Because of You - Donor Report 2011

Dick and Lois Haskayne
Calgary philanthropists believe in SAIT Polytechnic

The Haskaynes’ support of trades education goes back to their roots. Dick and Lois Haskayne grew up in small communities in southern Alberta. Dick’s father was a butcher in Gleichen. Lois came from a ranching family. They say their upbringing is at the heart of their philanthropy and they applaud SAIT for providing hands-on skills education to young Albertans.

“I am very proud of SAIT. An arts degree is fine for some, but people need to know about the opportunities for young men and women who study subjects like welding, meat cutting, cooking and motor mechanics,” says Dick. “Those areas offer so many opportunities to young people who want to open their own business.”

Lois, a former teacher, agrees. “After young people finish high school they need some higher education. It’s absolutely vital and it gives them choices in life. It doesn’t matter if it’s SAIT or another post-secondary institution. If you only have your grade 12, your choices are so limited.”

The Haskaynes have invested approximately $200,000 in SAIT in recent years. Their contributions support the Promising Futures^™ Campaign and provide entrance scholarships for graduates of rural high schools.

Lois and Dick credit their parents as their role models for making philanthropy a high priority.

“My parents were great philanthropists,” says Dick, "They didn't have much but during the depression they helped families with food and even money. My mother and father passed away decades ago but people from Gleichen still tell us that if it wasn't for the Haskaynes they couldn't have survived.”

Lois has a similar story. “During the dirty thirties, men would jump off the train and come to our ranch house for a meal. They knew there was always food for them morning, noon and night. They weren't bums or hobos, just people trying to find a job. My mother knew they were starving and we had food.”

The Haskaynes say they don't expect recognition or glory when they support education and other philanthropic causes but they insist it is important to attach their name to their gifts.

“We hope it sets an example for other people to give within their means,” says Dick. “I've never asked any of my friends to give money to any of our causes. But I've had friends come up and say, I saw you give to a school or other charity and I'd like to match your gift too.”

When it comes to philanthropy, the Haskaynes say the amount of money isn't important; it’s all about donating time or what you can afford to give.

The Haskaynes say they've been very lucky. ”It seems the more we give back, the more good things happen to us. It’s very rewarding.”

Richard Haskayne received the Honorary Bachelor of Applied Technology degree at the 2011 SAIT Polytechnic convocation.