Brookfield Properties

Rita Borrow, Manager Marketing & Events, Brookfield Place
Alicia Wong, Assistant Manager, Marketing & Events, Suncor Energy Centre

The first Tuesday of Stampede has come to represent a time for fellow Calgarians to put on cowboy boots and gather around to celebrate and support a cause that is so meaningful to our city. The Suncor Energy Centre Stampede Charity Luncheon hosted by Brookfield Properties provides an opportunity for staff, tenants and community partners to volunteer their time and give back to the community, knowing that their efforts are making a difference in the lives of those who are experiencing poverty and trauma in our city.

Rita Borrow, Manager Marketing & Events, and Alicia Wong, Assistant Manager Marketing & Events for Brookfield Properties, share their story of what started out as a tenant appreciation Stampede luncheon and how it has grown into a CUPS partnership that has spanned nearly two decades. As a member of the earliest Brookfield event committee, Rita recalls Brookfield Properties’ desire to do more and give back to the community by choosing a charity that helped Calgarians build resiliency across many areas of their lives.

Rita has since passed the reins to Alicia, who has taken on the immense task of executing what has become a tradition and must-attend Stampede Charity BBQ luncheon. Alicia handles it with finesse and a calming presence; acknowledging that without the help of approximately 120 dedicated volunteers - many of whom volunteer year after year – it would not be possible to serve the nearly 4000 annual guests in just a few short hours.

Each year, a volunteer orientation session is held, where CUPS shares the impact of Brookfield Properties’ community support, and the role it plays in supporting individuals whose lives have been impacted by poverty and trauma. Alicia adds, “Volunteer Orientation Day reminds our volunteers of the impact they’re making beyond the event”.

In addition, Brookfield Properties has contributed to the wellbeing of the broader community time and again by collecting donations of essential items for CUPS outreach programs through their social media channels.