Jerry Aulenbach’s Beards on Ice: Skating for a Cause, Making a Difference Across Canada
In a heartwarming display of dedication and community spirit, Jerry Aulenbach, a distinguished real estate professional with Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate in Edmonton, has transformed a unique personal initiative into a powerful national fundraising campaign. His annual “Beards on Ice” skating tour has become a beacon of hope, raising crucial funds and awareness for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, a charity deeply committed to ending domestic violence and supporting those who have experienced it. The fifth annual tour, spanning from December 2019, solidified its place as the most impactful to date, showcasing an extraordinary journey across Canada.
The 2019-2020 edition of Beards on Ice saw Aulenbach embark on an ambitious nine-week odyssey. His mission: to travel to 20 Canadian cities, hosting vibrant community skating parties and rallying support for a cause close to his heart. This incredible effort culminated in raising an impressive sum of over $15,000 for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation in a single year. This achievement alone speaks volumes about the passion and meticulous planning invested in the tour.
Over its five-year history, the Beards on Ice event has collectively garnered more than $42,000. These vital funds are directly channeled into domestic violence prevention programs and critical support services in communities spanning the breadth of Canada. Every dollar raised contributes to offering safe refuge, counseling, and educational initiatives, empowering individuals and families to break free from the cycle of abuse. Aulenbach’s steadfast commitment illustrates how one person’s innovative idea can create a ripple effect of positive change nationwide.
The Genesis of Beards on Ice: A Vision for Impact
The Beards on Ice concept is as unique as it is effective. It began with Jerry Aulenbach’s simple yet profound desire to leverage his love for skating and his distinctive beard into a charitable endeavor. The idea blossomed into a cross-country tour, bringing joy and community engagement to ice rinks while simultaneously drawing attention to the critical issue of domestic violence. What started as a local initiative quickly grew into a national phenomenon, demonstrating the power of a creative fundraising approach.
Aulenbach’s inspiration for supporting the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is deeply rooted in the Royal LePage ethos of giving back. The Foundation is the largest public foundation in Canada dedicated to supporting women’s shelters and preventing domestic violence. Real estate professionals often witness the direct and indirect impacts of domestic violence on families and communities. For Aulenbach, this connection galvanized his resolve to become an active agent of change, using his platform to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals.
The event itself is designed to be inclusive and fun, encouraging people of all ages to lace up their skates and join in the festivities. Each skating party offers an opportunity for local communities to come together, enjoy a quintessential Canadian winter activity, and learn about the important work of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. It’s more than just a fundraiser; it’s a community-building event that fosters awareness and solidarity against domestic violence.
Navigating the National Tour: Logistics, Dedication, and Connection
Orchestrating a nine-week, 20-city tour across Canada is no small feat. Aulenbach openly shares that the tour “requires an exceptional amount of planning, flights and driving.” From coordinating rink times in diverse municipalities to managing travel logistics and promoting each individual event, the process demands immense dedication and resilience. Yet, for Aulenbach, the challenges are profoundly outweighed by the rewards.
One of the most energizing aspects of the tour, as Aulenbach frequently notes, is the opportunity to “meet with other likeminded Royal LePagers who love supporting our Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.” These connections are vital. Local Royal LePage offices often act as event hosts, volunteers, and champions, amplifying the reach and impact of Beards on Ice. This collaborative spirit transforms the tour into a collective effort, showcasing the strength and generosity embedded within the Royal LePage network across the country.
The tour’s itinerary meticulously covered a vast geographical expanse, touching down in major urban centers and smaller communities alike. Each stop was an opportunity to engage a new audience, share the mission of the Shelter Foundation, and collect donations directly from attendees and local supporters. “Watching the donations roll in as I go from city-to-city never gets old,” Aulenbach remarks, highlighting the direct gratification and motivation derived from witnessing the immediate impact of his efforts.
The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation: A Pillar of Support
The funds raised by Beards on Ice are instrumental to the continued operation and expansion of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s vital programs. This national charity has, for many years, been at the forefront of supporting women’s shelters and advocating for a future free from violence. Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in Canada, affecting individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, socio-economic status, or background.
Statistics consistently reveal the staggering prevalence of domestic abuse. Shelters across Canada provide emergency accommodation, counseling, and vital resources to thousands of women and children fleeing violent situations each year. The demand for these services often outstrips capacity, making every dollar raised by initiatives like Beards on Ice critically important. These donations directly contribute to providing safe beds, nutritious food, essential clothing, and access to legal and psychological support, offering a lifeline to those in dire need.
Beyond immediate crisis intervention, the Shelter Foundation also champions prevention and education. By funding programs that address the root causes of violence, promote healthy relationships, and educate communities, the Foundation works towards long-term societal change. Jerry Aulenbach’s Beards on Ice tour not only raises money but also serves as a crucial awareness campaign, bringing the often-hidden issue of domestic violence into the public conversation and encouraging communities to take a stand.
Looking Ahead: The Enduring Legacy and the Sixth Annual Tour
The success of the fifth annual Beards on Ice tour is a testament to Jerry Aulenbach’s unwavering commitment and the generous spirit of countless Canadians. Raising over $15,000 in one year and more than $42,000 cumulatively underscores the powerful impact a dedicated individual can have when channeled towards a noble cause. The tour has become a celebrated annual tradition, eagerly anticipated by communities and Royal LePage offices alike.
Jerry Aulenbach is not one to rest on his laurels. Even as the ice thawed from his fifth cross-Canada adventure, plans for the sixth annual Beards on Ice event were already taking shape. This continuous drive to do more, to reach further, and to raise additional funds speaks volumes about his profound dedication to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and its mission. Each year brings new cities, new faces, and renewed hope for families affected by domestic violence.
The Beards on Ice tour serves as an inspiring example of corporate social responsibility brought to life by an individual’s initiative. It showcases how real estate professionals, deeply embedded in their communities, can extend their impact beyond property transactions to address pressing social issues. As Jerry Aulenbach continues to plan and execute these remarkable tours, he reinforces the message that every effort, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to building safer, healthier communities for all Canadians. His journey reminds us that compassion, combined with a touch of creativity and a lot of grit, can truly change lives.