If It Works in Sangudo, Why Not In Your Community?

Check out this great blog by Dan Ohler entitled: "If It Works in Sangudo, Why Not In Your Community?". This blog was recently showcased in the Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) newsletter and features economic revitalization projects like the Sangudo Opportunity Development Co-operative (SODC). This unique investment co-op is working to revitalize the economic viability of the ACE Community of SANGUDO, Alberta, one hour northwest of Edmonton.

SODC is revitalizing Sangudo’s economy by keeping local investment dollars in Sangudo and redirecting them into the community.

Click here to read more!

Sangudo's SPARK

Congratulations to the ACE Community of SANGUDO for the feature in the Alberta Venture Magazine focusing on the SPARK Energy Co-operative. SPARK is Alberta's first 100% member-owned retail electrical power co-operative focused on green energy and renewable energy reinvestment.

Jeff Senger, co-founder of SPARK, one of Alberta’s newest and most promising green ventures, says: "While there wasn't a direct connection of SPARK to ACE, the success I was able to experience through working with the community on our ACE projects has helped me to realize what could be achieved when people work together toward a meaningful goal. It granted me a huge amount of courage or even faith in pursuing the side project I was working on with Paul Cabaj - the electricity retailer cooperative, SPARK.

If more people were exposed to the inspiration at the core of grassroots, community led opportunities like those created by ACE, there is no doubt in my mind that more aspiring social entrepreneurs would feel compelled to take further action... And maybe try creating something much bigger than they previously thought possible!"

Thanks for the inspiring words, Jeff! We wish the best of luck to Jeff and to Sangudo and applaud both for their ongoing innovating spirits!

Homegrown Talent Showcase in Sangudo

Sangudo Arts for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) will host the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus and Faculty of Education Handbell Ringers on April 30, 2011. The group, which consists of approximately 70 students, will arrive in Sangudo at mid-afternoon in order to set up for their evening concert. At 5:00 pm, a supper will be provided to the group at the Sangudo Golden Club prior to their 7:00 concert at the SHS Gym. This concert will be free to the public with a Silver Collection being received at the door. S.A.F.E. has arranged 22 homes to billet the students. Community members will drive their billets to their home, provide overnight accommodations, breakfast and a bag lunch for May 1, and return the student to the high school by 9:30 am on Sunday morning. The choir will then resume their tour.

On May 7 from 2 – 8 pm, the school gym will be home to S.A.F.E.’s 1st Annual Homegrown Talent Showcase. The gym will be alive with displays, demonstrations and performances. Artists have rented tables to showcase and sell their artwork. The audience will experience first-hand demonstrations of soapstone carving, pencil drawing, watercolour painting, acrylic painting, and much more. The stage will be graced with dancers of all ages showcasing their talent. Local musicians will fill the air with their music. Tae Kwon Do students will demonstrate how their bodies are used in an artistic fashion. This free family event will delight your senses.