Giving Changes Everything

What does leadership mean to you? Many individuals in our community are starting seriously think about their answer to this question.

Al Hildebrandt is well-known in the Kelowna business community as the founder of QHR Technologies. Upon his retirement last year, Al became involved with the KGH Foundation and Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna, motivated by a desire to give back in a meaningful way and wanting to make a difference for youth suffering with mental health challenges. He became an instrumental leadership figure in the two organizations NOT ALONE campaign to raise $2 million to open Foundry Kelowna, an integrated care centre to support youth and families struggling with mental illness.

Together with his wife Irene, Al hosted private events and worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the cause, shifting his tenacity for business to a passion for philanthropy. Al’s contributions to the Not Alone campaign were invaluable. He talked to young people about their struggles; he rallied his community of business associates and peers; he could often be found in the Foundation office learning about what else he could do to help. The Not Alone campaign goal was achieved in just 7-months, due in part to Al’s unyielding commitment to make Foundry Kelowna a reality. For the man who started one of Kelowna’s most successful tech companies, leadership means this…