Celebrating the Generous Contributions of Barry and Valerie Walker at the 2019 National Philanthropy Day
On November 21, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Edmonton and Area Chapter will be hosting the 21st Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon & Reception.
This annual awards reception and celebration is held to honour the outstanding achievements of those who contribute their time, talents, financial support, and other resources to our community and beyond.
In 2009, Barry and Valerie Walker made a significant pledge to Athabasca University that created the development of a scholarship endowment fund for the Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Health Studies. This year, the AU Fund Development Team have agreed to nominate Barry and Valerie Walker to receive the 2019 Award in the Education Sector the AFP Edmonton and Area Chapter, 21st Annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon and Celebration.
“Education opens so many doors for people and creates opportunities to advance in careers and become significant contributors to society. We are proud to help students overcome some of the financial barriers that can stand in their way of their futures, so they can be role models in the families and communities.”
Barry and Valerie Walker learned the importance of giving back and the value of education from an early age. Both were raised in families passionate about helping others and both built careers made possible through higher education — Barry as a Chartered Accountant and Valerie as a college instructor.
The Walkers contributed to the Dominique Abrioux Graduate Scholarship Award. In 2012, they established the Walker Family Bachelor of Commerce Award and the Walker Family Master of Counselling Scholarship. Both awards were set up to support AU students in accounting and child and youth counselling.
Barry and Valerie Walker’s leadership and support of Athabasca University reflects their deep appreciation of a university that enables students, many the first in their families, to earn a degree regardless of their circumstance or location.
This award honours the significant philanthropic contributions Barry and Valerie have made, and their generosity will continue to remove barriers and transform the lives of AU learners.
For more event details or to purchase tickets, visit the AFP Edmonton event page.
