Dr. Martha Hart named Calgarian of the year
The Owen Hart Foundation founder earned the award for five years of work helping low-income residents through scholarships, home ownership programs, and community partnerships.
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Dr. Martha Hart has been named Calgarian of the year by the Calgary Awards, recognizing her five years of extraordinary contributions to the city.
After her husband Owen Hart died in a wrestling accident in 1999, she established the Owen Hart Foundation the following year, built on three main pillars: a scholarship program, a home ownership program, and partnerships with other organizations.
The scholarship program helps high school students who lack the financial means to pursue post-secondary education. The home ownership program was inspired by Hart's experience growing up in a lower-income community. The partnership component involves collaborations with organizations including the Calgary Zoo and Alberta Children's Hospital, along with special projects such as backpack giveaways and food drives.
In 2024, the foundation packed 2,500 backpacks for underprivileged kids. Its biggest annual fundraiser is an event at the Jubilee Auditorium that brings in celebrity guests to support local charities.
Hart was among 13 award winners honoured on June 17 at a City Hall ceremony, alongside recipients in arts, community advocacy, education, heritage, social impact, youth, international achievement, writing, environment, and accessibility.