Sunnybrook Farm Museum acquires, manages, preserves and makes accessible artifacts that represent rural life in Central Alberta, circa 1880-1950, in accordance with its Mission and Vision. The collection is displayed and stored in historic and specially constructed buildings on the original Bower farm site within the City of Red Deer. Agricultural and rural history is presented to the public through displays, guided tours, special events, day programs, and an educational component with a curriculum-recognized school program, primarily during the summer months.

The SBFM is responsible for the collection of artifacts that represent the cultural, social and economic history of farming and rural life in Central Alberta circa 1880-1950. The collection includes, but is not limited to, historic buildings associated with rural life in Central Alberta, farm equipment, machinery and tools, logging equipment and machinery, blacksmithing, harness making, seed processing, dairying, and household items.

Artifacts will also support the historical context of the farm community and our buildings. Artifacts may include items such as photographs, audio visual and printed materials. In developing the collection, the primary objectives will be to acquire, preserve, and make accessible artifacts: . that were produced, modified or used in Central Alberta, . that demonstrate the progression of farming technology as it was adopted by farmers in Central Alberta, and . that support historical stories based on a living farm community. If you have an artifact that you would like to donate to the museum, please contact Ian Warwick, Executive Director, at (403) 340-3511.

Acquisitions Policy

The SBFM obtains artifacts through a variety of methods, with donations being the preferred method. The decision to acquire an artifact will be based upon the following considerations: . the artifact relates to the Collections Mandate of SBFM and strengthens the Museum's collection, . the artifact does not duplicate existing items in the collection unless they are of better quality or are to be used in the Working Collection, . the artifact is in good condition with no conservation needs that cannot be met by the SBFM, . the artifact can be reasonably stored, displayed, and cared for without undue costs to the Museum, . the owner agrees to transfer title to the SBFM without unreasonable conditions, and . the artifact does not pose an undue hazard to the Museum, other objects, staff or volunteers. Artifacts can be included in either a Working Collection or a Permanent Collection. Items in the Working Collection can be used regularly by staff and volunteers for operational needs, education, and demonstration purposes.

Once a donor has completed a Certificate of Gift form and it has been executed by the Museum, the Museum is deemed to be the unqualified legal owner of the artifact.

From its beginning Sunnybrook Farm Museum has been supported by private donations. Norman Bower's dream of preserving the story of pioneer life and agricultural history lives on through the work of our volunteers and friends. Now, members and donors help provide the funds for the Museum to grow and prosper. As the Museum embarks on its 28th year, it requires your generosity more than ever.

The Friends of Sunnybrook Farm Society solicits donations to further its work in collecting, preserving, and making available to the public the agricultural history of Central Alberta. One hundred percent of the funds raised by the Society are dedicated to support the Museum. The expected annual fund-raising amount is $10,000. The Society was registered in 1996 by the Canada Revenue Agency as a registered charitable organization (Registration Number 888317864 RR0001) and is located at 2879 Botterill Crescent, Red Deer, Alberta, T4R 0T9.

Your ongoing support is vital to our collections, exhibitions, programs and operations. We move forward secure in the knowledge that with your assistance, we will continue to celebrate and serve our communities, and by so doing continue to preserve and enrich Canada's cultural heritage.

To discuss any of these options, please contact our Executive Director, Ian Warwick, at 403-340-3511.

An outright gift of cash, securities, real estate, or other tangible personal property is the most direct form of gift. Outright gifts appeal to those who want the satisfaction of seeing their gift at work immediately or in the near term and have discretionary funds, investments, or property at their disposal. The cash or appraised value of the gift is eligible for an income tax receipt and immediate donor recognition.

Planning giving is one way that we can provide for the future while maintaining the tradition of the past. Planned gifts are arranged during the donor's lifetime and provide benefits to both the donor and the Museum. The donor receives tax benefits or other financial savings, recognition, and the sense of accomplishment and well-being that goes with providing for the future of the Museum and its work. Sunnybrook Farm Museum receives a steady flow of income to assure long-term financial stability. A will containing a bequest of cash, securities, real estate or other tangible personal property is the most popular form of planned gift. Bequests appeal to those who want the satisfaction of providing for a future gift while retaining control of the property during their lifetime.

A tax receipt is provided to the estate for the final tax return and the value of the gift is eligible for donor recognition in perpetuity. All avenues of planned giving have differing and substantial rewards in return for the donor's generosity. We can provide you with basic information on the tax and financial benefits of your gift, but we would also advise you to consult with your own financial advisor.

Our Deepest Appreciation for Our Donors January 1 - December 31, 2019

The Friends of Sunnybrook Farm Society would like to offer our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the individuals and companies that supported us last year.

Individual Donors

Marjorie Baker
Estate of George Braithwaite
Murray Carson
Druscilla Christensen
Michael Dawe
Spruit Farms
Linda Glenfield
Glen Fox & Joan Green
Rollin & Liz Haseltine
Robert & Laurine Just
Sylvia Kocher
Lavila Lang
Donald & Ann Lund
Vik Manhani
Gordon McNaughton
Tina Miller
Kim Moench
Donald Morrison
Pearl Nelson
Thomas & Phyllis Nesom
Ileen Osguthorpe
Marina Roberts
Pat Setters
John A Swainson
Charlene Thomas
Tyler Unreirer
Ian Warwick
Elizabeth Wengberg
Gerry Winia
Kenneth Wohl
 
Corporate Donors

Academy of Learning
Agrium Inc.
Canada Safeway
Central Alberta Co-Op Ltd.
Collins Barrow Red Deer
Copies Now
Dread Driving Ltd.
Freightliner of Red Deer Inc.
Kevin’s Hot & Cold
Kellough Enterprises Ltd.
Ladies of the Bentley Boutique
Moore Maintenance Ltd.
Nova Chemicals Ltd.
Olymel
Pioneer HDD Canada, Inc.
RBC Foundation
Servus Credit Union
Shunda Consulting &
Construction Ltd.
Sobeys
Spruit Farms Ltd.
Telus Corporation
United Farmers of Alberta
Warren Sinclair LLP

Granting Agencies

Red Deer & District Community Foundation,
The City of Red Deer,
the Province of Alberta,
and the Government of Canada

We would also like to thank the many volunteers that contribute their time to our operations and events throughout the year, including the Ladies of Sunnybrook Farm committee, the silent auction donors, and the folks who throughout the year dedicate countless hours and make in-kind donations to maintain the farm and the collections. Volunteers gave 9,000 hours of their time in 2019 to Sunnybrook Farm. Thank you!