For Trevor and Amy Cooper, giving back to the community is a family affair
By Olivia Piché
When Trevor and Amy Cooper were asked to join in giving back to the community, they jumped at the chance. Trevor’s mother, Kerry Cooper Bowlen, and her husband, John Bowlen, invited them to participate through the John Bowlen Legacy Fund, which they had established through Calgary Foundationn to support community organizations.
The Coopers were involved with the Fund until 2023 when they decided to establish the Trevor and Amy Cooper Family Legacy Fund as an extension of the Bowlen Fund. This allowed the Coopers to focus on specific causes close to their hearts, like cancer care initiatives and family-focused organizations.
“It’s awesome that we’re all in this together and that Amy and I have been given this opportunity because we are so diverse in what we care for,” says Trevor. “With John being into kids’ sports and inclusion, my mom being one of the biggest animal advocates out there, and Amy and I coming in on the medical and family side of things, we really hit a broad spectrum working together.”
Giving that’s close to the heart
Trevor and Amy’s first gift was made in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This donation was especially meaningful, given that Amy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2016 and is now in remission.
Similarly, as a former paramedic and SAIT instructor, Trevor understands the importance of helping organizations that support first responders. That’s why their Fund supports donor profile Legacy Place Society, which provides wellness initiatives to first responders, veterans and military personnel and their families. The Cooper family has also provided funding to SAIT for new paramedic training equipment.
Raising a young family of three kids aged 10 and under has amplified the importance of family-based organizations for Trevor and Amy, so they also support groups like Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids, the Children’s Cottage, Inn from the Cold and the Mustard Seed.
Bringing up the next generation of philanthropists
Amid all of the impact the Coopers have made, the couple is most proud of their kids’ involvement. Although too young to contribute financially, the Cooper children spend time volunteering in the community with their parents.
“We’re proud of getting our kids involved and being able to give them that opportunity,” says Amy. “It’s about being
able to see the impact it has on them and to just pass this down to our kids.”
“It’s so important for our kids to be aware of the other side — that there are people struggling — and to set the pace for them to want to continue to do this on their own, and look at creating their own legacy,” adds Trevor.
The Coopers know community needs continue to increase and plan to keep up their efforts well into the future. They encourage neighbours and friends to give back to the community, too.
We’re grateful for this opportunity to give back. There’s so much work that needs to be done. It’s endless, and it’s growing. We’re trying to make the biggest impact that we can,” affirms Trevor