TELUS Spark Science Centre is more than a venue. It’s a place where events come to life with a little chemistry of their own. Just 10 minutes from downtown Calgary, Spark combines award-winning architecture, hands-on science experiences and flexible event spaces to create gatherings that leave a lasting impression. Guests can explore interactive galleries, catch live demos, ride RO5iE the Robo-coaster or meet the resident Robo-pup — adding energy and conversation to every moment. 

The sky is the limit to your imagination — if you can dream it, it can happen at Spark.

Spaces that work for any occasion

Whether it’s an intimate 20-person meeting or a 600+ guest gala, Spark offers spaces that adapt to every event. The 8,200-square-foot Feature Gallery accommodates large gatherings, while the 9,000-sq.-ft. Atrium gives room to roam. Calgary’s only 360-degree Infinity Dome theatre makes presentations impossible to forget. The Digital Immersion Gallery is an immersive space for private dinners, product launches, brand activations and more, featuring HD projections and customizable lighting. 

Catering and service that keep things smooth

Multiple world-class catering options and a dedicated events team ensure that everything runs seamlessly. From casual receptions to elegant dinners, planning logistics doesn’t get in the way of enjoying the day — or the science-filled fun around every corner.

Experiences your guests will remember

The magic is in the details. Interactive exhibits, live science demos and behind-the-scenes experiences make every event feel alive. Attendees leave with stories to tell, new connections and memories that spark the extraordinary long after. 

Convenient and accessible

Located right off Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive, Spark is easy for guests to reach and simple to navigate. LEED-certified and designed with sustainability in mind, the venue combines style with substance.

Ready to take your next event from wow to WOAH? Book now at sparkscience.ca/host.

The post 4 Reasons to Bring Your Event to Life at Calgary’s TELUS Spark Science Centre appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

As the snow begins to fall, the weather starts to cool and the holidays near, there’s no better time to support local businesses. There’s magic in a Calgary winter, and you can experience it by participating in seasonal festivals, discovering new winter activities and browsing for gifts in the many nearby shops, all while strengthening the community. With more than 51,000 small businesses making up 95 per cent of Calgary’s economy, there’s plenty of reason to shop for your gifts at locally owned stores. 

Now in its seventh year, The City of Calgary’s Support Local Holiday Campaign brings businesses, neighbourhoods and Calgarians together to shop, dine and celebrate locally. The campaign highlights winter experiences across the city and connects Calgarians with the many hidden gems in the community.

“The Support Local Holiday Campaign makes it easier for Calgarians to shop locally by connecting them with businesses that they may not have heard about before,” says Erin Chrusch, leader of the Business & Local Economy team at The City of Calgary. “More and more consumers want to spend their money locally, and our resources make it easier to identify how to do that.

Calgary Business Improvement Area holiday highlights

This year, several of Calgary’s 15 Business Improvement Areas (BIA) are celebrating the season with unique holiday themes that showcase what makes each business area special. Here’s a small glimpse into what you can find, and an invitation to explore them all.

Beltline (BLOX): Dine, Shop, Play, Stay: A vibrant mix of restaurants, boutiques and experiences, all within walking distance of downtown.

Bowness: Discover a variety of local shops and eateries that capture the charm of this close-knit community on Mainstreet Bowness. 

Inglewood: Where History Meets Holiday Magic: Calgary’s oldest main street, filled with character, local craftsmanship and festive energy. 

Kensington: Shop Local in the Heart of the City: From unique gifts to cozy cafés, there’s something for everyone.

Marda Loop: Walkable and Welcoming: With more than 190 trendy shops, restaurants and services, it’s a perfect stop for holiday shopping. 

Greenview: Map it, Wrap it, Done. Skip the malls, shop the map and discover one-of-a-kind finds in Greenview. From makers to mechanics, cafés to creatives, every shop in Greenview has something special for you.

Chinatown: Discover a blend of tradition and creativity, from independent bookstores and gift shops to cozy cafés and local eateries. Every visit offers a taste of culture, connection and something truly one-of-a-kind.

17th Ave.: Explore one of Calgary’s most popular and vibrant city destinations. Whether you’re dining with friends, browsing shops and boutiques for holiday gifts, or embracing the energy of the nightlife, 17th Ave. isn’t just a street, it’s a place where connection, culture and community come alive.

These are just a few highlights; each of Calgary’s 15 BIAs has its own flavours, stories and locally owned gems waiting to be discovered this winter.  Explore a map of the BIAs here.

City-wide seasonal activities 

Winter in Calgary offers more than shopping; it’s a season full of celebrations, outdoor fun and neighbourhood discoveries. From November through March, The City provides monthly Choose Your Own Adventure itineraries, making it easy to plan the perfect downtown outing. Each month introduces a new theme with fresh ideas to help you explore, connect and celebrate the season.

The campaign also celebrates active and vibrant winter living through major city events, like Chinook Blast (Jan. 30 to Feb. 16, 2026). For more information about winter events, visit the website. 

Park, explore and win

To encourage Calgarians to explore new corners of the city, Calgary Parking is offering Calgarians a chance to win $150 in parking credits, which can be redeemed and shared with family and friends through the MyParking App. Participants will also have opportunities to receive a $100 gift card as a thank-you for supporting local businesses. For the chance to win, follow @CalgaryParking on Instagram or Facebook, like the contest post and tag your favourite local business and share why you love them.

Every time you park with Calgary Parking, your payments help reinvest in improving roads, public spaces and community services across the city. Grab your shopping list, find a great spot to park and get to exploring some of Calgary’s vibrant neighbourhoods for holiday fun. 

Visit Calgary.ca/SupportLocal for more information.

The post Shop, Dine and Celebrate Local This Winter appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

The A-List program takes the city’s best events and creates an experience that transcends the ordinary. A-Listers indulge in VIP treatment, get backstage access to their favourite shows and even get the secret tap for events that aren’t open to the public, and this December is no different. In fact, A-Listers can anticipate sweet deals on experiences, including intimate dinners, family-friendly nights and more. 

Here are a few of the events A-Listers can expect. 

Immersive dining at Le Petit Chef and a one-night stay

A-Listers can enjoy a unique family experience with an immersive dinner and “show,” along with a one-night stay at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown. Dinner at Le Petit Chef means a 3D experience, where cinema is projected directly onto your table, with bright, colourful animation at your fingertips as you enjoy a four-course meal. After dinner, take the elevator up to your room, and enjoy a staycation in central Calgary. One A-List ticket is good for four people, so it’s the perfect family outing. Not to mention, you can pick the date that works best for the entire family from Wednesdays to Saturdays, from December 3 to 18. 

ORAS Filipino Omakase at The Wilde on 27

Chef Leroy Borrega, the chef behind Calgary’s first Filipino Omakase, is offering his nine-course Omakase experience at The Wilde on 27, and A-Listers can be part of the daring, intimate and transformative dinner. On December 28, members can take advantage of a special price, exclusive to A-Listers, and truly immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind evening — tip, tax and beverage pairings are all included. Experience where Filipino soul meets Canadian ingredients, and nostalgia meets innovation. 

Give 50, get 50

A-Listers have the opportunity to earn some bonus A-Dollars to go towards memorable moments with the current promotion. When you refer a friend to the program, you get 50 A-Dollars, and so does your friend. It’s as easy as visiting your account, clicking on Refer-A-Friend in the left-hand menu and sharing your A-Code. There’s no cap for how many A-Dollars you can receive, so spread the word and experience more events you love with the people you love. 

A-List events are quick to sell out. Some December experiences are already full, like the holiday brunch at The Wilde on 27 and afternoon tea at Prologue Café | Cocktails. High-tier members get first dibs on experiences, so make sure to opt for a top-tier membership to ensure you get notified first. 

Become a member today.

The post December Delights appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

After two years of orange cones, fenced-off sidewalks and detours, something remarkable is happening in Marda Loop. The barriers are gone. The patios are open. The hum of community is back.

This isn’t just the end of construction — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for one of Calgary’s most beloved districts. With more than 200 local businesses, refreshed streetscapes and new gathering spaces, Marda Loop is once again buzzing with the same energy that’s made it a go-to destination for decades.

A neighbourhood reimagined

The completion of the Main Streets project has transformed the area — literally from the ground up. Wider sidewalks, safer crossings and beautifully landscaped boulevards have created a truly walkable, family-friendly destination. It’s now easier than ever to grab a coffee, browse local boutiques or linger on a sunny (and for winter, heated!) patio without dodging construction.

For local business owners, the sense of relief is palpable. Many weathered years of disruption with resilience and creativity — hosting events, offering online shopping and rallying together to keep Marda Loop’s heart beating strong. Today, they’re ready to welcome Calgarians back in full force.

Local love, big energy

“Marda Loop has always been a great community,” says Bob van Wegen, executive director of the Marda Loop Business Improvement Area (BIA). “Now, we’re able to show off everything people loved about this neighbourhood — and so much more.”

From cozy cafés and stylish salons to award-winning restaurants and wellness studios, the area’s mix of independent businesses makes every visit feel personal. It’s the kind of neighbourhood where you know your barista by name, your hair stylist lives around the corner and your favourite shop owner greets you with a smile.

What’s new

Beyond new sidewalks and streetlights, the BIA is investing in beautification and placemaking projects to enhance every corner of the district. Expect to see murals, artistic banners, heritage signs and seasonal lighting that celebrate the area’s creative, entrepreneurial spirit. Parking has also improved — visitors can now easily find free two-hour on-street parking or nearby public lots just steps away from shops and restaurants.

And while some private development will continue, as Marda Loop is a growing neighbourhood where people want to live and do business, the era of major roadwork is over. The streets are open, the sidewalks are bustling and the community vibe is stronger than ever.

More than a shopping district

Marda Loop isn’t just a place to run errands — it’s where Calgary connects. Each season brings something new, from the iconic Marda Gras Street Festival to Spook the Loop and visits from Santa, sip-and-shop events and pop-up markets that highlight local makers and musicians. It’s a neighbourhood that celebrates both tradition and transformation, rooted in the belief that supporting local builds a stronger city for everyone.

Your invitation to discover Marda Loop 

Whether it’s a morning latte, a spontaneous dinner or an afternoon spent browsing unique boutiques, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s happening in Marda Loop.

Learn more about the neighbourhood online and sign up for the monthly newsletter at visitmardaloop.com. Follow Marda Loop’s story on social media, @visitmardaloop on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. 

The post Marda Loop: Calgary’s Comeback Story appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

As festive decorations appear, calendars fill with winter fun and the holidays approach, gifts are often top of mind. But this is also the time of year to give back. One way to do this is to support charities like Inn from the Cold and the important work it does.

For over 25 years, Inn from the Cold has supported local families and worked to create a stronger Calgary along the way, and this holiday season, it’s inviting the community to be part of the change.

Family-focused housing support

Inn from the Cold has been part of the Calgary community since 1997. At the heart of its work is providing immediate and long-term support to ensure every family and child has a safe and stable place to call home. This support includes prevention and diversion, which helps at-risk families avoid the trauma of being homeless with a personalized plan to keep them in their existing home or find a new, permanent one as soon as possible; emergency family shelters for Calgarians who are actively experiencing homelessness; and supportive housing, which helps families build housing stability and address any challenges holding them back.

“Families are the fastest-growing population experiencing homelessness in Canada. That means families are facing hardships some of us may never experience,” says Heather Morley, CEO of Inn from the Cold. Together as a community, she adds, we can support them through these hardships.

Holidays at the Inn

Year-round financial support and volunteerism is vital to helping families thrive, but the Inn recognizes that the holidays, especially, are an important season to come together as a community. That’s why it hosts a special holiday event for families to celebrate the joy of the season together. 

Every year, Inn from the Cold hosts Santa’s Gift Shop, a special event in December where families enjoy holiday crafts and activities, and they can pick gifts for their loved ones. Then, later in the holiday season, Santa himself delivers the gifts at the family’s door. The event at the Inn offers an opportunity for families to spend the day together among the community and enjoy holiday cheer. 

Giving Tuesday

Behind Inn from the Cold’s impactful work is the community’s steadfast support. “What sits at the heart of Inn from the Cold are the people who have supported us along the way,” says Morley. 

It’s thanks to generous donors, volunteers and a committed staff that families have new avenues towards stability. This holiday season, you can be part of the change. On December 2, which is Giving Tuesday, your donation will be matched, doubling your impact. Every dollar goes a long way — no amount is too small.

“Giving back is woven into our identity as Canadians; we are always willing to lift one another up and play an active role in our communities. From bottle drives to volunteering, we all do what we can to make our communities a better place for everyone,” says Morley.

With Calgarians’ help, Inn from the Cold can provide more stability, warmth and hope for families in crisis.

Every dollar you give will be matched this holiday season. Donate today at innfromthecold.org/donate. 

The post Giving Back for the Holidays appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

Step inside Cucina Market and Bistro, located on 8th Avenue, and you can expect a warm, inviting atmosphere and top-quality ingredients, culinary techniques and passionate industry professionals. As part of Teatro Group — a reputable group of Calgary restaurants with over 30 years of experience — Cucina upholds Teatro’s excellent service standards while providing a unique experience of its own.

Cucina’s small, intimate atmosphere offers an opportunity to enjoy the company you’re with, its downtown location makes it easy to access, and the menu’s variety provides something for everybody — all great reasons to plan your next date night here. 

The perfect spot

Inside Cucina, guests will find intricately tiled floors, warm lighting and an open kitchen. The space is small enough that there’s limited ambient noise so you can converse with ease, but not so small that the energy in the room falls flat. 

“It’s a gorgeous little room, sort of like a nook of Florence, if you will,” says Teatro Group chief operating officer Matthew Batey. “There’s this element of intimacy in that room that really makes it a very comfortable and inviting place to be.” 

Cucina’s central location is convenient — it’s easy to access by car or on foot by Stephen Avenue’s pedestrian walkway. And it’s the perfect spot for when you don’t want the evening to end. After dinner, take a stroll along the buzzing downtown streets to window-shop or people-watch. Keep the date going with a show at Vertigo Theatre or Jack Singer Concert Hall. 

A tailored experience

Not all date nights are the same and an evening at Cucina can be exactly what you’re looking for — whatever that may be — without any compromise.

Looking to sip on thoughtfully crafted cocktails? Cucina puts a delicious twist on its boozy beverages — think vanilla martinis or the perfect balance of gin and basil. Or maybe splitting a nice bottle of red is more your speed? Thanks to Teatro’s esteemed wine cellar, which holds over 15,000 bottles, Cucina guests can find exceptional options exclusive to Teatro Group. The group buys wines in futures, meaning they are purchased before the grapes even exist. When the wine arrives in the cellar, it isn’t always quite ready to drink, so Teatro tucks it away until it reaches its prime — sometimes for years — before adding it to the menu. The menu itself, and its rarity in range and offerings, is thanks to Teatro’s carefully hand-selected choices, offering a specially curated program for guests to enjoy. And, if you don’t drink, it’s not a problem. The menu includes a great non-alcoholic program, too. 

A curated menu

The Italian-forward menu features plenty of options for snacks, small bites and things to share, as well as carefully curated main courses, like handmade pastas. “Italian cooking is typically a simpler approach, which is where you really let the quality of the ingredient shine because you’re not masking it or hiding it with technique. Top quality ingredients are so important,” says Batey.

Cucina has recently welcomed a new Chef de Cuisine, James Lawson, who brings fresh, fun and highly executed dishes to the restaurant, including beef tartare, endive salad, tuna crudo, pork rib piccata and gnocchi. “You can taste when people cook with love,” says Batey. “One of the things that’s exciting about this new menu is that you’ve got an injection of new excitement and energy.” 

Book your next date night at Cucina Market and Bistro, visit cucinamarketbistro.ca.

The post Experience Date Night at Cucina appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to be a VIP at New York’s Bridal Fashion Week, then  UNVEILED  is a must-attend event. On January 10, 2026, you’ll be welcomed by the Fairmont Palliser with a champagne reception, followed by a couture runway in the Crystal Ballroom. 

Mingle with the biggest names in Calgary’s wedding planning scene, champagne glass in hand, before witnessing a bridal fashion show that transcends the traditional bridal runway with live music, statement gowns and modern menswear.

Fashion-forward styles for Calgary’s most sophisticated couples

Runway sponsor Blush & Raven will unveil a collection of gowns exclusive to its bespoke bridal boutique, many of which have never been seen on a Canadian runway. “We’re thrilled to be back at the Fairmont, where we can bring everyone up close to bridal gowns from designers that are all the rage in New York and London,” says Blush & Raven owner Liane Knox. “We’ll be showing modern silhouettes and exquisite fabrics, but most importantly, at UNVEILED, we give brides an inside look into future trends.” 

Blush & Raven will be joined by Atelier Suiting, a three-time winner of Avenue’s Best Groom and Groomsmen Attire award. Atelier owner and menswear designer Lauren Larsen focuses on style and authenticity. 

“Once again, I’ve invited a few of my real grooms to show off their wedding looks,” says Larsen. “They are all so supportive, and they can’t wait to re-live the feeling they had on their wedding day — only this time on a fashion show aisle.”

A highly anticipated event  

UNVEILED is known as Calgary’s most social and glamorous wedding show, celebrating all that goes into planning a chic and upscale wedding.

“What makes UNVEILED so unique is that it gives couples and industry experts the chance to mingle in a cocktail party setting. It’s such a magical night under the crystal chandeliers at the Fairmont,” says show producer Lenora Kingcott. “Our tech sponsor, Encore Global, lights up the runway and surrounds our guests with music that carries them away, much like it does at weddings throughout the city.” 

Avenue’s 2026 Best Wedding Services issue will be hot off the press, and UNVEILED guests will receive their free copy of the magazine at check-in. “It’s so exciting to see who made the winners list,” says Kingcott.  “And this year we’ll be surprising everyone by showcasing a few of the 2026 winners in the Fairmont’s Oval Room. They can’t wait!”

Don’t delay buying your tickets. UNVEILED is a boutique event with some ticket types already sold out.  Tickets range from $29 to $69. 

“It’s not surprising that they sell out so quickly,” says Kingcott. “UNVEILED tickets are the perfect gift for anyone who has said YES over the holiday season.”

To buy tickets or learn more, visit unveiled.ca. 

The post Enter the World of Luxury Weddings at UNVEILED appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

Mental health services, like counselling, can be an important part of a regular wellness routine — much like going to the gym. However, many people don’t view counselling as accessible enough to make it part of their routine, often because of cost, wait times or simply thinking it’s no use to them. Calgary Counselling Centre works to break down barriers to counselling and emphasizes that everyone can benefit from it. 

“Everybody deserves to be seen, heard, validated and understood, and that’s essentially what counselling is in a nutshell,” says Sarah Rosenfeld, Calgary Counselling Centre’s associate director of counselling.

With sliding-scale fees and no waitlists, Calgary Counselling Centre makes it a little easier to get the help you need when you need it.

Effective results

At the heart of Calgary Counselling Centre’s approach is a commitment to matching each client with the therapist best suited to their needs. The Centre uses feedback-informed treatment — a proven method that measures client outcomes and incorporates client feedback from sources such as questionnaires to guide the therapy.

“This tool allows us to ensure that the client is at the centre of any treatment that happens, and that allows clients to experience meaningful action through therapy,” explains Rosenfeld. “Why it works so well is that the therapist is not in charge of that process; the client is. Clients are able to get their needs met, we can adjust what we’re doing, and it leads to better outcomes.” 

And the results speak for themselves. Calgary Counselling Centre surpasses the national benchmark for effective client outcomes. In fact, it delivers some of the best client results in the industry.

You don’t have to wait

Calgary Counselling Centre is committed to making support accessible when it’s needed most, which is why it ensures there is no waitlist. Typically, clients are connected with a counsellor within two business days of completing an intake form. On rare occasions, during periods of very high demand, it may take a little longer, but the Centre works hard to connect every person with the support they need as soon as possible. 

“It takes a lot of courage for somebody to reach out for help. If there’s a wait time, delay, or we’re not being responsive, it might actually disincentivize somebody to go through with that process. We want to be able to meet that need right away,” says Rosenfeld. 

The Centre also works on a sliding scale, so clients can talk to their therapist about what’s affordable for their individual circumstances. And that scale is adaptable at any time to accommodate life’s unpredictable changes.

For everyone

Calgary Counselling Centre offers various types of counselling, ranging from individual and couples counselling to family, group and youth. Sometimes, people may not even realize they could benefit from counselling. With loneliness becoming more prevalent, those who feel isolated, misunderstood or disconnected, for example, could benefit from reaching out. 

“There’s a wide range of support that you can get here and a really caring, committed and trained staff that provides exceptional service. You just have to make the call and step forward, and everybody on the other line is happy to help,” says Rosenfeld.

To learn more, visit calgarycounselling.com.

The post Effective and Affordable Counselling appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

If you love a good cronut, chances are you’ve made a pit stop at an Alforno Bakery & Café. Cronuts are, yes, delicious, inventive and the perfect mix of croissant and donut, and they just so happen to be one of Alforno’s most popular offerings. Come early December, cronut enthusiasts and lovers of excellent Italian coffee will have a new nook to frequent with Alforno’s latest location opening in CF Chinook Centre. 

As part of Teatro Group, Alforno draws on the hospitality and culinary experience the group of restaurants has gained over its three decades of operation. The café brings its signature elevated experience to all of its locations, including its newest addition in the mall. 

Sip and shop

Inside Chinook, guests will find Alforno located in front of Zara. The café will feature a curated “classic Alforno” design, with marble countertops, brass finishes and wooden accents. Alforno is the perfect spot for a shopping break and a snack — you’ll be able to relax in its newly designed seating area or take your coffee on the go.

“During the holidays, try our winter seasonal drinks while you’re coming to visit Santa at the mall. Or, we’re the perfect pit stop to take a break from the hectic holiday shopping or Boxing Day shopping,” says Mia Berloni, Teatro Group president and CEO. “Take a moment to connect with the people you’re with or connect with our staff. It’s the perfect addition to your shopping experience.”

The Chinook location marks Alforno’s first café outside the downtown core. The goal is to offer an exciting, fresh offering to people who are familiar with the brand and welcome those who are new to Alforno. 

Chef-driven café

Beyond a beautiful design and an ideal location, guests can expect top-quality eats and treats. 

“We produce everything we sell in-house; all the syrups we make in-house,” says Berloni. “We have an executive chef who looks over everything that leaves our stores, from the chocolate syrup in our hot chocolate to the cronuts or the sandwiches. We really pride ourselves on artisanal quality and the food that we serve.”

Alongside its assortment of daily baked goods, including cronuts, of course, muffins, croissants, sandwiches and more, visitors can enjoy Alforno’s Italian-inspired coffee program. As a specialty coffee provider leaning on its Italian roots, Alforno offers a slightly darker roast than the common cup of Joe.

Rooted in Italian culture

Alforno’s culture works to echo the laid-back elegance of Italian café culture. Expect baristas to know your name and order after a couple of visits, and know that you can slow down here.

“It’s really meant to be a moment that you take out of your day to connect with others, as well as enjoying, obviously, a delicious espresso,” says Berloni. 

Take a pause in your shopping day and enjoy handcrafted pastries, chef-made dishes, warm hospitality and coffee that transports you to Italy. Plus, get your first drink free when you download the Alforno app, so you can try before you buy. 

Learn more, visit alforno.ca and follow Alforno on social @alfornoyyc.

The post Sip and Shop at Alforno’s Latest Stop appeared first on Avenue Calgary.

Calgary’s foundation rests heavily on giving back to the community — supporting one another is just what we do. Whether through scholarships, community programs or resources, Calgarians continue to uplift everyone who calls this city home.

Now, more than ever — with rising costs, high rates of food insecurity and complex social issues — helping others is vital for a stronger, healthier community. Luckily, many businesses, organizations and individuals continue to answer the call.

Read on to learn about some of the groups giving back, ensuring Calgarians continue to have the support they need to thrive.

85 Years of Impact: Building a Brighter Calgary Together

For more than eight decades, United Way of Calgary and Area has united the community to give back.

When longtime Calgary donor Sharon Siebens made a landmark $10 million commitment to United Way of Calgary and Area’s Planet Youth Calgary initiative, she wasn’t looking for recognition. She wanted to spark change.

“I’ve seen firsthand the difference we can make when we come together as a community,” says Siebens. “When we work together, we can accomplish so much more than we can alone.”

Her gift marked the largest in United Way’s history and is fueling its boldest initiative yet — Planet Youth Calgary, a proven prevention model aimed at reducing substance use among young people and creating healthier environments for them to grow up in. 

For United Way president and CEO Karen Young, Siebens’s leadership is a powerful example of what can happen when community and generosity come together. “When I see community leaders like Sharon step forward, I’m reminded of the incredible capacity our city has to create lasting change when we work together,” she says. 

This historic commitment shows what’s possible when Calgarians unite around urgent needs — something the organization has been doing for 85 years.

A legacy rooted in community

Since 1940, United Way has invested more than $1.4 billion locally, connecting people to critical mental health supports, helping families achieve stability and strengthening safe, healthy relationships. Today, with one in four Calgarians struggling to meet their basic needs, that role has never been more vital.

Initiatives like Community Hubs and All In for Youth (AIFY) have played a pivotal role in strengthening the city. Community Hubs are welcoming neighbourhood spaces created by the community, for the community. They have been used by more than half a million Calgarians since 2017. For a newcomer family, their local hub can become more than a place to learn English — it can be a place where they make friends, build confidence and feel at home in Calgary.

Through tutoring, mentorship and financial support, AIFY has boosted Calgary’s high school completion rates by helping students overcome barriers to graduation. One student described the program as, “a reason I believed I could finish school when I thought about giving up.” 

Planet Youth Calgary, United Way’s biggest initiative yet, anchors its emerging Children and Youth strategy, creating an integrated pathway of supports and services to guide children from their earliest years into adulthood. This work is made possible through strong partnerships with agencies like YMCA Calgary, Trellis Society and Miskanawah Community Services Association.

“Through Planet Youth, we’re helping to build healthier, more resilient communities where children have the resources, connections and support they need to thrive,” affirms Siebens. “In this way, the work isn’t just about today — it’s about shaping a stronger Calgary for years to come.”

Each of these initiatives shares a common thread: collaboration. What sets United Way apart is its ability to convene partners — a strength that matters more than ever as Calgary faces increasingly complex social issues. By uniting donors, agencies, government and businesses, United Way creates lasting solutions that no one could achieve alone.

Women leading change

As United Way marks its 85th anniversary, it also celebrates the leadership of women who are shaping Calgary’s future. Siebens is one example, building on a lifetime of giving grounded in the belief that community is strongest when everyone steps up when they can.

“Women bring a unique combination of vision, empathy and determination to the work of strengthening communities. Across our city, I see how women build pathways of hope and opportunity to empower others,” says Siebens. “I hope that by sharing my experiences, other women feel encouraged to contribute in ways that matter to them and help shape a stronger, healthier Calgary for everyone.”

A look to the future

For Young, the past eight decades are only the beginning. “Looking ahead, I see United Way leaning even more into innovation and collaboration,” she says. “We need to keep listening and adapting, so Calgarians can count on us when life gets hard. That’s how we’ll create real, lasting change for future generations.”

As United Way celebrates its 85th year, its vision is clear: to continue building stronger, more resilient communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

To learn more or to give today, visit calgaryunitedway.org.

Building Healthier Communities

Longtime donor Kathy Prosser demonstrates the profound impact of giving.

For more than 45 years, Discovery House, a Calgary-based charity organization, has been helping families leave domestic violence and rebuild their lives. Funded in part by the government, Discovery House relies on community donors to support approximately one-third of its services.

“Helping families isn’t possible without support from the community, and Calgarians are generous,” says Anita Hofer, director of strategy and communications at Discovery House. 

It’s thanks to generous Calgarians like Kathy Prosser that Discovery House can offer housing and specialized programs for women and children. Prosser has been giving to Discovery House for 15 years, ensuring that the organization can give back to the community. “It’s a community building community,” she says. “They’re doing a job that’s necessary, and it’s strengthening Calgary as a whole.” 

With her philanthropic interests focused on youth in particular, Prosser donates to Discovery House because of the organization’s long-term impact on children. “The wrap-around support allows families to grow and stabilize, and for the kids to just be kids,” she says. “It’s a chance for a healthier community. It’s a chance for kids to grow up and be good parents themselves. It benefits everybody; it’s a full cycle.”

Donors like Prosser trust Discovery House to help families heal, grow and discover their next chapter. It takes a village, and Prosser and other Calgarians are doing their part, supporting organizations like Discovery House, helping create a better Calgary.

Get involved today. Visit discoveryhouse.ca.

The post Businesses Giving Back appeared first on Avenue Calgary.