Irene Pfeiffer’s willingness to work hard resulted in success in the business world and now, she’s using the profile and contacts she created within Calgary’s business community to assist an organization close to her heart.
Pfeiffer’s passion for ensuring the physically disabled have access to affordable, accessible housing has made her an ideal champion for Accessible Housing.
“The situation is only going to get bigger as time goes on,” explains Pfeiffer. “The percentage of affordable housing, or accessible housing, cause they should go together, is very small and so I've been devoting a lot of time to fundraising.”
Accessible Housing has a number of facilities in Calgary but, as need grows, small buildings are being demolished and replaced with larger structures.
Anita Hofer, communications advisor with Accessible Housing, says Pfeiffer is a tremendous asset to the organization.
“Irene's a great example of someone that built up a really amazing professional career,” said Hofer. “Now, she's able to help organizations and groups in Calgary by using her clout to make us connections, to help us fund raise.”
“She's really active and energetic on our board. She's just a great asset to our team.”
While some worry that the economic slowdown will impact the organization’s ability to provide more accessible housing, Irene Pfeiffer, ever the optimist, remains positive.
“If we have a slowdown in building starts and what have you, it'll be a bit of an incentive for people to do these kinds of living accommodations.”
“I look at it and say to myself, this is affording people an opportunity to work, to build and to build the kind of housing that we need.”
Hofer says the organization is very fortunate to have Pfeiffer in its corner.
“Irene's very generous with us at opening up her contact list and reaching out and helping us reach out and have lunches with folks and suggesting to us who we might chat with.”
For the way she uses her knowledge and connections to provide affordable, accessible housing for the physically challenged, Irene Pfeiffer is this week’s Inspiring Albertan.
With files from CTV's Darrel Janz
