Mary A. Tidlund was adopted at the age of seven by a loving Calgary family along with three other adopted children. Over the years, Mary shared her childhood with at least fourty foster children that her parents nurtured and loved; leading her to study at the university level.
After completing a science degree in Geography from the University of Calgary, Mary began a 15-year career in the oil industry; later becoming President and CEO of a publicly traded oil exploration and service company. She located the head office for the company in Saskatchewan where she was committed to the community through her entrepreneurial work. Her activities expanded to include drilling and trucking companies, a clothing store, an art gallery, and a restaurant based in Arcola. Mary's businesses employed more than two-hundred and fifty people. Mary's commitment to her community was recognized nationally in 1993, where she was a finalist in the Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. In addition, Mary received an In Award for having the most impact on the local community.
While business had been strong, an industry downturn led Mary from the oil business and she turned her energy to traveling internationally where she discovered and actualized her desire to serve others. On October 14, 1998 she founded the Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation which is designated as a public foundation. The foundation financially supports and participates in medical, dental and educational programs in Canada and overseas. It started with medical teams in Peru and Ecuador, but activities quickly expanded to India, Haiti, and Kenya among many other nations. Other key initiatives include providing meals for the homeless, educational programs for children and promoting complimentary medicine.
Not only does the foundation have its’ own programs, but it collaborates with organizations nationwide in facilitating programs to improve living conditions. The mission statement of the foundation states:
Our vision is to grow and work together as a creative part of the world community with respect, compassion, understanding and openness to empowering each other. Our objectives, through a combination of volunteers and financial funding, are to share and exchange knowledge of health, education and the alleviation of poverty.
Essentially, this mission is the definition of a life dedicated to improving the lives of other.
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