Sudarshana Chakraborty, PFP

Twenty years ago, I walked in to Keyano College to write my first ever professional exam. Proctors were so kind that I forgot all about exam fear. My experience of that ONE Day, at the College made me fall in love with the institution. Over the years, I have gone back to the college to write more exams, some time to chair a committee, for volunteering and so much more. I could not stay away when Keyano College celebrated its 60th Anniversary, last Saturday, September 6th, 2025. I was appalled to see, the whole community pour in to celebrate with me. Some were students 50 years ago, some of them are parents of students at the College now, some are students themselves, some were like me, whose life long dream came true with that one examination. Thank you Keyano College, for being such an integral part of my community and my life!

Today, as TEAM RBC, we walked along the Parson's Creek Park in Fort McMurray, raising fund and awareness for mental health, participating in RBC RACE FOR THE KIDS. The Race, started small in 2009. With last year's race, now it has surpassed $100 million raised in support of mental health services at the Alberta Children's Hospital and in our community. It was wonderful to have community members such as Vaughn Jessome from the Office of our Provincial Energy Ministry and Joe McNeil, Member of the Board of Governors at Keyano College, join us for the walk. I can say, my passion for volunteering in Fort McMurray, was inspired by these two gentlemen who have been serving our community, with so much compassion and through volunteering, for over 40 years.

Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF) is an organization, raising funds for research for T1Diabetes cure! I was introduced this organization by my colleague Matt Varey, couple of years ago. As part of Team RBC, we raised funds for this cause. This is the first time, I took the initiative personally and reached out to the Local volunteers at Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF)! I am so thankful to my family and friends who came with open hands and warm heart to support my fundraising walk in support of the organization. I was appalled to see almost 80 community members come join us for the walk. It was moving to feel how the funds I am raising, is actually impacting lives of people with T1Diabetes. I felt so lucky to walk the path with these brave fighters! Ben is a retired Sled Dog, that joined my pack in 2020. He is the youngest of my pack of animals from local shelters around the community. As a working dog, he is naturally shy of outsiders. This walk was his debut walk for charity fund raising! I believe he raised more funds than I did this time ! I am going to hold an auction with one of my paintings to raise more funds for BreakthroughT1Diabetese in the coming month. Please stay tuned!