The Northwestern Alberta Foundation has established the Barb and Al Side Family Fund to help continue supporting the needs of others in the region.
The $1.4 million endowment fund, named after the family which began its roots in the Grande Prairie region in the late 1960s, is a tribute to the impact made by Barb and Al Side in the decades that followed.
“We are deeply honored by the generosity and trust placed in us by the Side family,” stated Northwestern Alberta Foundation CEO, Laura LaValley. “This endowment fund represents a lasting legacy that will benefit our community for generations to come.”
Al and Barb’s daughter, Linda Side, says the endowment provides a vehicle to give others a way to achieve what’s possible when you get a leg up in life.
“That it goes on in perpetuity speaks to Mom and Dad’s steadfast belief around investment whether in family, community involvement or building business. The view is always
long term. And in the case of this fund, forever,” she adds.
In 1969, the Side family moved to Grande Prairie, and following the opening of their first business, Northern Metalic, helped created and support a network of businesses that are still in operation today Alberta, BC, the Yukon, and NWT.
Each year, the Northwestern Alberta Foundation will accept applications for support, and consult with the Side Family to determine their priorities. Al passed away in October 2023 at the age of 90.
