As a lifelong philathropist, when Irene left her lucrative professional career she realized she had an opportunity to leave a footprint of legacy, a way to make a real difference in the community.  "I turned in my fancy office for a pair of good walking shoes and jeans and my first stop - and where I still devote my time and energy - was the Mustard Seed Ministry serving the poor, homeless and disenfranchised of Calgary."

She has also supported causes and organizations as diverse as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, Rural Physicians Action Plan, the University of Calgary's Social Sciences Advisory Committee, Theatre Calgary, Sheep River Health Trust and the Banff Centre.

Irene has previously been awarded the Order of Canada, the YWCA's Women of Distinction Award for Business and the Professions, the Woman of Vision Award and was nominated for the Who's Who of Canadian Women.