord Bamford Donates $10,000 to Stollery Children’s Hospital
Money will Help Fund Music Therapy Program

(Edmonton, AB) As Edmonton gears up for the Canadian Country Music Association’s Country Music Week (September 5-8^th, 2013), Gord Bamford is helping to keep the Sound of Music alive over at the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Bamford is donating $10,000 from his Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation to the Stollery’s Music Therapy Program. The cheque presentation is set for 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 5, 2013.

“This money will go to support our music therapy program; a program that touches the lives of many children and promotes healthy coping strategies in the midst of hospital treatment,” says Dianne Tuterra, Child Life Team Leader at the Stollery. “The Stollery Children’s Hospital is thrilled to be receiving a $10,000 donation from the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation. Thanks to ongoing support from community donors like Gord Bamford, we are able to provide a continuing music therapy program.”

The Canadian country musician understands the power of music. “It’s important to give back and I make kids a priority,” explains Bamford, who recently generated $355,000 at his Annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic held on August 7, 2013. “When music can take a child’s pain away, even for just a brief moment, that is truly a powerful gift.”

Music therapy sessions can be done individually at the child’s bedside or in small groups in children’s rooms or in a common area in the unit. There is also a weekly group session on The Beach, the largest playroom at the Stollery. The Music Therapy Program at the Stollery Children’s Hospital began in November of 2011.

Bamford, a nine-time CCMA award winner, and two-time Juno Award nominee, is the lead nominee going into the 2013 CCMA awards being held in Edmonton, September 5-8, 2013. Bamford is nominated for CCMA Fans’ Choice, Album of the Year (presented by Walmart), CMT Video of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Record Producer(s) of the Year, and Male Artist of the Year.

The Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is dedicated to enhancing health services for children by raising money to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital and programs that promote health, prevent disease and treat illness and injury. Funding provided by the Foundation supports health services for children through education, research, special services and acquisition of equipment.

Bamford’s complete biography can be found on his website at www.gordbamford.com.

Children are enjoying their weekly music therapy session seen here at the “Beach”, the largest playroom at the Stollery. Says Gord Bamford, “I enjoy connecting with those kids who are so positive, even when faced with such adversity. I am just a guy with a guitar. But I have seen first-hand, the power of music when it comes to healing.”

MEDIA ADVISORY: Gord Bamford Presents $10,000 to Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital

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Gord Bamford Presents $10,000 to Edmonton’s Stollery Children’s Hospital

DATE: Thursday, September 5, 2013

TIME: 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Stollery Children’s Hospital, Walter McKenzie Centre, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB

DETAILS: Media are asked to gather at the main entrance of the Walter McKenzie Centre at the 112^th street entrance at 1:50 p.m. SHARP where they will be escorted to the cheque presentation.

WHY: Canadian Country Superstar and Sony Music recording artist Gord Bamford will present a $10,000 cheque to Dianne Tuterra, Child Life Team Leader, Stollery Children’s Hospital to help fund the Stollery Children’s Hospital’s Music Therapy Program.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Both Gord Bamford and Dianne Tuterra will be available after the official cheque presentations for interviews.

More about Gord Bamford can be found on his website at www.gordbamford.com.

Contact:

Tracey Feist, Ground Words Communications

Cell: 720-254-6194

Email: tracey@groundwords.com

GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC RAISES $355,000

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GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC RAISES $355,000
6th Annual Event Supports the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation

(LACOMBE, AB) Gord Bamford isn’t afraid of a little challenge. In fact he met it head on, in true cowboy style, and raised $355,000 for the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation on Wednesday, August 7, 2013.

Since 2008, Bamford has generated over $1 million dollars through The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation to support organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe, in addition to several children’s hospitals across Canada.

“Once again this event never ceases to amaze me and I’m thrilled that we surpassed our set goal of raising $300,000. From the talented musicians who perform and donate their time, to the sponsors who always support us, we are able to help those in need. These are great people and we look forward to working with them every year,” says Bamford. “$355,000 is a lot of money that will help many!”

Tyler Gauthier of Sylvan Lake, Alberta was selected as the Make-A-Wish Foundation recipient. Last fall Tyler was diagnosed on December 21, 2012 with an acoustic neuroma tumor. Tyler and his family were present at the Gala to accept the $10,000 cheque on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Alberta. Tyler and his family will be heading out on a Disney cruise on December 7, 2013.

“We were all very touched to be included in such a wonderful evening. The wish families let us know that the program and festivities were very meaningful to them and all they had been through. It was an extraordinary way to celebrate their wish journey and meet the amazing people that brought their wishes to life,” says Joanne Crook, a volunteer wish grantor with Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and the ME Global Athletic Park of Lacombe will also benefit from some of the proceeds raised at the 2013 event.

Canadian music royalty wowed the 700 people in attendance at the August 7th Gala. Michelle Wright, Aaron Pritchett, Deric Ruttan, Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates, Beverley Mahood, Patricia Conroy, Tera Lee, as well as American singer/songwriters Phil O’Donnell, Buddy Owens and Justin McBride all performed.

Title sponsors PennWest Exploration and Venue sponsor Dow Chemical Canada were joined by Heroes sponsors ATB Business & Agriculture, Downton’s Transport, Gasoline Alley Harley Davidson, Lacombe Ford, M & N Construction, Quinn Contracting Ltd., Sims & Associates Insurance Services and Viking Projects Ltd.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tracey Feist, Ground Words Communications
tracey@groundwords.com
@GroundWords
(720) 254-6194

Gord Bamford talks with Make A Wish Foundation recipient Tyler Gauthier at the 6th Annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic, August 7, 2013.

Gord Bamford poses with Make-A-Wish Foundation Northern Alberta Representatives and wish recipient Tyler Gauthier.

GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC SELLS OUT

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GORD BAMFORD CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC SELLS OUT
6th Annual Event Supports the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation

(LACOMBE, AB) The golf teams are full and the Gala evening Exhibition Hall will be filled to capacity, making it a full house for the 6th Annual Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic, August 7 and 8, 2013.

Since 2008, Bamford has generated over $1 million dollars through The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation (GBCF) to support organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House Central Alberta, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as a numerous children’s hospitals across Canada.

The annual charity golf classic is the vehicle Bamford uses to generate the funds for that Foundation. Each year, top Canadian musicians perform at the pre-golf Gala event, and then are auctioned off to the highest bidder for a place on their golf team. Over 675 people are expected at Gala event, which includes a multitude of Juno and Canadian Country Music Association winning musicians.
Some of Canada’s best in Canadian music will perform on August 7th: JD Fortune (formerly with INXS), Michelle Wright, Aaron Pritchett, Deric Ruttan, Emerson Drive’s Brad Mates, Beverley Mahood, and Patricia Conroy, as well as American singer/songwriters Buddy Owens and Justin McBride.

“With our Gala selling out we expect 675 of our closest friends, sponsors and musicians to be at the Sheraton Red Deer supporting the Gord Bamford Foundation. I am looking forward to next week, and to the monies we raise for those families and children who need it most,” says Bamford.

Keith Luft, Penn West Exploration Senior Vice President will be in the room that night witnessing the events. “The personal commitment from community leaders like Gord and his group is something really special which we wanted to support. It provides a truly unique and “grassroots” opportunity for Penn West to engage in the community and create a positive impact where we live, work and play.” Title sponsor PennWest Exploration is joined by venue sponsor Dow Chemical Canada.

The 2013 event begins with the Celebrity gala, at 4:30 p.m., August 7, at the Red Deer Sheraton Hotel Exhibition Hall. The Charity Golf Classic begins at the Lacombe Golf and Country Club at 8 a.m. on Thursday, August 8.

Official Twitter & Facebook Hashtag: #GordBamfordClassic

MEDIA CONTACT:

Tracey Feist, Ground Words Communications
@GroundWords
tracey@groundwords.com
(720) 254-6194

*The full press kit is available at: www.gordbamfordfoundation.com/media

Highlights of the 5th Annual Charity Golf Classic

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Highlights

Since 2008, The Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation has held an annual charity golf tournament. This year was the fifth annual tournament, and a milestone for the foundation as we have now raised just over 1$ Million. Here are some of the highlights:

$270,000 raised
Change of Venue to Lacombe Arena

The $270, 000 was raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, a silent auction and a live celebrity auction and fun events on the course. This brings the five-year total to over 1$ Million raised. These dollars are already making a difference.

Last year’s funds went to help build the Ronald McDonald house in Central Alberta and at this year’s gala a presentation was made to the Make a Wish foundation to send a child to Disney in Hawaii.

Title sponsor PennWest Exploration is already excited to get involved next year:

“Every year we participate in the tournament, our company is impressed by the quality and professionalism of this organization while at the same time, maintaining all of its rural values and charm,” says Keith Luft.

“Gord and his team hit a milestone this year and, in doing so, have really stepped up for the charities they support. Penn West and its employees are proud to be a part of this amazing volunteer foundation that gives so much back – see you next year!”

Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic does it again!

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Gord Bamford Charity Golf Classic does it again! $270 000 raised for youth in Alberta
Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation year total now over $1 million raised

(Lacombe, AB – August 7, 2012) July 31 and August 1, 2012 saw many country recording artists, NHL stars and other celebs hit the links in Lacombe, Alberta to help local favourite Gord Bamford in his charitable efforts for the fifth year in a row.

Bamford was, as always, happy with the success of the event. “Another unforgettable event that raised a pile of money once again. It’s very humbling being involved with such a great committee and the Lacombe Golf and Country Club was in perfect shape. Thanks to all who participated.”

The $270 000 was raised through a combination of ticket sales, sponsorships, auctions (both silent and a live celebrity auction) and fun events on the course. The funds raised this year bring the 5 year total of the Gord Bamford Charitable Foundation to over a million dollars raised. And these dollars are already making a difference. For example: last year, funds went to help build the Ronald McDonald house in Central Alberta and at this year’s gala a presentation was made to the Make a Wish foundation to send a child to Disney in Hawaii.

Title sponsor PennWest Exploration is already excited to get involved next year, “Every year we participate in the tournament our company is impressed by the quality and professionalism of this organization while at the same time, maintaining all of its rural values and charm”, says Keith Luft. “Gord and his team really hit a milestone this year and in doing so have really stepped up for the charities they support. Penn West and its employees are proud to be a part of this amazing volunteer foundation that gives so much back – see you next year!”

Gord can now look forward to the 2012 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, where he is honored with an incredible 6 nominations (16 including all his associated nominations), including Male Artist of the Year, and will be one of the evening’s featured performers. Fans of Gord also have the chance to participate in this year’s CCMA Awards by voting for him to be this year’s Fans’ Choice Award recipient. To cast your vote, please click here: http://ccma.adbeast.com/fanschoice/

Gord Bamford’s Country Christmas Tour heads to Alberta Schools

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Gord Bamford’s Country Christmas concert tour is coming to 12 Alberta schools, kicking off at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre on Friday, November 25, 2011.

Each school’s choir/musical group from the selected tour locations will perform as Bamford’s opening musical act.

“Last year was the first time we played our Christmas concert tour at select schools in rural Alberta. It was very well received and based on that experience, we wanted to expand the tour and make it bigger and better. We believe in the arts and in supporting music programs in rural schools across Alberta,” says Bamford.

Before each concert, the schools’ musical group will have a chance to meet the 2010 Canadian Country Music Male Artist of The Year. The participating children will receive free admission for taking part in the concert. After they sing their Christmas carols, Bamford will perform an hour-long Christmas concert with his full five-piece band.

“The prospect of having Gord Bamford perform at our school with students has raised a real positive buzz in this community. I believe it will be the social highlight of the year. I am receiving calls from people living across the province anticipating coming to Warburg for the first time to attend this upcoming concert. We are looking forward to being good hosts to Gord and showing off our talented youth to guests coming to take in this concert,” says Warburg school principal Howard Rasmusson.

The confirmed locations for Gord Bamford’s Country Christmas concert tour are:

Morinville, Alberta: Friday, November 25
Lethbridge, Alberta: Wednesday, November 30 (ATB)
Crossfield, Alberta: Friday, December 2 (ATB)
Cochrane, Alberta: Saturday, December 3 (ATB)
Drayton Valley, Alberta: Sunday, December 4 – (Drayton Valley Ford)
Warburg, Alberta: Tuesday, December 6 (Daylight Energy)
Wetaskiwin, Alberta: Wednesday, December 7 (ATB)
Whitecourt, Alberta: Thursday, December 8 (ATB)
Beaverlodge, Alberta: Friday, December 9 (ATB)
Coronation, Alberta: Monday, December 12 (ATB)
Pincher Creek, Alberta: Wednesday, December 14 (ATB)
Hussar, Alberta: Friday, December 16

Tickets officially go on sale on Tuesday, November 1, 2011 and are priced at $35, with free tickets available for children six and under. They are available for purchase at each school named above, at www.gordbamford.com and at the following ATB Financial locations across Alberta: Beaverlodge, Cochrane, Coronation, Crossfield, Lethbridge, Wetaskiwin, Whitecourt and Pincher Creek.