2011 Official Charities

The Alberta Cancer Foundation is more than a charity. It's a movement for cancer-free lives today, tomorrow and forever. It's a movement to deliver progress in cancer research, prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and care by building community investment for Alberta's coordinated research strategy. The Alberta Cancer Foundation is the official fundraiser for the Cross Cancer Institute, Tom Baker Cancer Centre and 15 other cancer centres throughout the province. And for those facing cancer today, in honour of those lost to cancer, and for generations to come, we promise progress.

The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Alberta is a volunteer-based, registered non-profit charity in Calgary, Alberta. ARF's mission is to rescue stray and unwanted dogs and cats from First Nations communities and rural areas and place them in loving, permanent homes while providing programs to reduce pet over-population. Our vision is to promote and encourage responsible pet ownership and to ensure humane treatment, compassion and respect for all dogs and cats.

All of our animals are placed with temporary foster homes where they are vaccinated, de-wormed and spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Many of our animals are rescued with medical conditions and require special care due to malnutrition, injury or disease. They are the lucky ones though, receiving the necessary treatment and recovering in the safety of a foster home before meeting their forever families.

ARF also provides spay/neuter and educational programs to residents of First Nations communities as part of the effort to reduce the population of unwanted animals. Our Wellness Clinics send volunteers out to pick up animals from pet owners in First Nations communities. The volunteers then take the dogs and cats to the vet to be spayed or neutered, and return them to their owners the next day. It is only through the generous donations of our supporters that we can create these happy endings.

The mission of The Arthritis Society is to search for the underlying causes and subsequent cures for arthritis, and to promote the best possible care and treatment for people with arthritis.

Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build relationships and develop confidence and skills for life.

No matter the weather or equipment challenges, the staff and volunteers of Calgary Meals on Wheels have never missed a scheduled delivery day. For 45 years, we have been providing prepared meals to those who find they are unable to care for their own food preparation; people newly home from hospital, people with disabilities, and seniors. We also provide hot soup lunches for high risk elementary school children and bagged lunches working homeless people.
Referrals are not required, just a phone call. And, Calgary Meals on Wheels can cater to most medical dietary needs, such as diabetes, celiac, renal, minced or pureed. Clients pay on a sliding scale according to their financial abilities. Delivering an average of 1700 meals/day in Calgary, this core service needs you to step up to the plate and donate.

Calgary Search and Rescue Association (CALSARA) is a volunteer run, registered charity dedicated to assisting local government agencies, such as Police, RCMP, and Parks Canada, by providing trained and equipped volunteers for ground search and rescue operations. CALSARA is committed to the preservation of life by locating and rescuing lost persons, recovering evidence, responding to civil emergencies and providing outdoor safety education.

Canadian Humanitarian (CH) is a non-profit, Alberta-based charity which has been working to improve the lives of children and their families in Ethiopia and Haiti since 2003. Our mission is to break the cycle of poverty by providing orphans and vulnerable children and their families with access to health care, education, vocational training, and the basic necessities of life such as nutrition and shelter. We achieve this goal through innovative programs that incorporate principles of micro finance, community based foster care, and rural and urban community development. Please join us as we create opportunity for individuals, families, and communities. For information on travelling to Ethiopia to donate your time and talents in our projects, or for info on donating visit www.canadianhumanitarian.com.

The Calgary Chapter of the Canadian Liver Foundation would like you to join our team. One in ten Canadians - men, women and children - will be touched by liver disease in their lifetime. There are over 100 different forms of liver disease - and only one is caused by alcohol. Help erase the stigma of liver disease by joining our team and help us fight liver disease.... one kilometre at a time.

The Canadian Women's Foundation (CWF) is Canada's only national public foundation dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. CWF raises money to fund, research and share the best approaches to ending violence against women, moving low-income women out of poverty, empowering girls with confidence, courage and critical thinking skills. CWF is ranked as one of the ten largest women's foundations in the world.

CAUSE Canada is an international development agency working to empower women in West Africa and Central America through literacy, leadership, and microcredit programs. Green initiatives, such as reforestation, are also among our priorities.

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the well-being of animals, sustained by volunteers and the community.

We provide food, shelter, medical care and the opportunity for adoption; to unwanted, surrendered, lost and unclaimed animals while promoting responsible pet ownership through educational programs, rural spay/neuter programs, and public fundraising events. Every year we rescue approximately 1,200 animals.

This year, approximately 22,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and unfortunately 9,100 individuals will not survive. In alberta alone, 1,780 estimated new colorectal cancer cases will be diagnosed (1,000 men - 780 women) and there will be an 660 estimated colorectal cancer deaths (370 men - 290 women). This does not have to be the case since colorectal cancer is Preventable, Treatable and beatable in 90% of the cases, if detected early.

The mission of the CCAC is to improve the quality of life of patients and increase awareness of the disease. Our activities focus on: awareness and education including colorectal cancer prevention; support programs for patients and their families; as well as advocacy initiatives for provincial screening programs and equal and timely access to effective treatments to improve patient outcomes. Highlighting our educational initiatives is a unique 40 foot long and eight foot high walk through Giant Colon Exhibit which tours various cities across Canada as a fun and interactive way to promote the signs and symptoms of the disease and importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and information about getting screened. The CCAC is proud to be participating in the 2011 Scotia Challenge Runs in Montreal, Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.

Engineering Ministries International Canada (eMiC) is a non-profit Christian development organization made up of volunteer professionals who donate their time and talents to help children, families and communities in developing countries step out of poverty and into a world of hope. These volunteers include architects, engineers, surveyors and other design professionals recruited from Canada and around the world. We partner with overseas missions, indigenous ministries and NGO's designing facilities that include orphanages, medical centres, schools, and clean water, waste water and power infrastructure projects.

eMi Canada was founded in 2002 and registered as a Canadian non-profit in the Spring of 2007. Based in Calgary, Alberta, eMiC currently has three full time staff members and leads 6-9 project trips per year in countries like Cambodia, Brazil and Niger. As part of a worldwide network of partner offices in Colorado, India, Costa Rica, Uganda & Britain, more than 700 development and relief projects have been completed since 1982 in over 80 countries, donating over $5.4 million (56,000 hours) in services to their client partners.

Foothills Academy was named the Exemplar School Program in Alberta for children with learning disabilities by the Department of Education and the University of Alberta. For over three decades Foothills Academy has led the way to success for children and families impacted by learning disabilities. A full School/Treatment program and a comprehensive Community Services department work interdependently to offer advocacy, research, psycho-educational testing/evaluation, intensive reading/writing/mathematics intervention, and professional training.

Foothills Academy is operated as a not for profit charity managed by an independent Board of Governors. It does not turn down any child or family based on financial status; the object is to assist children and youth to attain the skills necessary to challenge the academic, social, and organizational skills needed to be successful in life. For children with learning disabilities, learning challenges are often only part of their struggle. Foothills Academy offers a safe haven to children who have been frustrated by their early years of traditional schooling, disheartened by the lack of support for their unique learning styles and perhaps even bullied because they just don’t fit in. Foothills Academy provides these children with the tools necessary to re-integrate successfully into a traditional school or post secondary program. For parents, Foothills Academy provides innovative solutions to their child’s educational, emotional and social needs. The programs at Foothills Academy open doors to personal and academic success providing scholastic tools as well as inspiration and motivation. Foothills Academy is recognized world-wide for its expertise, research, innovation and open door policy.

Fresh Start is recovering lives by housing, treating and supporting people with addictions. We focus on helping men and their families overcome alcoholism and addiction to remain in recovery for life.

We continue to deal with the root causes of several community issues such as homelessness, family violence, poverty, unemployment and addiction related offences. We know that dealing with these root causes means more than just abstinence; we believe that real recovery has a profound impact on an individual's ability to make choices that impact themselves, their families and their communities. Fresh Start is open to those who desire to recover from active addiction and want to change their lives. Their success comes from adhering to a highly structured 8 - 16 week treatment regimen based on the 12-step abstinence model combined with the ongoing support and tools vital to long term recovery. The Donner Canadian Foundation Award for Excellence has recognized Fresh Start as one of the top three best-run non-profit social service agencies in Canada for the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse for the past five consecutive years. In 2010 Fresh Start was named THE best-run social service agency in Canada in 2010 for this category.

The funds from the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon will be directed towards building staff and program capacity in order to accommodate greater numbers of individuals. Fresh Start is currently two thirds of the way to completing and actively raising funds to complete its new 50-bed addiction recovery centre. This new Calgary facility will address long wait lists for admissions and increase timely access to treatment. This timely access can literally mean the difference between life and death.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through:
▪ the advancement of research and its application,
▪ the promotion of healthy living, and
▪ advocacy

The Huntington Society of Canada is a national network of volunteers and professionals united in the fight against HD since 1973. The Huntington Society of Canada aspires to a world free from Huntington disease. The Society maximizes the quality of life of people living with HD by: Delivering services; Enabling others to understand the disease and; Furthering research to slow and to prevent Huntington disease.

Inn from the Cold serves the needs of Calgary's most vulnerable citizens through the provision of shelter, help and hope. Through the Inn's emergency family shelter and community-based temporary emergency shelter program, families and singles begin to rebuild their lives. Our priority is to move our guests into housing as quickly as possible, ensuring they have the proper resources required to end the cycle of homelessness. Inn from the Cold is a community leader on the unique challenges and issues facing homeless families and is proudly partnered with Calgary's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness. Our vision is "a community where no family is homeless". Visit the Inn at www.innfromthecold.orgto find out how you can get INN to ending family homelessness.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the worldwide leader in funding research to cure type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly, but lasts a lifetime. JDRF sets the global agenda for diabetes research, and is the largest charitable funder of, and advocate for, diabetes science worldwide. JDRF's mission has been constant since it was founded four decades ago: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Until a cure is found, JDRF is also committed to working tirelessly to develop new and better treatments to improve the lives of people who have type 1 diabetes and keep them as healthy as possible.

Not all kids have the opportunity to be involved in sports. For those who dream of hitting a homerun, playing goalie, shooting hoops, taking one for the team, and making new friends, it's all possible through KidSport.

KidSport Calgary provides financial support to families in order to help overcome the monetary barriers that prevent some children from getting into the game, gym or studio. Focusing on the economic, social and educational needs of the community, KidSport Calgary promotes sport as a tool to develop strong and healthy communities. Since its inception in 1995, KidSport Calgary has NEVER denied support for a qualified applicant.

That translates into KidSport Calgary distributing almost $4 million to help over 18,000 young athletes play in more than 50 different organized sport activities over the past 16 years.

KidSport Calgary is the most successful KidSport Chapter in Canada, from amongst 175 chapters in communities across the country, in terms of funds distributed and families helped. This speaks to the generosity of Calgarians but also to the value that Calgarians place on sport and children and youth development. For more information go to: www.kidsportcalgary.ca

Making Changes Association is a unique and dynamic community development organization that empowers women in transition by providing relevant programs, services and resources. Our goal is to help women build confidence and develop skills so they can participate more fully in the community. With a small and dedicated staff team (2.6 FTE) and more than 120 committed volunteers, Making Changes assists over one thousand (1,000) women each year to build better futures for themselves and their families. At Making Changes, our strength lies in our rootedness in community and in building the collaborative partnerships that create a more inclusive range of opportunities for women in transition. What we are able to achieve as an organization is directly related to our committed and talented volunteers and staff members, and we continue to develop new ways to deepen the impact of our services. Our programs are free to participants.

MEOW Foundation (Make Each One Wanted) is the only Calgary-wide no-kill registered charity that rescues and cares for stray and abandoned cats, matches rescued cats to suitable adopters and fosters, and provides Trap Neuter Return (TNR) services. MEOW Foundation creates healthier communities that support and value responsible and compassionate human-cat relationships and animal care. Since its inception in 2000, MEOW has assisted nearly 14,000 cats and kittens through rescue and adoption, TNR and its Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) for low-income Calgarians. For more information visit www.meowfoundation.com.

Right To Play is committed to every child's right to play. We give children a chance to become constructive participants in society, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, social background or religion. Through games and sports, we help create social change in communities affected by war, poverty and disease.

Run To End Poverty strives to build awareness and support for development initiatives that connect the skills, tenacity and optimism of Africans to tangible opportunity. By collaborating with NGOs and connecting Canadians to the people of Africa, R2EP seeks to break down the stereotypes of poverty and build greater support for successful international development initiatives

Sonshine Community Services is a non-profit organization that has been serving the local Calgary community since 1978. Our mission is to effectively deliver services from a Christian perspective that support the development of healthy individuals and families, assist in the building of respectful relationships, and respond to the needs of those who have experienced family violence and abuse. We operate a one-year residential program for women and children who have experienced domestic violence and abuse, as well as Family Day Homes agency and Community Counseling Services. These programs work together to strengthen individuals and families, and therefore strengthen our community.

Team Diabetes is the national activity fundraising program for the Canadian Diabetes Association that makes a difference in the lives of the 9 million Canadians with diabetes or pre-diabetes by helping fund research, education, services and advocacy. In 2010, close to $90,000 was raised for the Association through this exciting event and our goal is to surpass this in 2011! Join Team Diabetes today and help us lead the fight against diabetes by helping people with diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure.

The Mustard Seed is dedicated to helping change lives for the better. Together with our passionate volunteers and supporters, we offer programs and services that help the homeless and low-income residents of our city to rebuild their lives.

There is a super hero in all of us! The PREP Program believes in the benefits of inclusion to everyone in the community. Founded in Calgary in 1988 PREP has provided progressive educational and therapy services to individuals with Down syndrome for over 22 years. Unique in North America we partner with families to empower them to help their child reach his or her full potential. It is a first for PREP to participate in the Calgary Marathon. Our students, families, staff and community supporters are pumped to train their hardest and give it their all! Be there to witness our Super Heroes at the finish line, catch us if you can! To learn more about our not for profit resource centre please visit www.prepprog.org

Volunteer Calgary is a non-profit organization that has played a key role in the development of volunteerism in Calgary for 55 years. Through its services and programs, it enhances the ability of more than 400 non-profit member organizations to engage volunteers in the community and it links thousands of Calgarians with unique volunteer opportunities that help to build and strengthen the community as a whole.

The Women's Centre mission is to be every woman’s place for support, connections, and community. The Centre provides a variety of volunteer-delivered services to the women of Calgary including basic needs assistance, peer support, information about community resources, legal advice clinics, groups, workshops, camps, community building events and women's issues work.