The new executive team for the Friends of Glenbow addressed recent allegations of fraud and how they plan to move forward at a special board meeting last Thursday (March 1).

Many conversations have taken place recently between Laura Murray, Tana Kierzkowski and Keith Chatier who are all first-time board members trying to deal with an onslaught of murmurs and whispers of alleged fraudulent activity.

A complaint of fraud was filed with the Cochrane RCMP in mid-February, but RCMP has stated charges at this time are unsubstantiated and no further police investigation is anticipated.

Knowing the damage rumours can cause, Keith Chartier, Acting Chair, shares the charity organization is looking internally to ensure checks and balances were indeed handled correctly over the past few years. Handling the initial allegations internally was important to the executive who felt blindsided to learn the investigation made headlines without consultation."We are very disappointed that details of an internal investigation were leaked, however, we are working diligently to investigate and audit all potential allegations of wrongdoing by conducting an audit from 2018 and five years prior."

Friends of Glenbow is a fundraising arm of Glenbow School and has raised a great deal of money over the years supporting student field trips, small classroom requests and much larger endeavours like this year's wish for an outdoor classroom. Hosting many unique fundraisers over time, the executive team will forge on because in no uncertain terms do they want students of the school to be penalized.

"We are pleased to say our latest fundraiser 'The Antique Roadshow' was a success, all appraisers and vendors were happy with the event and have requested we do it again next year. Along with that we do casino volunteering with the AGLC and are very happy to announce that this year our volunteers were so great to work with and coordinated that they have awarded us another casino in two years rather than waiting the normal four year period. Friends of Glenbow is proud to subsidize fields trips for all students, purchase art and craft supplies, extra equipment for recess and gym class, and offer to help the school bring in guest speakers and activities that would not normally be available without our contribution."

While the executive team is unable to confirm a date when the internal audit will be completed, they want the community at large to know they are taking the case seriously but are reminding the public to be respectful to all those involved. "Given the depth of the audit as well sourcing documents from years past it is proving to be a challenge. We also believe that all persons involved shall be treated with privacy and respect and we as the new executive will do our best to honour those values."

With Friends of Glenbow being a separate entity from the school a drafted letter to parents was not circulated before allegations hit the news and the executive team is encouraging parents and community members to reach out with any questions, concerns or suggestions to fogglenbow@gmail.com

The next fundraising endeavour for Friends of Glenbow is a school dance for all grades on March 23, with many more events planned for the year ahead.

READ MORE:

Friends of Glenbow Holds Meeting of Interest