Category: News

Mark your calendars! Our Charity Sale is happening on Thursday, March 19 from 10am to 2pm, and we’re getting ready for a great day of shopping with purpose.

This sale is more than just incredible finds, it’s a chance to support meaningful community programs while shopping sustainably. Every purchase helps fund programs and services that create opportunities, foster inclusion, and strengthen our community.

Whether you’re searching for unique treasures, practical household items, or simply love the thrill of a great deal, there will be something for everyone. Our shelves will be stocked, the energy will be high, and every item purchased helps make a real difference.

Shopping at our Charity Sale means:

  • Supporting inclusive community programs
  • Giving pre-loved items a second life
  • Reducing waste and supporting sustainability
  • Contributing directly to local initiatives

Bring a friend, spread the word, and get ready to shop with impact. We’re so grateful for our community’s continued support, it’s what makes events like this possible.

Free parking will be available, the code will be posted on a blog leading up to the sale. 

Stay tuned for more details and sneak peeks as March 19 approaches. We can’t wait to see you there!

Details:

Where: YYC International Airport – Food Court

When:10am to 2pm

Code for parking: VFREE2025

Book now: https://parkingres.yyc.com/CalgaryBooking/

Vecova is excited to introduce FUNdamental Movement, a multi-sport program that’s all about exploring the building blocks of movement, sport, and play! Designed for kids of all abilities and experience levels, this focuses on developing the foundational skills that support all physical activity, rather than specializing in a single sport. 

Through fun, game-based activities, participants will have the chance to develop essential physical skills such as throwing, catching, passing, kicking, balance, body control, coordination, and cooperation. The program encourages confidence, exploration, and inclusive play, helping children discover the joy and empowerment that comes from moving their bodies in new ways.

FUNdamental Movement offers a variety of sport and movement-related games that are engaging, accessible, and designed to show kids that movement can be fun for everyone, no matter their ability or experience level.

Physical Benefits:

  • Improves balance, coordination, and body control
  • Develops core movement skills like throwing, catching, kicking, and passing
  • Builds strength, flexibility, and overall fitness

Cognitive & Social Benefits:

  • Enhances focus, problem-solving, and decision-making through games
  • Encourages cooperation, teamwork, and communication
  • Boosts confidence and self-esteem by mastering new skills

Emotional & Inclusive Benefits:

  • Promotes a sense of achievement and empowerment
  • Fosters inclusive play, where all abilities are valued and supported
  • Encourages fun and enjoyment of physical activity, creating positive associations with movement

Long-Term Benefits:

  • Lays the foundation for lifelong physical activity and sports participation
  • Helps children discover personal interests and strengths in movement
  • Encourages healthy habits and active lifestyles from an early age

Location: Main Gym, Western Canada High School, 641 17 Ave SW

Important Note: This program does not provide one-to-one support. If a participant requires one-to-one support in school or other recreational programs, they will need the same support in this program.

Spring 1 Registration is open now:https://vecova.ca/programs/fundamental-movement/

Spring is just around the corner, and so is a new season of opportunities at Vecova! 🌷 We’re excited to announce that Spring 1 program registration opens on February 10th at 8:00am, giving you access to a wide range of inclusive, engaging, and supportive programs for people of all ages and abilities.

Whether you’re looking to get active, explore creativity, build independence, or connect with others, there’s something for everyone this spring.

What to Expect This Spring

Our Spring 1 lineup is designed to support physical wellness, social connection, personal growth, and skill development, all in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

From beginner-friendly options to more advanced skill-building opportunities, our programs are tailored to meet participants where they’re at.

Registration begins at 8:00am on Tuesday February 10th.

Explore our programs here: https://vecova.ca/programs/ 

Looking for a fun, active, and inclusive way to spend your Tuesday afternoon? Vecova’s Adult Adapted Cricket program offers adults living with a disability the chance to learn and enjoy one of the world’s great sports in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Hosted at the Calgary Cricket Center, this program introduces participants to the exciting fundamentals of cricket. Ever wondered how to bowl a googly, or what makes a seam or swing bowler different? Maybe you’re more interested in batting, perfecting a square cut, charging down the pitch, or hitting a straight drive for six. Fielding more your style? You might find yourself learning positions like Silly Mid Off or Third Man. Or perhaps you’re just curious why the word “wicket” has three different meanings. Whatever sparks your interest, this program has something for everyone.

And the fun doesn’t stop with cricket. The Calgary Cricket Center’s state-of-the-art facility also gives participants the opportunity to try other activities like Pickleball, Bocce Ball, and Floor Curling. There’s even a bowling machine for those who want to test their batting skills and have a little extra fun.

The program runs Tuesdays from 1:00–3:00 pm, with doors opening at 12:30 pm for early drop-off and closing at 3:30 pm to allow for late pick-up.

Please note: this program does not provide one-to-one support. Participants who require an aide for other recreational activities, work, or school will need similar support during this program.

The City of Calgary Fair Entry Card is accepted, helping make this program more accessible.

📍 Location: Calgary Cricket Center
7005 6 St SE

If you’re ready to try something new, stay active, and have fun in a supportive community, Adult Adapted Cricket at Vecova is a great place to start.

Register on February 10th: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/vecovarecreationcentre/activity/search/detail/28593?onlineSiteId=2&from_original_cui=true

Vecova is gearing up for an exciting fundraising event, and we need your help to make it a success! Our Vecova Casino will be held at Cowboys Casino on January 27 & 28, 2026, and we’re looking for dedicated volunteers to join us.

Casino fundraisers play a huge role in supporting Vecova’s inclusive programs and services for people of all abilities. By volunteering your time, you’re directly helping us continue to build opportunities, connections, and meaningful experiences within our community.

Volunteer Shifts Available

Tuesday January 27

  • 🕚 11:00am–7:00pm (1 helper needed)
  • 🌙 6:30pm–3:30am (3 helpers needed)

Wednesday January 28

  • 🌙 6:30pm–3:30am (3 helpers needed)

Whether you’re able to help during the day, take on an evening shift, or power through a late night, every hour makes a difference—and we’d love to have you on our team.

No matter the role, you’ll be part of a fun, high-energy environment while supporting a great cause.

Ready to volunteer?

📧 Sign up by emailing Michelle at [email protected]

Thank you for supporting Vecova and helping us create a more inclusive community. We couldn’t do it without you!

We’re incredibly proud to share some exciting news from our Vecova community.

Daniella Paulich, our exceptional Art Therapist, has been named one of The Calgary Herald’s 20 Compelling Calgarians for 2026, an honour that recognizes individuals who are making a meaningful difference in our city.

Through her creativity, compassion, and deep commitment to the people she supports, Daniella uses art therapy to help individuals express themselves, build confidence, and connect in powerful ways. Her work goes far beyond the art itself, it creates space for healing, growth, and belonging.

Daniella’s recognition is a reflection of the heart she brings to her work every day and the positive impact she continues to have across our community.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Daniella and this well-deserved recognition. We’re so proud to have her as part of the Vecova team.

Read the full article here: https://calgaryherald.com/news/2026-compelling-calgarians-inspiring-people-and-stories

Over the past year, we’ve heard from many people who believe Vecova is closing. We want to be very clear:

Vecova is not closing.

What is changing is where and how some of our programs are delivered, and these changes are helping us reach more people with disabilities across Calgary.

What’s Actually Changing

Vecova is moving away from operating a single, centralized facility and instead working across multiple community locations and partnerships. This includes closing our outdated building and expanding into new spaces across Calgary.

  • Offer programs in more accessible spaces across the city
  • Partner with trusted recreation and community centres
  • Focus our resources where they have the greatest impact

Our New Central Hub in the Beltline

In January, Vecova will open Vecova Central Hub @ Beltline, which will serve as our downtown administrative and program hub.

The Central Hub will:

  • Support staff, programs, and community services
  • Help us stay connected to partners and participants across Calgary

This location strengthens our presence downtown and supports the long-term sustainability of our services.

What About the New NW Location?

Our new Northwest location, Vecova NW @ Kaleidoscope, offers a range of community programs, skill-building activities, and support services designed to promote independence, connection, and well-being for people with disabilities.

Together, these locations, along with offsite programs and partnerships, allow Vecova to remain flexible, responsive, and community-based.

Aquatics Programming Has Changed, Not Disappeared

While Vecova no longer operates its own pool, adapted aquatic programming continues through partnerships with local Calgary pools and recreation centres, including Vivo.

This approach allows us to keep offering warm-water aquatic programs for people with disabilities without the barriers of maintaining our own facility.

What Hasn’t Changed

  • Our mission
  • Our commitment to people with disabilities
  • Our focus on inclusive recreation, employment, housing, and community services

Vecova has been part of the Calgary community for over 50 years, and we’re continuing that work in new and more sustainable ways.

👉 New to Vecova? Learn more about who we are on our FAQ Page.

Each year, Giving Tuesday inspires individuals, businesses, and organizations around the world to make a difference. For us at Vecova, it’s an opportunity to highlight the importance of inclusion and to celebrate the impact your support has on the lives of people of all abilities.

Why Giving Tuesday Matters

Giving Tuesday is more than a single day of donations. It’s a reminder that every act of kindness, big or small, helps strengthen our community. Your contributions directly support programs and services that empower individuals, create opportunities, and help people thrive.

Whether it’s through employment supports, wellness services, or community-based programs, your generosity fuels the work we do every day.

2X the Impact This Year

This year, we’re excited to share that your Giving Tuesday gift will go even further.
On December 3, your donations will be matched and doubled. This means:

  • $1 becomes $2
  • $25 becomes $50
  • $50 becomes $100
  • $100 becomes $200

Your support will effectively double, helping us enhance inclusion, expand opportunities, and ensure people of all abilities have access to the resources they need to succeed.

Every matched donation helps us:

  • Expand inclusive programs for people of all abilities
  • Provide meaningful opportunities for employment and skill-building
  • Support individuals in leading healthy, vibrant lives
  • Strengthen community connection and belonging

Our Current Campaign: Four Ways to Make an Impact

From mental health supports to employment, housing, and more, each area has its own goal and unique impact but every gift helps move all of our programs forward. When one goal is reached, your support fuels the rest, helping us create a stronger, more inclusive community for people with disabilities. Help create a stronger, more inclusive community for people with disabilities! 

Join us in supporting people with disabilities and give in the way that inspires you.

We invite you to be part of this incredible day of giving. Whether you donate, share our message, or encourage others to get involved, every action helps create lasting impact.

Support Vecova Through Our Amazon Wishlist

Looking for another way to make an impact? Vecova has an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase items that directly support our programs and the people we serve. From supplies for art classes and wellness programs to resources that help participants thrive, every item on the wishlist makes a real difference.

List: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/2NM08UG2KI2JF?ref_=abls_nvfly_yl

Check out our Wishlist, choose the items that inspire you, and help us create a stronger, more inclusive community for people with disabilities. Every gift counts!

September 30th, on Truth and Reconciliation Day, we take a moment to pause and reflect on the painful history of residential schools and the ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples across Canada. This day is about more than just remembering—it’s about understanding the truth of our shared history and committing to meaningful steps toward reconciliation. 

At Vecova, we know that reconciliation isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s an ongoing journey, one that challenges us to listen, learn, and act. We are dedicated to making this commitment part of our daily work, ensuring that our programs and services respect the cultures, experiences, and traditions of Indigenous communities. 

We believe in the power of community and inclusivity, and we know that by working together, we can create real change. Whether it’s through the way we deliver our services or how we connect with the community, we’re striving to honor Indigenous voices and perspectives in everything we do. 

We invite you to join us in learning, listening, and reflecting. Let’s honour the resilience of Indigenous peoples and commit to building a more inclusive, respectful future—together. 

Please note that Vecova will be closed this day.

#TruthAndReconciliation #EveryChildMatters #IndigenousVoices #Vecova 

MilkJar founder, Holly Singer started MilkJar candles in 2016 with the goal of raising $500 in profits for disability programs that support learning and growth. As of May 2024, MilkJar has raised over $300,000 for non-profits helping support initiatives towards inclusion and safe workplaces. Selling a variety of candles, diffusers, perfume rollers and supporting other local brands and artists, $1 from every product sold at MilkJar is donated to numerous organizations and charities. “We’re the feel-gooder candle co, making clean-burning and natural scented goodies that give back to your community.”

MilkJar majorly supports individuals: 

  • With disabilities experiencing gaps in their employment due to technology or training 
  • Focus on inclusive employment and safe workplaces  
  • Provide community and inclusive spaces for anyone affected by being marginalized in the workplace 

In partnership with MilkJar, Vecova got smelling and made a candle of their own. Called “New Home Smell”, Vecova’s, Housing, Wellness and Communications executives created a candle that reflects Vecova’s Programming, Housing and Employment Services. After careful delegation, the final product is a candle that immediately warms up any room with notes of oakmoss, sandalwood and orange. “Smells like security, peace and prosperity”, Vecova has always strived to create a space that is inclusive and welcoming, no matter the disability, age or circumstances, Vecova is a safe space for all abilities. 

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