Elevating community engagement at Canuck Place with Tracie Seeley

Tracie Seeley’s journey into philanthropy is a testament to a career built on passion, strategic thinking, and heartfelt connections. With over two decades of experience spanning three provinces, Tracie has made substantial contributions in various fields including adult care, animal welfare, and cancer research. Before joining Canuck Place six years ago, Tracie worked with organizations including the Saskatoon SPCA and the Canadian Cancer Society. Her relocation to British Columbia led her to Canuck Place, where she currently thrives as the Community Partnerships Officer at Canuck Place Abbotsford – Dave Lede House.

In her role, Tracie excels in cultivating meaningful relationships with community members and corporate partners. She focuses on sharing the stories of Canuck Place families to raise awareness about the care that the organization provides to ensure each partnership is not just a transactional interaction but a transformative one that extends beyond monetary contributions. “I love connecting with people from all walks of life in the community and corporate world to share the stories and journeys of Canuck Place families, ask questions, listen, and partner with donors to support them in their philanthropy goals and vision,” explains Tracie.

Canuck Place Abbotsford – Dave Lede House primarily serves communities living in the Fraser Valley. One of the biggest challenges Tracie and her team face while fundraising in the region is the increasing economic pressures on the local community. Smaller businesses particularly struggle with the impacts of economic fluctuations that have increased the costs of running their operations, which then impacts their capacity to donate. However, Tracie sees this challenge as an opportunity for innovation through collaboration, especially in areas like technology, farming, sports, and hospitality.

One of Tracie’s most notable achievements has been enhancing local engagement through partnership initiatives such as Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week, a fundraising campaign by the coffee chain where all proceeds from millions of hand-decorated cookies are donated to support hundreds of local charities and community groups. This fundraiser has significantly promoted community involvement and donations by making community service fun for local business owners, volunteers, and customers.

Tracie’s strategies for sustaining long-term partnerships are best demonstrated by her success with golf tournaments organized by local businesses to support Canuck Place. She brings a hands-on, energetic involvement in all her work that demonstrates her commitment to Canuck Place’s partners and families alike. “My philosophy is to roll up your sleeves and lend a hand where you can,” Tracie says, enthusiastically.

A particularly moving example of the impact of Tracie’s work occurred during a golf tournament dinner, where she was approached by a golfer who was moved by the speech she gave. This encounter sparked a desire to make a difference in the lives of Canuck Place children and families and led to an ongoing relationship that Tracie cherishes to this day. “This was a beautiful highlight that you don’t know who will be impacted by your words and be motivated to give back,” says Tracie.

When asked about her thoughts on the future of community fundraising, Tracie emphasizes the importance of diversifying funding sources and maintaining a people-first approach in her strategies. She believes that fostering personal connections and adapting to people’s evolving situations and circumstances are key to growing and sustaining community support. This philosophy ensures that Canuck Place continues to benefit from community fundraising to provide vital care to those who need it most. Tracie emphasized that, “there is a unique connection between community and corporate groups and we need that connection to continue fundraising in the nonprofit world.”

Through her dedication building lasting partnerships, Tracie has helped advance the mission of Canuck Place by setting a high standard for community engagement. Her story is a testament to the power of strategic philanthropy fueled by passion and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families in need.