The Charity Challenge
Run for You. Run For Community.
The 2022 Charity Challenge is open and, again this year, it is fully integrated into your race registration.
The Charity Challenge unites the spirit of runners with a unique fundraising program to help create a stronger future for young people and build vibrant communities. Make your run more meaningful by helping one of our official Charities reach their goals while you're achieving yours!
Giving Since 2003
Congratulations on helping surpass $84 million!
The Servus Charity Challenge is an integral part of this community event.
The 2021 Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge raised over $445,000 for 60 local charities to help young people reach their infinite potential, and build vibrant communities! In its twelve year history, the Charity Challenge has helped raise more than $9 million in Calgary.
Make your run more meaningful by helping one of our official Charities reach their goals while you are achieving yours! Set up a fundraising page or make a direct donation during your race registration.
Check out the Official Charity list below.
Take up the Challenge
Our Official Charities.
Explore our list of official charities below.
Through the work of community groups and volunteers, BB4CK provides lunches for approximately 4,200 kids each school day. Lunches are prepared in our main kitchen, and in various other locations by community groups including retirees, parent groups and local businesses.
Nourishment is available to any young person who arrives at school without enough to eat. BB4CK works with school staff members to identify needs and to plan how best to make sure hungry students get the nutrition required to think clearly and learn. By enabling better education outcomes, BB4CK gives students a hand up, not just a handout.
Through the work of community groups and volunteers, BB4CK provides lunches for approximately 4,200 kids each school day. Lunches are prepared in our main kitchen, and in various other locations by community groups including retirees, parent groups and local businesses.
Nourishment is available to any young person who arrives at school without enough to eat. BB4CK works with school staff members to identify needs and to plan how best to make sure hungry students get the nutrition required to think clearly and learn. By enabling better education outcomes, BB4CK gives students a hand up, not just a handout.
Cassie + Friends is the only charity in Canada dedicated 100% to the pediatric rheumatic disease community. Since 2007, we’ve raised over $1.5 million dollars to transform the lives of kids and families affected by Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Working with patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers and other friends, we provide life-changing support, education, community and research to help kids and families face the ups and downs of life with a chronic condition.
The Calgary Police Foundation (CPF) was established to partner exclusively with the Calgary Police Service (CPS). The CPF funds six youth-based programs with the goal of reduced youth victimization and criminal activity. This is done by focusing on education, prevention and early intervention.
The CPF targets areas where the need is greatest and implements these programs where they will have the most impact on our children, youth and families. CPF funded programs educate and assist our local youth, and help to ensure Calgary is a great place to live and raise our families.
Our mission is to provide services that foster inclusion, independence and recreation for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.
For almost 70 years, Easter Seals Alberta has supported individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. We strive to ensure that the resources they need for an independent and full life are available.
The Canadian Liver Foundation is committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of liver disease in Canada. We are proud to be able to support Canada’s top liver experts as well as promising new investigators and trainees who are tackling this growing health crisis. Together we are answering questions: together we are bringing liver research to life.
The MS Society provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. We have a membership of over 7,000 and are the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services. Since our founding in 1948, the core support of the MS Society has been from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. The Society receives almost no funding from government.
Take up the Challenge
Our Official Charities.
Click on an alphabet letter to jump directly to that letter.
New charities are added regularly. If you don’t see a charity you would like to support in our list, please contact charitychallenge@calgarymarathon.com and we will look into getting them signed up so you can donate and/or start fundraising for them.
A
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) is a grassroots animal welfare organization based in Calgary with a foundation of compassion and kindness, embodied by its hard-working staff, volunteers, foster homes and supporters. Our goal is to help homeless animals in our community and enacting societal change so that someday we may all witness a Compassionate World for All Animals.AARCS is a leader in the animal welfare community and Albertans turn to us for help. 3,500 animals come through AARCS programs each year. We have an exceptional veterinary medical program coordinated from our 3,000 square foot, in-house veterinary hospital located at AARCS Safe Haven shelter in Calgary. Having a veterinary hospital on-site has given AARCS the ability to help the animals in most dire need of medical attention with onsite surgical suites and the ability to provide life-saving treatment.Every day AARCS receive calls about animals in need of help – from broken bones, gunshot wounds, embedded porcupine quills, and mange to deadly diseases such as parvovirus. AARCS strives to ensure that these animals receive the medical care they need, along with a chance to recover in a loving foster home. AARCS Safe Haven shelter and on-site veterinary hospital provides emergency medical care and new beginning for each rescued animal on their journey to forever, adoptive homes.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is the official fundraising partner for all 17 Alberta Health Services cancer centres across the province, including the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. What sets us apart? We focus on investing in projects that reduce cancer risk, detect cancer earlier, treat the disease more effectively and improve the quality of life of patients facing cancer across Alberta.
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation inspires our community to invest in excellence in child health, research and family centred care.
As the official fundraising body for the Alberta Children’s Hospital, all money raised by the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is re-invested in the hospital and child health needs in this region.
Through the generosity of our donors we are able to provide funding for family centred child health programs, specialized life-saving equipment and advanced pediatric research and education at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation is honoured to work with the dedicated team of caring professionals at our hospital and even prouder to be part of a community that shares in the vision of a healthier future for our children.
The Alberta Diabetes Foundation funds innovative research for the prevention and treatment of all forms of diabetes. We are aligned with talented researchers across Alberta, and progress is being made. Funding is disbursed when and where it’s needed most, moving projects along that may otherwise be stalled, facilitating measurable results.
Since 1973, The Alex has provided thoughtful, comprehensive care to vulnerable Calgarians. With clinical and social components included in almost all of our programs, The Alex tackles tough health and social issues head-on, and our preventative, cost-effective approach saves taxpayer dollars by moving people from poverty to stability and from crisis to wellness.The Alex serves a community with complex health needs, often the result of issues such as poverty, trauma, homelessness, or addiction. At The Alex whole health is the goal – and you can’t be healthy if you are hungry, or isolated, or experiencing mental health struggles.
The ALS Society of Alberta strives to make each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by ALS. We are dedicated to “making it possible” for our clients and their families by providing support, facilitating the provision of care, promoting awareness, helping to find a cure and advocating for change throughout the ALS community. These core pillars are achieved by focusing on our main values and guiding principles which include; respect, caring, service, accountability, passion and quality of life. By applying these values and guiding principles to the work that we do every single day, we believe that we are making each day for those living with and affected by ALS, the best possible day.
Alzheimer Society of Calgary is a local non-profit organization. As a leader in our community, we strive to ensure people with dementia, their families and caregivers have access to high-quality education, care and support throughout their journey of impact. We are committed to treating persons with dementia and their caregivers with respect, dignity and compassion at all times, providing them with the confidence and knowledge to make informed choices. As a voice and advocate for those impacted by Dementia (including Alzheimer’s Disease), we envision an increased capacity in our community to support and care for persons impacted which in turn enhances quality of life for those struggling with a new reality. For thousands of local families, this is where community, insight and empowerment begin.
Brain injury, including stroke can have a devastating impact on survivors and their families. The ARBI approach blends science and compassion to create hope for survivors.
Survivors are your family and friends…members of your community.
ARBI provides intensive community-based rehabilitation and family support in a nurturing environment. With personalized rehabilitation, and lots of encouragement, survivors can once again enjoy fulfilling lives in their communities. Building on strengths, families can pave the way for the future with confidence and optimism.
Dedicated to Making Life Better, our team helps clients achieve meaningful goals so they can attain their best possible quality of life.
We see meaningful relationships develop, independence regained and life after brain injury lived with passion and purpose.
B
For over 40 years, Baby’s Breath has been Canada’s only national foundation focused on SIDS, and more recently also dedicated to supporting families and encouraging research aimed at reducing all sudden and unexpected infant deaths including stillbirths. The death of an infant is devastating not only for the parents, but for the entire family. Siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends are all affected by the sudden death of a baby. Baby’s Breath believes no one should endure the grief of such loss alone. Our foundation and grief counsellors are here to help.
Hope and support are at the core of everything we do – whether it’s funding new and exciting research into brain tumour treatments, or bringing patients, survivors, and families closer together at our Brain Tumour Walk events and support groups.
Over the years, we’ve grown from a local operation to a national organization, raising millions to find a cure for brain tumours while supporting tens of thousands of Canadians along their brain tumour journeys.
Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is funded entirely through generous donations from individuals, corporations, and employee groups as well as through memorial gifts, planned giving and special events.
Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids works to inspire others to feed and care for kids. We dream of a future where no kid goes hungry – where the community comes together to feed and care for kids. With generosity, support and care from the BB4CK community, we feed more than 5,000 kids every day, through our in-school lunch and grocery card programs.
C
Guiding people caught in the cycle of homelessness & addiction into lives of purpose.The Calgary Dream Centre battles hopelessness. Through professional programming and compassionate outreach, we empower Calgarians to overcome the struggles of homelessness and addiction. Our team works tirelessly to provide individuals with the opportunities and encouragement they need to start their journey.
From the very beginning, the Calgary Flames have been embraced and supported by Calgary and surrounding communities. The Hockey Club is committed to returning that generosity by giving back to the community in meaningful ways. One of the ways the club has a positive impact on communities is through its charitable arm, the Calgary Flames Foundation. The Foundation is at the heart of all Flames fundraising efforts.Great hockey, like a great community, is built by teamwork. The Foundation is committed to supporting education, health and wellness and amateur and grassroots sports and raises funds throughout the year for these key areas. We are proud of the fact that we support a broad range of initiatives and charities from families facing the terminal illness of a child to student athletes, with your support; we are creating positive change and touching the lives of thousands.
We maximize student potential through excellence in individualized programming. Our values are the guiding principles that form the foundation of our community, programming and services.
SAFE
Building an environment where student and staff safety is a concern shared by everyone.
RESPECTFUL
Treating others, ourselves, and our environment with high regard and value.
INCLUSIVE
Creating an environment that recognizes and values the unique differences across our community by supporting everyone to do their best.
CARING
Providing a caring and compassionate environment for staff, students, and their families.
SUSTAINABLE
Enriching our practices to nurture, protect, and guide our resources – human, financial, and environmental – into the future.
The Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities (CSPD) makes it their mission to provide support to adults with developmental disabilities to reach their greatest potential through quality residential services and community access.
At the CSPD, it’s more than just providing services; it’s creating a family. Persons with disabilities are paired up with friends and caregivers in an atmosphere where everyone feels as connected as family. It feels like home.
Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) Calgary: We are a volunteer-based organization with approximately 500 members. CADS provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the joy of participating and competing in alpine snowsports. CADS does this by developing and promoting adaptive snowsports through partnerships, training, and instructor certification programs.
The Calgary Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is a volunteer based federally registered charitable organization that serves people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity and dermatitis herpetiformis. The Calgary Chapter offers support, information, programs and events to its members; most of whom reside in Calgary and Southern Alberta. With research incentives and programs powered by our donors, community networking, and mutual support, we are regaining power over our disease, our bodies, and our lives.
Our Vision: That every child might reach their full potential.Our Mission: We help disadvantaged children break free from the cycle of poverty. Our Philosophy: That all people are equal.That the opportunity to reach one’s potential is a basic human right.That poverty can be eradicated.That by building children - by helping them to grow intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially, by fulfilling their needs as they gain an education and discover their talents, by giving them the tools to take control of their own futures - they will grow up and change their world.
The Canadian Liver Foundation is committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of liver disease in Canada. We are proud to be able to support Canada’s top liver experts as well as promising new investigators and trainees who are tackling this growing health crisis. Together we are answering questions: together we are bringing liver research to life.
It is Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region’s (CMHA Calgary) mission to be a leader in reducing the impact of mental illness and addiction in community. For more than 60 years, we have provided a person and family centered integrated service model focused on early intervention and prevention of a mental health or substance use concern that delivers a measurable increase in community resiliency. Our long standing belief is that recovery is possible. Our recovery model focuses on wellness by shifting the emphasis from a narrow, limiting view of a diagnosis, towards empowering individuals, building their strengths, resiliency and hope for a meaningful life. This recovery is demonstrated in the advancement of Peer Support where individuals with personal experience of a mental health or substance use concern are trained to support others through shared understanding and hope.
Canadian Pony Club has a history of over 80 years in Canada. We are a non-profit volunteer run organization with youth aged 6 to 25 years and our Horse Masters aged 21 and up. We rely solely on membership fees and fundraising to run our program successfully. Canadian Pony Clubs mission is to build confident, competitive and knowledgeable individuals in a safe, friendly environment through their passion for horses. While “feeding the need” for horses our members have experiences that work towards our motto of “Loyalty, Character and Sportsmanship” as well as developing skills like teamwork, leadership, respect for authority, organization, personal discipline, compassion and goal setting. Pony Club prepares members for good horsemanship and also to become capable and productive citizens.
Canadian Pony Club has a history of over 80 years in Canada. We are a non-profit volunteer run organization with youth aged 6 to 25 years and our Horse Masters aged 21 and up. We rely solely on membership fees and fundraising to run our program successfully. Canadian Pony Clubs mission is to build confident, competitive and knowledgeable individuals in a safe, friendly environment through their passion for horses. While “feeding the need” for horses our members have experiences that work towards our motto of “Loyalty, Character and Sportsmanship” as well as developing skills like teamwork, leadership, respect for authority, organization, personal discipline, compassion and goal setting. Pony Club prepares members for good horsemanship and also to become capable and productive citizens.
Canadian Pony Club has a history of over 80 years in Canada. We are a non-profit volunteer run organization with youth aged 6 to 25 years and our Horse Masters aged 21 and up. We rely solely on membership fees and fundraising to run our program successfully. Canadian Pony Clubs mission is to build confident, competitive and knowledgeable individuals in a safe, friendly environment through their passion for horses. While “feeding the need” for horses our members have experiences that work towards our motto of “Loyalty, Character and Sportsmanship” as well as developing skills like teamwork, leadership, respect for authority, organization, personal discipline, compassion and goal setting. Pony Club prepares members for good horsemanship and also to become capable and productive citizens.
The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for diverse women and girls.
We focus on women and girls because they face distinct barriers that require distinct solutions and because gender equality improves economic and social conditions for everyone.
We aim to be inclusive of diverse people across gender and sexuality spectrums. We focus our efforts on supporting those who face the most barriers and have least access to relevant services. This includes people who identify as women, girls, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQI+.
We fund programs across Canada, prioritizing communities where the need is greatest. These programs address four urgent issues: gender-based violence, economic security, girls’ empowerment, and inclusive leadership.
Canadians Sharing Locally and Globally is a registered charity that relieves the effects of poverty by improving nutrition, education and health care in South India and disaster struck areas around the world. In and around Thirumalaikodi of the Vellore District, Tamil Nadu in South India our Medical Programs have several different components that address nutrition, basic needs, medicines, hospital equipment, special needs adaptive devices and rural medical outreach programs. Our Education and Training Programs in the Vellore District have elements that include school scholarships, nursing scholarships, and school and college educational equipment.
CanLearn Society helps children, youth, adults and families living with literacy, learning, attention and related mental health challenges to learn and thrive.
We believe that learning changes lives, brings hope and improves quality of life.
We believe that individuals with learning, literacy and attention difficulties can achieve their full potential and become contributing members to society in a supportive and collaborative community.
CNETS Canada provides support and education for Canadians on all aspects of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs). We help Canadian NET patients seek and obtain personalized diagnostic and therapeutic options. We also advocate on behalf of individual patients and for policies to support NET patients. All funds raised will go towards NET cancer research projects. For more information, please visit www.cnetscanada.org
CNETS Canada is thrilled to have our first TEAM ZEBRA CALGARY helping us raise funds for NET cancer research in Canada! Neuroendocrine Cancer (also known as "NET" cancer), affects approximately 15,000 – 20,000 Canadians and can be found in all parts of the body. NETs can be silent for years. When symptoms are present, they're often unclear and similar to common health problems. 100% of the funds raised will go towards NET cancer research. Please register and choose to run or walk for CNETS Canada. You can also show your support by sponsoring individual TEAM ZEBRA members. THANK YOU!
carya is a social profit agency dedicated to creating strong families and communities for generations.
Since 1910, carya has supported individuals and families through counselling, education, community development and in-home assistance, school-based support and more. We help thousands of Calgarians every year to realize their potential.
This helps build meaningful, thriving relationships in our families and communities.
Cassie + Friends is the only charity in Canada dedicated 100% to the pediatric rheumatic disease community. Since 2007, we’ve raised over $1.5 million dollars to transform the lives of kids and families affected by Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Working with patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers and other friends, we provide life-changing support, education, community and research to help kids and families face the ups and downs of life with a chronic condition.
Since 1988 the Centre for Newcomers (CFN) has been a key resource for immigrants and refugees of all nationalities in Calgary. A social profit organization, CFN views the integration of newcomers as a two-way process of experience, influence and impact between newcomers and the communities that welcome them.
OUR VISION
Our vision is a community that values diversity, in which people of all backgrounds find and create opportunities to fulfill dreams and participate fully as citizens.
OUR MISSION
To support newcomers and the receiving community in becoming a diverse, united community, through services and initiatives that create conditions of success for newcomers and that foster a welcoming environment in Calgary.
OUR PROMISE
We believe that by welcoming newcomers, and supporting them to settle and integrate, by working collaboratively and in partnership, with a workplace culture that is founded on respect, co-operation and trust, we are making a positive difference in the lives of all Calgarians and the community.
ALL FUNDS RAISED THROUGH THE 2022 CALGARY MARATHON WILL GO TOWARDS SUPPORTING UKRANIAN FAMILIES DISPLACED BY UNREST IN THEIR COUNTRY.
Cerebral Palsy Alberta (CPAA) envisions a Life Without Limits for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. It is our mission to make a difference by enriching and supporting the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. To achieve our mission, we use our programs, services and collaborations to advocate and promote awareness, acceptance and understanding for persons with disabilities to live, learn and work in our community.
Children First Canada is a strong, effective and independent voice for all children in Canada.
We have a bold and ambitious vision that together we can make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up.© We are mobilizing an alliance of Canada’s leading children’s charities and hospitals, research institutes, corporations that invest in kids, teachers, parents and kids themselves. We are improving children's well-being by building greater awareness among Canadians about the urgent needs of kids in our country, and mobilizing government and other key influencers to change the status quo.
Building strong children and safe nurturing families through prevention programs and support services.
Children’s Cottage Society is dedicated to building strong healthy children and safe nurturing families through prevention programs and support services. We work with families to increase protective factors and decrease risk factors as a strategy to promote child development, effective and nurturing parenting, and to support and strengthen family functioning. These efforts keep our promise to children, "to help your parents keep you safe so that you can grow up to be healthy and happy.”
Closer to Home Community Services facilitates growth and belonging in communities of meaningful relationships. Our integrity is grounded in evidence-based practice authentically informed by, and connected to, diverse cultural wisdom. We journey with children and families to uncover strength, hope and healing, creating new possibilities for a brighter future.
The Calgary Police Foundation (CPF) was established to partner exclusively with the Calgary Police Service (CPS). The CPF funds six youth-based programs with the goal of reduced youth victimization and criminal activity. This is done by focusing on education, prevention and early intervention.
The CPF targets areas where the need is greatest and implements these programs where they will have the most impact on our children, youth and families. CPF funded programs educate and assist our local youth, and help to ensure Calgary is a great place to live and raise our families.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national charitable not-for-profit corporation established in 1960, and is one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF). As an internationally recognized leader in funding innovation and clinical care, we invest more in life-saving CF research and care than any other non-governmental agency in Canada. Since establishment, Cystic Fibrosis Canada has invested more than $261 million in leading research, innovation and care. As a result, Canadians with cystic fibrosis have one of the highest median survival rates in the world. We rely on the generous support of our volunteers, donors, and partners in our shared mission to improve the lives of Canadians living with cystic fibrosis, and ultimately to find a cure for this devastating disease.
D
The Delta West Academy Foundation (DWAF) is Funding the Future for all of our students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. We are a parent-run organization responsible for choosing the fundraising activities, organizing volunteers and distributing the funds based on a school wish list. DWAF efforts support our school community with scholarships, special projects such as our recent investment in robotics, events such as skiing, rockclimbing and swimming lessons, and long-term building funds. Go Dragons!
The Dinos Track & Field and Cross Country teams usually receive support from the Dino Dash, a road race that occurs in September each year. This year, it's not possible for the race to occur, but the student-athletes still need your support. Participation in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and the virtual Scotiabank Marathon races allows the team to remain connected to the running community in 2020 and gives you the opportunity to support these national championship teams.
Discovery House provides a continuum of care to women and their children fleeing domestic violence. We facilitate transitional housing, offering longer-term, safe places for women and children to call home while they begin rebuilding their lives. We provide mothers access to counselling, support and programs to ensure they never return to abusive partners. We work directly with children, to mitigate the effects of trauma and prevent the cycle from repeating.
Our mission is to foster integration and independence for individuals with disabilities by providing them with highly trained Assistance Dogs and aftercare.
We breed, train, and place Assistance Dogs in the community are provided to the client at $1, though it costs us approximately $40,000 per dog. We have four program pathways; Service dog (for persons with disabilities), Autism Service Dog (for children with autism), Facility Dog (placed with social service agencies such as Zebra Child Protection Center), and Companion Dog (placed with clients that require support with their daily living activities in their homes).
Each of our programs is specifically designed for people who are marginalized. Our Service Dog program specifically helps people with disabilities it is focused on people gain mobility and independence in their environment. The Facility Dog program is when the dog is placed at another social service agency to help that organization as a whole, for instance, we have placed dogs at Zebra Child Protection Center - in this facility, the dog assists youth that enters the center who have to give an account of abuse or assault and will also attend court with the child. When dogs are placed in a setting such as this the dog not only supports the individual but the entire operation/legal system. The Autism Dog program helps serve children with autism, and support their families.
The benefits of our programs include increased quality of life, independence and physical mobility for our clients. Our dogs provide support, independence, and the ability to center for children with autism.
Our dogs encourage accessing the community and environment. They remove barriers to things in the client's environment. Our dogs have been reported to have had saved our clients' lives when they were able to retrieve essential items for our clients.
Please help us support our Assistance Dogs and support Dogs with Wings in connecting our dogs with the families and facilities who need them the most. Thank you so much.
E
Our mission is to provide services that foster inclusion, independence and recreation for individuals with disabilities and medical conditions.
For almost 70 years, Easter Seals Alberta has supported individuals with disabilities and medical conditions. We strive to ensure that the resources they need for an independent and full life are available.
Edge School nurtures our students' passion for sport into a passion for learning and for leading. We graduate awesome humans.
ike many independent schools, Edge depends on the support of the entire community – tuition and government funding alone do not support the ongoing needs of the school. Donations make the Edge School what it is today by strengthening our academics and athletics, enhancing facilities, and making it possible for student-athletes to attend Edge who may not have had the opportunity otherwise to do so.
The Edge School community is caring, involved and generous. We are deeply grateful for the many gifts provided to ensure every student-athlete at Edge has an exceptional academic and athletic experience in support of our funding priorities.
Engineering Ministries International Canada is a non-profit Christian development organization mobilizing volunteer architects, engineers, surveyors, and other design professionals who provide their skills to help children, families, and communities around the world step out of poverty and into a world of hope.
Our mission is to support independence, quality of life and community participation for those with and those affected by epilepsy. The purpose of The Epilepsy Association of Calgary is a charitable social service agency established to address community, individual and family needs related to epilepsy.
F
FACE was founded by parents who realized their children with physical disabilities needed a safe space to work on their therapy to ensure their bodies remained supple to reduce pain, increase independence and strength and most importantly enhance their overall wellbeing. FACE provides a unique therapy called Conductive Education which does not limit children with movement delays to their wheelchairs. Without such a program these children are at risk of contractures which restricts their bodies as they lose the ability to move, or for some children they will lose strength to hold themselves up. Movement is the essence of keeping them mentally engaged and part of their community and FACE ensure they have fun while learning essential skills for life.
Fighting Blindness Canada is Canada’s leading private funder of vision research. We offer hope to Canadians by identifying the best, most promising research that is driving treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases, and by raising and stewarding funds to support this essential, sight-saving research. Over our 48-year history, we have invested over $40 million to support vision research and education across Canada.
G
The Canadian Liver Foundation is committed to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of liver disease in Canada. We are proud to be able to support Canada’s top liver experts as well as promising new investigators and trainees who are tackling this growing health crisis. Together we are answering questions: together we are bringing liver research to life.
Green Calgary is an urban environmental charity dedicated to engaging, inspiring, and empowering Calgarians to create healthy homes, communities, and businesses by providing environmental education, products, services, and hands-on support. A multi-layered, educational approach has helped us support tens of thousands of Calgarians in leading a greener lifestyle because we know that only by working together can we ensure a healthy city and a healthy planet.
H
Help Heal Humanity is an internationally registered charity mindfully designed to provide the world’s most vulnerable communities with access to education, food, support, and love. We build the infrastructure, develop the programming, and foster the global connections necessary to support the agency and future of the people in our project countries. Through unconditional giving, Help Heal Humanity achieves its mission of empowering, inspiring and loving those in need in a compassionate and sustainable way.
HIV Community Link serves hundreds of people living with HIV, helping them to better understand their diagnosis and experience improved wellness and quality of life. Based on a philosophy of harm reduction, we meet clients wherever they are on their journey with a goal to help improve their current situations. For over 35 years, we’ve been engaging some of Calgary’s most vulnerable populations through education, prevention and support programs delivered through a non-judgemental framework.
HOPE worldwide Canada is a registered non-profit charity, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. Our grass-roots work began in 1993 with one program and has now grown to serve thousands of low income and underserved Canadians. We are affiliated with HOPE worldwide, a non-profit charity, headquartered in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. We share HOPE worldwide’s mission, which is as simple as its name: Bringing Hope, Changing Lives.Our work is focused on several areas including but not limited to; care for the impoverished and the elderly, medical support for the sick, food and shelter for the homeless, education and training for the inexperienced, care for orphans and relief for victims of famine and disaster.
Hospice Calgary provides comprehensive support for children, adults and families through three centres of care:
Children’s Grief Centre: individual and group grief counselling for children, teens and families after a person in a child’s life is diagnosed with an advanced illness or has died.
Rosedale Hospice: 7-bed facility for adults with cancer at end-of-life and family support
Living with Advanced Illness Centre: individual and group counselling for adults with any advanced illness and their families.
I
Since 1977, Immigrant Services Calgary has been providing a wide range of settlement services to immigrants and refugees looking to begin a new chapter of their lives in Canada. We employ a client-focused, integrated approach when working with individuals and their families to help them settle in Calgary. Our Mission: To facilitate the integration of immigrants and refugees into Canadian society.
For over 20 years, Inn from the Cold has provided emergency shelter and support to Calgary’s most vulnerable. Today, Inn from the Cold integrates a Housing First philosophy into all its programs and services to assist families in housing crisis to achieve independence. From diversion and prevention, to emergency shelter and housing with supports, the Inn provides a robust continuum of care designed to address poverty, homelessness and housing insecurity. Working collaboratively within Calgary's family-sector of the homeless-serving system of care, the Inn's Social Return on Investment provides a $4.63 of social and economic value for every dollar invested in its emergency shelter and housing programs. For more information visit: www.innfromthecold.org.
International Justice Mission Canada is part of a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems. IJM combats everyday violence, including slavery, sex trafficking, sexual violence, police abuse of power, theft of land and citizenship rights abuse.
J
K
Kerby Centre is a not-for-profit organization committed to enhancing the lives of older adults in Alberta. Kerby Centre is one of Canada’s flagship agencies, setting the standard for older adult services, information, and programming. Our mission - To assist older people to live as well as possible for as long as possible as residents in the community.
Our programs are uniquely designed to meet the needs of the whole family at each stage of the cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. The foundation helps Alberta children and families by providing funding and programs in these key areas: Camp and Outreach; Research and Hospital; and Education Support and Scholarship programs.
We believe that no kid should be left on the sidelines and all should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sports. KidSport provides support to children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sport. We do this by:-Raising funds to provide sport opportunities for kids facing financial barriers.-Promoting the KidSport mission to other community agencies with a view to creating strategic alliances to support sport participation and physical activity opportunities for kids.-Advocating the importance of all kids having access to sport programs and advocate the value and benefit of kids playing sport in the pursuit of lifelong health and wellness.
Knight's Cabin offers healing retreats close to nature for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Retreats include research-based educational sessions on physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and stress and anxiety management. We integrate behavioural change research to provide practical steps to create lasting habits. Finances should not be a barrier to attending a retreat, so they are offered at low cost and financial assistance is available for those needing support.
L
The Leftovers Foundation is committed to reducing food waste, increasing access, and developing innovative, industry-leading social venture programs that change the way people think about sustainability. Our mission is to grow across Canada and provide an opportunity for hardworking volunteers, partners, donors, and service agencies to realize their visions – a world free of poverty, food waste, and environmental harm.
Light Up the World (LUTW) is a Canadian non-profit organization focused on the principle that access to energy changes lives. LUTW brings light and electricity through solar community projects to schools, medical clinics, and homes in very remote areas in developing countries where families are still living off-the-grid (without light). Light is just the beginning. It enables education, saves money, brings economic opportunities, and improves health conditions as people stop using toxic sources of lighting.
The Love for Lewiston Foundation exists to create awareness, bring joyful experiences through spreading love and directing money to support local SMA families, and ultimately raising funds focused on treatments and finding a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy through SMA Research and supporting The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation initiatives.
Lung Cancer Canada is a national charitable organization that serves as Canada’s leading resource for lung cancer education, patient support, research and advocacy. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Lung Cancer Canada has a wide reach that includes both regional and pan-Canadian initiatives. Lung Cancer Canada is a member of the Global Lung Cancer Coalition and is the only organization in Canada focused exclusively on lung cancer.
M
We all need energy. It is as simple -- and complex -- as that.
Every one of us is fueled by trillions of microscopic powerhouses called mitochondria. These tiny, mighty, energy-producing structures generate the energy we need to survive. Our major organs use the most energy so when mitochondria fail, we struggle to think, breath, move and live. We are all at risk of inheriting or developing mitochondrial disease. It can affect anyone at any age. There is no cure.
There is, however, hope! MitoCanada is dedicated to ensuring that all lives are powered by healthy mitochondria. We are the only Canadian charity dedicated to mitochondrial support, education, awareness and research.
The MS Society provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. We have a membership of over 7,000 and are the only national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services. Since our founding in 1948, the core support of the MS Society has been from tens of thousands of dedicated individuals, companies and foundations in communities across Canada. The Society receives almost no funding from government.
N
The Nature Conservancy of Canada leads and inspires others to join us in creating a legacy for future generations by conserving important natural areas and biological diversity across all regions of Canada.We envision a world in which Canadians conserve nature in all its diversity, and safeguard the lands and waters that sustain life.
O
Giving Old Friends the Second Chance they Deserve - Old Friends Canada is a horse rescue situated in Lake Country, BC, midway between Kelowna and Vernon in the heart of the beautiful Okanagan Valley. The once organic apple farm is now home to rescue and retiree horses. We are also pleased to offer the use of our grounds as a site of many fundraisers including tack sales, barn dances and schooling day shows.
Ovarian Cancer Canada champions the health and wellbeing of women with ovarian cancer and others at risk of this disease while advancing research to save lives. As the only registered Canadian charity solely dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer, the organization provides leadership in research, advocacy, and support, so that women live fuller, better, longer lives.
P
Parkinson Canada is the voice of Canadians living with Parkinson’s disease. From diagnosis to discovery. You can count on us to be there at every step of your Parkinson’s journey. We provide education and services to support you, your family and your health team, online, by telephone and in person.
Parkinson Canada advocates with federal, provincial and territorial governments on issues that matter to the Parkinson’s community in Canada. The Parkinson Canada Research Program funds innovative research to search for better treatments and a cure. Parkinson Canada is an Imagine Canada accredited organization.
Pawsitive Match saves dogs and cats facing life-threatening circumstances in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Thailand. The animals in our program come from shelters that have no choice but to euthanize due to over-crowding or because they are shutting down, as well as stray animals that have no home. We also help save animals on local reserves and on a case by case basis, we may assist with owner surrenders. In many cases we are the only hope these cats and dogs have, as many shelters come to us when they are out of options. We do not discriminate by age, size, breed, location, etc. We are here to help all animals.
Where families who have a child with Down syndrome find expert advice, innovative services, and hope for their child’s future.
Our Vision
Individuals with Down syndrome are active and included members of their communities.
Our Mission
PREP provides individuals with Down syndrome, their families and community members with the information, resources and skills they need to create the best possible opportunities for inclusion.
Q
AARCS is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of the public to help cover the costs of all our expenses, the majority being veterinary care for our animals. While we have the manpower, drive and ambition, financial support is essential to cultivate and maintain not only the basic costs, but to further develop our programs and initiatives. Please help by giving a donation, becoming a monthly AARCS Hero, giving a tribute, making AARCS part of your legacy, fulfilling our wish list, supporting our events and becoming a volunteer. Together we can change our animals lives through kindness.
AARCS is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of the public to help cover the costs of all our expenses, the majority being veterinary care for our animals. While we have the manpower, drive and ambition, financial support is essential to cultivate and maintain not only the basic costs, but to further develop our programs and initiatives. Please help by giving a donation, becoming a monthly AARCS Hero, giving a tribute, making AARCS part of your legacy, fulfilling our wish list, supporting our events and becoming a volunteer. Together we can change our animals lives through kindness.
AARCS is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of the public to help cover the costs of all our expenses, the majority being veterinary care for our animals. While we have the manpower, drive and ambition, financial support is essential to cultivate and maintain not only the basic costs, but to further develop our programs and initiatives. Please help by giving a donation, becoming a monthly AARCS Hero, giving a tribute, making AARCS part of your legacy, fulfilling our wish list, supporting our events and becoming a volunteer. Together we can change our animals lives through kindness.
R
2020 marks RESET Society of Calgary’s 31st year of providing a lifeline for almost 1000 women wanting to exit sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. RESET provides immediate, safe, rapid exit programming and 24/7 comprehensive individualized support to women and girls fleeing sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. RESET enables women 16+, and their children, to stabilize, heal, reconnect and not only exit sexual exploitation and sex trafficking but to also positively and completely rebuild their lives.
We are a non profit organization to support, educate and advocate for those living with hereditary cancer dispositions.
Our goal is to help find the many of thousands of people that do not yet know they carry risky genes to provide them the tools they need to save lives. Although 10 - 15% of cancers are hereditary we do not receive support or funding from the larger cancer organizations.
S
Safe Haven Foundation’s mission is to Help Give Calgary’s Homeless and At-Risk Girls Their Future Back. Our Haven’s Way™ long-term homes program opened in 2000 and was the first program of its kind in Canada. Haven’s Way™ serves homeless and at-risk girls between the ages of 14-24 that do not have child welfare involvement. It is designed to duplicate a healthy caring family environment keeping these girls safe, off the streets, and in school
STARS is an air ambulance service that provides critical emergency medicine and rapid transport to those who might not otherwise have access to timely, vital care. We reach remote facilities, rural communities, recreational sites, secluded backcountry areas and often isolated incidents. We also facilitate safe patient transfer to major medical centres when time is of the essence and community hospitals don’t have the tools, equipment or expertise to handle cases of severe illness or trauma.
In the decades since, Spinal Cord Injury Canada has been a part of substantial change that has helped individuals with spinal cord injury and other disabilities from coast to coast. The need for services for those with spinal cord injury and other physical disabilities is as important today as it was in 1945. In fact, this need will continue to grow.
T
Since 1973, The Alex has provided thoughtful, comprehensive care to vulnerable Calgarians. With clinical and social components included in almost all of our programs, The Alex tackles tough health and social issues head-on, and our preventative, cost-effective approach saves taxpayer dollars by moving people from poverty to stability and from crisis to wellness.The Alex serves a community with complex health needs, often the result of issues such as poverty, trauma, homelessness, or addiction. At The Alex whole health is the goal – and you can’t be healthy if you are hungry, or isolated, or experiencing mental health struggles.
CanLearn is a multidisciplinary organization and registered charity with a vision of “unlocking potential so all can learn.” The organization helps learners with diagnosed Learning Disabilities and ADHD, as well as children, adults and families with literacy challenges.
The Doorway’s mission is making change possible by empowering people to take steps toward a sustainable future. The Doorway provides an opportunity for young people (17-30 years old), who want to exit the streets, to build independent and sustainable lives in society through self-determination. This process helps young people identify immediate needs and challenges to plan for longer term change. Change is possible.
Building Community. Growing Hope. Supporting Change.The Mustard Seed is a safe and supportive place where people experiencing problems associated with poverty and homelessness can have their physical needs met in the short term, but also begin to heal and grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for a better life down the road.
Our MissionTo provide quality, holistic care for the community’s vulnerable persons with complex health and social needs who are living with or are at highest risk of contracting HIV.Our VisionEach person living with HIV/AIDS will have housing and support to meet their needs.Our MandateTo develop and implement innovative programming to provide safety and security for our clients and reduce risk behaviours to prevent further transmission of HIV in the community.
The Sunshine Foundation of Canada is a charity that changes the lives of kids living with severe physical disabilities through our dream programs. Unlike other organizations, a Sunshine dream experience is not a child's last wish but an opportunity that leads to a brighter, more hopeful future.
Trellis is a Calgary-based social services agency that grew from the amalgamation of Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary and Aspen Family & Community Network Society on June 15, 2020. Growing from a combined history of 117 years, Trellis is building on the work of both legacy organizations to offer a comprehensive continuum of 33 programs for over 9,000 people each year designed to support children, youth, families and communities. The programs and services offered open a path upward for people from all sorts of backgrounds, including those caught at the intersection of society’s most complex needs.
U
Family is the single most important influence in a child’s development. Established in 2009, the UP Foundation works to ensure the sustainability of innovative programs that build strong families and have a positive impact on future generations. Through various fundraising initiatives UP raises funds for and awareness of Catholic Family Service (CFS) programs and services.
V
Vivo is on a charity on a mission to raise healthier generations in Calgary and beyond through our innovative programs, research, and community involvement. Vivo means ‘live’ in Latin. Vivo embraces and celebrates diversity, community and the common thread that unites us all – life. Vivo is more than 4 letters… It’s a vision. It’s a mission. It’s a lifestyle. It’s an impact.
W
Water For People Canada is a charitable, nonprofit, international humanitarian organization dedicated to the development and delivery of clean, safe water and sanitation solutions in developing nations. It is the Canadian equivalent of the U.S.-based charity, Water For People.
Water for People Canada provides people in developing countries in Central and South America, Africa and Asia with an opportunity to help themselves gain access to water and sanitation.
Every dollar you give to Water For People Canada multiplies. Our strategic partners such as communities, local governments, and local businesses also invest, helping your $50 investment multiply to over $500!
At the Women in Need Society we help vulnerable women and their families who are currently experiencing poverty or homelessness. We provide basic needs such as food, clothing, and affordable furniture to vulnerable Calgarians. We also offer essential employment programs focused around foundational life and family skills. Every year, we help more than 7,000 Calgarians and their families on their journey towards a more empowered and resilient life.
The Women's Centre is a safe and supportive space accessed by thousands of women in Calgary every year. We believe in the potential of every woman, and that women are strong and capable. We also know that barriers in society often stop women from living the lives they want. The Centre's mission is to be every woman's place for support, connections and community.
X
For over 20 years, Inn from the Cold has provided emergency shelter and support to Calgary’s most vulnerable. Today, Inn from the Cold integrates a Housing First philosophy into all its programs and services to assist families in housing crisis to achieve independence. From diversion and prevention, to emergency shelter and housing with supports, the Inn provides a robust continuum of care designed to address poverty, homelessness and housing insecurity. Working collaboratively within Calgary's family-sector of the homeless-serving system of care, the Inn's Social Return on Investment provides a $4.63 of social and economic value for every dollar invested in its emergency shelter and housing programs. For more information visit: www.innfromthecold.org.
Y
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative strives to support people, all wildlife and natural systems in the region between the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Canada’s Yukon Territory. We are a joint Canada-U.S. not-for-profit organization and the only organization dedicated to securing the long-term ecological health of this entire region. Our vision is an interconnected system of wild lands and waters stretching from Yellowstone to Yukon, harmonizing the needs of people with those of nature.
The YouQuest Mission is to promote health and well-being for people with young-onset dementia (diagnosed under the age of 65)and their families by ensuring access to recreation therapy, counselling and peer support resources.
Our vision is to create community for people with young-onset dementia and their families to foster an active lifestyle.
Our goals include:
1. Creating a safe, welcoming place for participants to have a good day, providing choices for an active, healthy quality of life.
2. Establishing a reliable support network for unpaid care partners and families.
3. Increasing public awareness of young-onset dementia, especially for employers, insurers and the health system.
Vision: Nourished youth live inspired, healthy and resilient lives.
Mission: Locating in the most vulnerable communities, we reduce the financial, physical and emotional impacts of poverty for youth and their families; giving youth a chance to grow and succeed by providing a safe and inclusive space where:
• youth genuinely experience belonging and support one another;
• meaningful youth involvement builds responsibility, life skills and self-esteem; and,
• programs and activities instill positive attitudes.
Z
For over 20 years, Inn from the Cold has provided emergency shelter and support to Calgary’s most vulnerable. Today, Inn from the Cold integrates a Housing First philosophy into all its programs and services to assist families in housing crisis to achieve independence. From diversion and prevention, to emergency shelter and housing with supports, the Inn provides a robust continuum of care designed to address poverty, homelessness and housing insecurity. Working collaboratively within Calgary's family-sector of the homeless-serving system of care, the Inn's Social Return on Investment provides a $4.63 of social and economic value for every dollar invested in its emergency shelter and housing programs. For more information visit: www.innfromthecold.org.
