Give Amplify Connect

We sit down with Michelle Hordal, Founder and CEO of the Alberta AdaptAbilities Association , to unpack what respite really means for families raising children with disabilities and why “belonging” is the goal, not a bonus. We also dig into funding gaps, long waitlists, and how community connection, employment, and life skills support can change what adulthood looks like for the people AdaptAbilit...

We share how a grassroots playgroup became a 30-year hub for connection, education, and advocacy at the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society . From closing the adult medical care gap to launching employment readiness, we show practical ways families and allies can help. • EDSS origin story and governance renewal • Parent-to-parent connections through play-based programs • Adult day program and employmen...

We explore how EducationMatters helps Calgary students show up, engage, and graduate with momentum through three pillars: Essentials for Learning, Extraordinary Experiences, and Preparing for the Future. Executive Director Stephanie Washbrook shares stories of impact, from 2,000 backpacks to dual credit pathways and $1.1M in awards. • Essentials for Learning : food, clothing, transit, and backpack...

We explore how Ronald McDonald House Alberta keeps families together during pediatric treatment, turning the hidden costs of travel, food, and fatigue into manageable routines. Renee shares her son’s cancer journey, while Suzanne explains the province-wide network and the recent Calgary expansion. • travel for specialized pediatric care across Alberta • hidden costs of “free” healthcare and lost i...

What happens when a professional magician becomes a foundation leader and helps steer a national network of grantmakers? We sit down with Simon Mallett, Executive Director of the Rozsa Foundation and long-time board member at Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC) , to unpack how collaboration, research, and peer learning turn good intentions into real community impact. We explore how networks tur...

Michelle Kauenhoffen from the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT Alberta) joins us to shed light on a critical but often misunderstood issue affecting communities across the province. As the Manager of Community Engagement at the only organization supporting victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout Alberta, Michelle brings valuable expertise on prevention, education, and direct...

Crime doesn't solve itself. Someone has to speak up. But what happens when fear, time constraints, or personal connections make direct reporting to police impossible? Enter Crime Stoppers – the anonymous bridge between what people know and what police need to solve cases. Crime Stoppers Alberta recovered over $22 million worth of stolen property, drugs, and weapons last year through their ano...

Gaby Estrada, Executive Director of Girls Forward Foundation (formerly Fast and Female), shares the organization's journey from its Canmore roots to becoming a nationwide charity empowering girls through sport, physical activity, and education. Girls Forward Details Founded in 2005 in Alberta by Chandra Crawford Empowered over 34,000 youth across Canada and internationally Recently rebranded...

Join Mike Grogan, President and CEO of Integral Org , to discuss the transformative power of conversations in nonprofit organizations and how they can fuel change and collaboration. Learn about the mission of Integral Org to support capacity building and organizational development in nonprofits across Alberta. Key Messages Exploring the role of conversations in facilitating nonprofit change Highli...

The episode examines the evolving landscape of nonprofit collaboration in the Bow Valley, sharing insights from community leaders on how they are working together to address local needs. It highlights the importance of connection, resource-sharing, and the role of funding in supporting their initiatives. Key Messages • Exploring the impact of the pandemic on nonprofit organizations • Overview of t...

What if charities and non-profits could operate rent-free, channeling more resources towards their mission? Join us as we welcome Diana Davis, the Executive Director of the Jerry Forbes Centre Foundatio n, who shares her inspiring journey from the corporate world to spearheading a transformative model of shared workspaces. Discover how the centre's rent-free, collaborative environment is allo...

Discover the powerful impact that philanthropy can have on children's lives as we speak with Sue McCoy, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation . Sue shares her heartfelt journey and connection to the Stollery, shedding light on the remarkable growth and innovative fundraising efforts that support children across Western Canada. Get inspired by their...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rebekah Hansen, the passionate Chapter Director for Shelter Movers Edmonton , who shares her journey in supporting those fleeing abuse. Discover the powerful impact of this volunteer-driven charity that provides essential moving and storage services to individuals escaping dangerous situations. Rebecca gives us an inside look at the challenges shelter...

Elsa Perry introduces us to Shelter Movers , a national organization providing free moving and storage services to people escaping domestic violence. Throughout the episode Elsa shares her own unique path from archaeology to activism and highlights the critical role of collaboration with businesses and community agencies, demonstrating how these partnerships pave the way for safer, brighter future...

Can adaptive sports truly transform lives? Chloe Giroux is here to share her incredible journey, from a life-altering dirt biking accident to discovering a passion for adaptive sports that reignited her life. Just weeks after leaving the hospital, Chloe found herself on the slopes with Rocky Mountain Adaptive , where she not only embraced skiing but also ventured into mountain biking and kayaking....

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Josh Wong, a dedicated burns and plastic surgeon, and Owen Chatwin, a passionate firefighter and secretary of the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society . We explore Josh's incredible journey from architecture to burn care, guided by his profound experiences in Southeast Asia, and Owen's unwavering commitment to supporting burn victims...

Meet Laura Vey, the dedicated Burn Camp Director from the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp for Children . In this episode Laura shares the incredible journey and mission of the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society . Hear from Shelley Cormier and her children Tristan and Savannah as they recount how the camp has profoundly transformed their lives. Laura walks us through the camp's empowe...

Have you ever wondered about the impact  Canadian Blood Services has on patient lives? Join us for a compelling conversation with Jhoanna Del Rosario as she walks us through the many ways you can support Canadian Blood Services beyond blood donation. From financial contributions to registering for stem cell and organ donations, there are numerous avenues to make a difference. Jhoanna shares detail...

Experience the ride of a lifetime with Laura Istead, Executive Director of Two Wheel View , as we pedal through stories of transformation and empowerment. On this episode, we're not just talking about bikes; we're revealing how these two-wheeled machines are unlocking potential and building independence in Calgary's youth. Laura takes us on a tour of the Earn-A-Bike program , an ins...

Imagine a space where the voices of our youth don't just resonate, but actively shape the future of mental health care. That's the reality Meghan Provost has helped forge as a member of Kickstand 's Youth Action Council, and in this episode, she sits with Katherine Hay, the organization's visionary Executive Director, to discuss Kickstand's transformative impact on mental...

When DeAnn Hunter speaks, you feel the passion for her work echo through her words—a passion that's vitally important to every community. As the board chair of the Mental Health Foundation , she joins us to share the remarkable progress being made in Alberta's mental health landscape. DeAnn's path in mental health advocacy is as personal as it is professional, shaped by a deep under...

Ever wondered how we can combat food waste and food insecurity? Join us in an enlightening conversation with Cory Rianson, Executive Director of the Leftovers Foundation , an organization that has been tackling these pressing issues since 2012. Cory takes us on a journey from the inception of the Leftovers Foundation to its growth across Alberta and into Manitoba, debunks common misconceptions abo...

Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with Laurie Edward, the Executive Director of the Banff Canmore Foundation , on this episode of Give Amplify Connect. Join us as we explore the incredible work being done by the foundation in the Bow Valley community. From truth and reconciliation initiatives to supporting mental health, and providing funds for affordable housing, the Banff Canmore Foundatio...

Get ready to be inspired by our remarkable guest, Kim Presser, CEO of Between Friends . Be moved by her journey from a camp counselor to the head of an organization that profoundly impacts lives. Kim passionately shares the values that drive Between Friends: connection, growth, and belonging, illustrating how they not only uplift members but also deeply touch the hearts of volunteers and staff. Di...

Have you ever wondered how sports can transform lives and address equity gaps in Indigenous communities? Join us for this special episode of Give*Amplify*Connect where we share inspiring stories from Spirit North, an organization dedicated to creating sports opportunities for Indigenous youth. Meredith Bratland, Spirit North's director of communications, and a dynamic team of voices – Jennife...