[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]June 27, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

#InclusionForEveryone: Vecova’s 2021 Annual General Report Is Now Available

Vecova is proud to share its 2021 Annual General Report, reflecting April 2021 to March 2022, now available at vecova.ca/inclusionforeveryone2021. With each step Vecova took in 2021, the organization did it with inclusion in mind.

“Vecova took the uncertainty that we faced in the year prior to reclaim 2021 and our future,” Dr. Ivan Sierralta, Vecova’s Board Chair, shared in his annual letter. “We took this opportunity to proudly state who we are, as a diverse group of people, all working towards a common and noble goal of inclusion.”

Vecova’s Annual General Report highlights key activities and stories of how the organization continued its work towards its vision, “Inclusion for everyone,” and its mission, “Building a future for people of all abilities where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives.”

We encourage you to read our Annual Report. Thank you to everyone who made 2021 an incredible year of inclusion.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”7562″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css_animation=”fadeIn” link=”https://vecova.ca/inclusionforeveryone2021/”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]June 13, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Vecova In the News: Sport sidelined: Many recreational activities struggling to find staff post-pandemic

Thanks to CTV Calgary for featuring our incredible Aquatics, Health and Fitness team in their recent segment. Just as Hayley Smith, one of Vecova’s great lifeguards, said – working at Vecova is a lot of fun! Watch the segment below and read the full article here.

Vecova is always hiring for a variety of positions. Work with our AHF team, with our Housing Services or in our operations – there are a number of career opportunities for you at Vecova. Learn more here and check out our Job Postings.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”typicons” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”turquoise” size=”xl” align=”right”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]We’re looking for Summer Camp Leaders! Send us your resume at [email protected].[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Source: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/sport-sidelined-many-recreational-activities-struggling-to-find-staff-post-pandemic-1.5942596[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]June 3, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

Building Inclusion with Vecova’s Housing Services

Everyone deserves a home where they belong. However, many Canadians with disabilities face barriers to secure and affordable housing. According to Statistics Canada, individuals with at least three disabilities were four times more likely to have experienced hidden homelessness. Additionally, 30-35% of persons experiencing homelessness have mental health problems.

Vecova’s Housing Services provides inclusive, appropriate, safe and affordable housing for Albertans of all abilities to stop housing inequality among vulnerable populations. Through the work that our employees do every day, we are building a future where everyone is valued, belongs and thrives.

“There’s no greater journey, because housing envelops all parts of somebody’s life,” Shawna Stewart, Housing Services Manager at Vecova, says about working in Housing Services. “When you’re involved in housing, you’re really involved in every aspect of someone’s life.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/6″][vc_single_image image=”7443″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/6″][vc_column_text]

Inclusion in the Community

Vecova’s Housing Services provides support to about 90 consumers in the Calgary area through a range of housing models and housing support services that respond to the level of support needed and any needs of the individual that change over time.

Our front-line staff provide direct support to consumers, which could include preparing a meal, personal care, helping an individual get ready to go out for an activity or attend a doctor’s appointment and more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]“They may be going out to an activity so maybe they’ve booked Calgary Access, so now they’re getting the person ready for the Calgary Access ride and then heading out to an activity, then they’re supporting that person to participate in that activity,” says Shawna. “Maybe they’re going to music, so they may be encouraging the person to clap along with the music or play an instrument.”

Vecova’s Housing Services supports #InclusionForEveryone by encouraging people to get involved in their community in a variety of ways, including participating in neighborhood events, visiting friends or going to the local park or coffee shop to connect with others.

“You’re there to do the best that you can to improve their life,” says Shawna.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/6″][vc_column_text]

The ability to make a difference

Advocating for the people we serve is a key part of Vecova’s Housing Services. As the Housing Services Manager of the Complex Medical Needs area at Vecova, Shawna has experience with advocating for consumers accessing medical services.

Recently, an individual was hospitalized and their mobility needs changed so that their housing environment no longer worked for them. When the hospital wanted to release them, members of Housing Services advocated for the individual to remain there until they found a more suitable housing environment that would fit their needs.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/6″][vc_single_image image=”7444″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

“We met with the hospital and advocated for that person to remain in the hospital while we sorted out a new environment for them, so that they didn’t have to get sent to a temporary long-term care situation,” explains Shawna. “We worked with the hospital to create a plan where they were able to stay while we got things sorted out, and we moved as quickly as we could to find a location within Vecova that would work.”

This ability to make a difference is what Shawna likes the most about her position in Housing Services.

“I like when I hear about new things that have happened for someone, or a new activity that they engaged in,” says Shawna. “That’s my favorite part of the job, when things like that happen and I know I’ve had a hand in some small way, whether that be from a distance or directly, with that person’s life being changed or that person’s life improving.”

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]March 25, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Vecova In the News: Mason’s story highlighted by CTV News Calgary

Mason’s story is in the news again! We’re proud to announce that CTV News Calgary has also created a segment on Mason, who is part of our Youth Program, and Christina, who is part of our Employment Services team.

We would like to thank CTV News Calgary for highlighting Mason’s journey with Vecova to find employment at Cafe & Mi and for raising awareness of the importance and impact of inclusive employment for people of all abilities.

If you own or know a business that is interested in providing meaningful employment, please contact us.

Congratulations, Mason![/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Source: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-agency-helps-youth-with-intellectual-learning-disabilities-get-their-first-job-1.5829948[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Learn more and start your career journey with Vecova’s many employment and career programs and services:

Photo from CTV News Calgary[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]March 17, 2022[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Vecova In the News: Calgarian with Down Syndrome enjoys ‘great experience’ working at cat café

We love being able to share stories from the community. Today, we have a segment from Global News featuring Mason, who is part of our Youth Program, and Christina, who is part of our Employment Services team. We’re so proud to be part of Mason’s journey!

Thank you to Global News for featuring Mason’s story and highlighting the possibilities for inclusive and supported employment. Also, thanks to Café & Mi for being a wonderful inclusive employer – and thank you for helping shed light on the meaningful impact it is to be one.

We’re excited to continue supporting persons of all abilities through our programming. If you know or own a business that’s interested in providing meaningful employment, please contact us.

Well done, Mason![/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/8688791/calgary-cat-cafe-down-syndrome-work-experience/ [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Learn more and start your career journey with Vecova’s many employment and career programs and services:

Employment Services
Youth Program
Careers at Vecova[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]February 11, 2022[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

You can help bring accessible recreation to people of all abilities!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1644590976449{margin-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]We’re now in the month of February and already well into our New Year’s resolutions (or, more likely, we’ve completely given up on them). So many of us have made promises to be active and try new things. We always have the best of intentions when we make these commitments, but sometimes they’re hard to keep!

The intimidation of the typical gym environment often stops us from signing up. The stress and anxiety of the day-to-day can make it hard to try something new. Or, even finding the right program that meets your level of fitness and comfort can be difficult.

Fortunately, Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness is a safe place for people of all abilities. If you’re just starting to get active or returning to fitness after an injury, illness or new diagnosis. If you’re looking to get toned or build your cardio. Or, if you are wanting to strengthen the bond with your child while increasing your strength and endurance, we have a program for you!

At Vecova, there are no bounds as to how you want to achieve your health and wellbeing goals!

Vecova is committed to providing accessible health and wellness and recreational opportunities for Albertans of all abilities. We have a brand-new Strength and Conditioning Room, which is completely adaptive and accessible. We have specialized programming that allows persons with specialized needs such as dementia, developmental disabilities and/or motor delays or disabilities to explore opportunities and try new things. And, of course, we have Calgary’s only warm pool, which is perfect for those who have mobility challenges.

A community like Vecova – one that is supportive, inclusive and welcoming – can make a huge impact on a person’s ability to recover, rebuild or reimagine their wellness journey.

Your gift today can help us accomplish #InclusionForEveryone. Your donation will allow us to continue to create high-quality recreational and fitness programming that is inclusive and accessible.

We hope to see you all soon,

Kelly Holmes-Binns
CEO
Vecova[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”” shape=”square”]February is Recreation Therapy Month!

Check out our #InclusionForEveryone hashtag on Twitter and other social media platforms. We’ll be sharing more about Recreation Therapy Month and Vecova’s other programs and services![/vc_cta][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]October 8, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Vecova’s Time Capsules: Celebrating our past, present and future

In 2019, to celebrate Vecova’s 50^th Anniversary, two time capsules buried in 1969 and 1995 were unearthed and opened in collaboration with Vecova’s Senior Leadership Team and Board of Directors.

A lot of effort went into finding and opening the time capsules. It involved the support of a conservation expert – as well as jack hammers, drills and saws – to dig into Vecova’s past as we celebrated all the organization has accomplished through its long-standing history.

In early 2020, Vecova’s Fund Development, Community Engagement and Communications team began putting together the materials needed from the previous year for a new time capsule. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work on this project was delayed and resumed in late 2020.

In order to best preserve the contents from 2019, as well as mementos from the previous time capsules in 1969 and 1995, a dedicated time capsule container with preservation materials and security features was purchased to safely store the wide variety of objects included.

Some of the items placed into the 2019 Time Capsule include memorabilia from Vecova’s 50^th Anniversary celebrations, stamps and coins from 2019, renderings of the new facility plan, a copy of the Calgary Herald, a copy of the Accessible Canada Act, and a book that features a collection of images, letters, quotes and stories from Vecova’s community in 2019.

The 2019 Time Capsule has now been closed and sealed for the next 50 years. In the meantime, the time capsule will be placed into secure storage until a more permanent home is created in the new facility. All other items uncovered in the previous time capsules have also been organized and placed into secure storage.

Vecova’s 2019 Time Capsule is a legacy and will share our current vision, hopes and dreams with those who will follow us and carry on Vecova’s future.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]October 4, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Vecova participates in two Community Engaged Learning presentations at the University of Calgary

Vecova has been invited to participate in the Community Engaged Learning program at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine! Our employees and consumers will present two panels about their experiences with medical health care to first-year medical students on October 13 and 15, 2021.

The Community Engaged Learning program teaches medical students about the unique perspectives of people navigating medical services and systems. This program helps future physicians understand the lived experiences of people in the communities they serve, and to recognize that people with lived experience and the organizations that serve them are experts in how to educate and advocate for their health needs.

Vecova’s panel on October 13, 2021 will feature Vecova employees with specialized experience supporting and advocating for our consumers. Employees from Vecova’s Housing Services and Vecova’s Mental Health Services will share their experiences providing care and support to persons of all abilities as they navigate through the medical system at various stages throughout their lives.

Vecova’s consumers and their family members will join first-year medical students to share their experiences at Vecova’s second Community Engaged Learning presentation on October 15, 2021. Our consumers will talk about the important role of self-determination in medical health care and their lived experiences, successes and challenges navigating the medical system.

We’re looking forward to presenting at the Community Engaged Learning program in support of the good health and wellbeing of Albertans of all abilities. Vecova would like to thank the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine for this opportunity. We can’t wait to share our experiences with your students to help future doctors better understand the perspectives of persons of all abilities![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”4/6″][vc_column_text]September 29, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

Garett’s Story with Vecova’s Employment Services and Wayfinder program

Vecova’s Employment Services gives people who face barriers to employment the support, tools and skills they need for the workplace. Our Wayfinder program helps one to explore and participate in leisure, recreation and civic engagement activities, pursue educational interests and develop support networks and meaningful relationships.

This is Garett’s Story:

Garett is a young man facing barriers to employment who is committed to learning and developing his skills to attain meaningful work. With Vecova’s Employment Services and Wayfinder program, Garett has been able to gain and grow his skills for the workplace.

Spending two years attending Vecova’s Employability Skills group, Garett has learned many different skills on topics including resume and interview skills, health and safety in the workplace, and boundaries in the workplace.

One of the skills he learned during his safety lessons was proper lifting for picking up and putting down objects. Proper lifting is an important practice that ensures the safety of the person lifting. Knowing its importance, Garett wants to share what he learned. In the video below, watch Garett demonstrate proper lifting.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/12″][vc_column_text]

Proper Lifting

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Pick-Up

Position yourself around the item in a way that is most comfortable for you
Slowly get down onto one knee
Pick up the item using your legs and not your back
Ask for help if needed

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Put Down

Put the item back down by bending your legs and putting one knee on the ground
Use your legs and not your back
Ask for help if needed

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Music: https://www.bensound.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”4/6″][vc_column_text]Garett enjoys watching movies and playing video games. He loves his family and hockey, owning a large hockey jersey collection he is very proud of. He even sports a Boston Bruins jersey in the video!

With 6 years of experience cleaning wood shops through vacuuming and dusting, he hopes to find a job complimenting his past experience and to show off his skills.

Vecova is proud to continuously support Garett and others like him as they advance their skills and careers. To learn more about Vecova’s programs and services for Albertans of all abilities, including our Employment Services and Wayfinder program, click here.[/vc_column_text][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”h4″ nd_options_text_weight=”lighter” nd_options_text_family=”nd_options_second_font” nd_options_text_align=”center” nd_options_text=”DONATE TODAY TO HELP VECOVA BRING #INCLUSIONFOREVERYONE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES LIKE GARETT!” nd_options_text_color=”#000000″ nd_options_text_font_size=”16″ nd_options_text_line_height=”16″ nd_options_text_letter_spacing=”2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”10″][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”15px 35px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_bold” nd_options_margin=”10px” nd_options_font_family=”nd_options_first_font” nd_options_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fvecova.ca%2Fdonate|title:DONATE%20TODAY” nd_options_bg_color=”#f2a900″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_font_size=”24″ nd_options_border_radius=”20″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]July 22, 2021[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Randy’s Story with Vecova’s Employment Services

Vecova’s Employment Services gives people who face barriers to employment the support, tools and skills they need for the workplace.

This is Randy’s story:

Randy was one of many people who face barriers to employment that was in search of work that utilizes his skills in Alberta. Through Vecova’s Employment Services, he was able find two jobs between SAIT and Forward Housing.

Vecova provided him with extensive support in his search for employment – from career planning to job search design and skills training, to workplace integration. He was soon hired by both SAIT and Forward Housing.

At SAIT, Randy worked as a custodial staff member to pick up litter from parking lots and sidewalks. SAIT is a polytechnic institute home to over 110 different programs in technology, trades and business.

With Forward Housing, Randy worked at the Caroll Place location where he mopped the ground floor and all residential areas. He has even helped with some of the outdoor landscaping. Forward Housing, formerly known as Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association, works to ensure every Calgarian has safe and affordable housing since 1975.

Due to the pandemic and the challenges it has presented, including moving classes for SAIT students online, Randy is currently not working. However, he continues to do really well and strives to stay busy and active. We want to acknowledge the importance of doing things that you enjoy to keep your mind and body happy in these unprecedented times.

Vecova is proud to have been able to help Randy and will continue to support him as the province opens, along with others in our Employment Services. To learn more, click here.

Watch our Q&A with Randy:

Music: https://www.bensound.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”10″][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”h4″ nd_options_text_weight=”lighter” nd_options_text_family=”nd_options_second_font” nd_options_text_align=”center” nd_options_text=”DONATE DURING DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH TO HELP VECOVA BRING #INCLUSIONFOREVERYONE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES LIKE RANDY!” nd_options_text_color=”#000000″ nd_options_text_font_size=”16″ nd_options_text_line_height=”16″ nd_options_text_letter_spacing=”2″][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”10″][nd_options_button nd_options_padding=”15px 35px” nd_options_align=”center” nd_options_font_weight=”nd_options_font_weight_bold” nd_options_margin=”10px” nd_options_font_family=”nd_options_first_font” nd_options_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fvecova.ca%2Fdonate|title:DONATE%20TODAY” nd_options_bg_color=”#f2a900″ nd_options_text_color=”#ffffff” nd_options_font_size=”24″ nd_options_border_radius=”20″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”30″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]