[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 16, 2023[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Vecova has been the latest recipient of the Alberta Bottle Depot Association’s Applaud a Depot program. Applaud a Depot provides Albertans with a simple way to give kudos to their local Depot for a job well done. As a local community Bottle Depot, Vecova is proud of the impact that our inclusive and innovative depot has made. Below is the winning entry, from Carly V.:

“I make a point of going to (Vecova Bottle Depot) because it employs those who may struggle to find a place in the workforce, giving dignity to those with different abilities.”

To celebrate Vecova’s role in the community, the Alberta Bottle Depot Association is hosting an event on Global Recycling Day, March 18, at 11:00 AM at the Vecova Bottle Depot, 20 Research Pl NW in Calgary. We invite you to bring your bottles and join us as we recognize the work of our team and our consumers’ commitment to inclusion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”9249″ 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=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1492008828909{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” full_height=”yes” video_bg=”yes” video_bg_url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEWtXiUY5Q0″ video_bg_parallax=”content-moving” css=”.vc_custom_1491394844401{background-color: #3a3a3a !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”10595″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_custom_heading text=” Bottle Pick-Up Service” font_container=”tag:h1|font_size:50|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1710441690670{padding-top: 15px !important;}”]

Sign-up for our regular, reliable and professional commercial and residential pick-up service and we’ll send you information on your pick-up schedule, drop off your bags or collection bins and keep track of your collection and tax receipts easily. Proceeds go directly to Vecova’s programs, services and research for persons with disabilities.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Sign Up Now” style=”custom” custom_background=”#f2a200″ custom_text=”#ffffff” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbottlepickup.ca%2Flogin%2Fregister_vec.php” css=”.vc_custom_1710441750318{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” css=”.vc_custom_1490366132939{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1453210963159{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-all_inclusive” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Register” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

Create a free account here and we’ll add you to our pick-up schedule.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-favorite_border” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Collect” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

Start collecting your recyclable bottles. We’ll drop off your pick-up supplies (a Bag Buddy stand and Vecova bags) within a week so you can start collecting right away.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-hourglass_empty” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Pick Ups” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

We save you a trip! On scheduled pick-up days, we’ll come by and grab your bottles – and drop off any replacement supplies, as needed.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_icon type=”material” icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-star_border” color=”white” background_style=”rounded” background_color=”custom” size=”lg” align=”center” css_animation=”appear” custom_background_color=”#f2a200″][vc_custom_heading text=”Donate” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:22|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]

We’ll send you an annual tax receipt for your cumulative donations – but your contribution will make a huge impact throughout the year!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1710442098819{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #f2a200 !important;}”][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_custom_heading text=”Download The App” font_container=”tag:h3|font_size:40|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal” css=”.vc_custom_1710442005543{margin-top: -20px !important;}”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_btn title=”Download On Apple” style=”outline” color=”white” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fapps.apple.com%2Fca%2Fapp%2Fvecova-bottle-pickup%2Fid1571150372″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/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]December 3, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

Enjoy Vecova’s Recycling Services’ Curbside Bottle Return Service!

Thank you for your continued support of Vecova’s Recycling Services, which includes Calgary’s only nonprofit Bottle Depot and Bottle Pick-Up Service.

We know that many of you have expressed appreciation of our Bottle Depot’s curbside service. This safe alternative to returning your bottles reduces the number of touch-points between our consumers and employees, and allows Vecova to do its part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Due to popular demand, we are continuing, expanding and improving this service!

Effective December 7, 2020, our Bottle Depot hours of operation are:

Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed on statutory holidays

Our Curbside Bottle Depot procedure has also been updated as follows:

We have modified points of entrance and exit (with updated signage on-site).
We have added new pre-screen posters available for you to review.
We are asking you to unload your bottles into the carts provided; our employees will then take those carts into the Bottle Depot to be counted.
You will be given a pager while they wait for your refund. Those with cars are asked to park in designated spots. Walk-in consumers are asked to wait in the covered carport area.
You will be paged to collect your refund once ready. And, all refunds will be placed in an envelope, to limit contact.
Please note: all pagers are sanitized after each use.

As with all of Vecova’s programs and services, we are also continuing to follow all Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and Vecova health and safety measures and protocols that have been put in place. This includes:

Encouraging all consumers to adhere to all of AHS’s COVID-19 recommendations.
Requiring all consumers to wear a mask and not use Vecova’s Recycling Services if you are presenting of COVID-19 symptoms.
Requiring all employees to wear their designated PPE, which includes masks and/or a mask and face shield combination, and gloves.
Enhanced and increased cleaning and disinfection protocols and procedures across all areas of Vecova’s Recycling Services.
Limiting public access to Vecova’s Recycling Services facility, including restricting access to washrooms.

Thank you all again for supporting Vecova’s Recycling Services! If you are interested in continuing to support Vecova during this period, please visit vecova.ca to make a donation.

For the most up-to-date information please continue to check in here:

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Photo by rawpixel.com – www.freepik.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/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_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/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]November 25, 2020[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”20″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

We’re in this together! COVID-19 Response Update

Dear community,

I want to thank you all for your continued patience during this public health crisis. We know the tremendous impact that has been felt across households, communities and the province. We are committed to continuing to do our part. Our goal at Vecova is to continue to provide innovative, inclusive and impactful programs and services, but we can only do so when the community can participate safely.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]In light of the state of public health emergency being declared and the new restrictions mandated by the Government of Alberta (announced November 24, 2020), along with our own rigorous regulations and responses, we have made the following decisions effective November 27, 2020. This includes:

extending the suspension of:
- all aquatics and studio group fitness classes until January 9, 2021
- all evening and weekend facility rentals until January 9, 2021
- all swim lessons (including private swim lessons) until January 9, 2021
- all Empower Abilities Physical Therapy classes until January 16, 2021
continuing to:
- offer regular registered lane swim and open swim times, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
- offer Mental Health Services at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
- provide the Explore Abilities program at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
- provide limited Government of Alberta programs and services at our Main Facility, but with reduced operating hours and restricted numbers until January 8, 2021
extending the reduced operating hours of Vecova’s Main Facility until January 8, 2021.
the Main Facility will be:
- open Monday to Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm until December 18, 2020
- closed Saturday and Sunday until January 9, 2021
- closed from December 21, 2020 to January 4, 2021 to all consumers and employees to conduct annual maintenance and conduct a deep clean
continuing restricted access to the Main Facility to only:
- consumers who are registered for lane swim and open swim
- consumers who have an appointment with our Mental Health Services
- consumers who are registered for the Explore Abilities program
- consumers who are registered for a Government of Alberta program or service
- employees who are providing onsite programs and services
- employees who manage the facility and its operations
continuing to follow all Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and Vecova health and safety measures and protocols that have been put in place.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Vecova will continue to be proactive in managing our response to COVID-19 with guidance from Health Canada and Alberta Health Services. We encourage you to follow all of the recommendations by the Government of Alberta, Alberta Health Services and the Chief Medical Officer of Alberta to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As the Government of Alberta moves forward with the new restrictions to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta, we continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure Vecova is doing its part. Actions are being taken to protect the health and well-being of our entire community and all Albertans.

During this public health crisis, we have been touched by the kind and supportive messages we have received from the public. We know you are looking forward to resuming your normal, pre-COVID-19 routines, which Vecova played a major role in for many of you. We know that it is tiring and difficult, but we need to focus on the wellbeing of our employees and our community.

Vecova is a place where people connect, belong and thrive. Whether you use Vecova’s Aquatics, Health and Fitness services, our Bottle Pick-Up Service, have a family member in our Housing Services or participate in one of Vecova’s numerous other programs, you help Vecova reach its vision, where persons with disabilities are valued and integral members of society.

As we continue our efforts to manage our response to COVID-19, we do so with gratitude to all of you who have continued to support us at this difficult time. We are in a time where generosity and assistance of any kind, in any amount, can make a profound impact on each person we serve. Please consider donating to Vecova if you are able to by visiting vecova.ca/donate.

You are all integral parts of this organization and we are thankful for your support.

Take care,

Joan Lee

Chief Executive Officer

PS: For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 please visit:

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

We are offering a curbside service Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to serve our consumers.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When you come to Vecova’s Bottle Depot and Pick-Up Service:

Please limit the number of glass containers in a bag to 24 bottles or less. Please note that heavy bags are a lifting hazard for our employees and may require repackaging by the consumer before they can be processed.
Please only include recyclable beverage containers that are eligible for refund. Please note at this time we do not take concentrated drink mixes, soup containers, household plastics, olive oil containers or vinegar containers.
Please enter using the new entrance via 33 Street NW.
An employee will guide you to where you can park and unload your recyclable beverage containers.
An employee will collect your name and the first three letters of your license plate and bring your product into the facility to process your order.
Please park in the angle parking spaces on the east side of the bottle depot parking lot while we process your order.
After processing, your refund will be brought out to your vehicle in a sealed envelope.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As Calgary’s only non-profit social enterprise Bottle Depot and Bottle Pick-Up Service, Vecova appreciates your continued support. When you use Vecova’s Recycling Services, all proceeds go directly to supporting Vecova to achieve our mission. Also, over half of our workforce is comprised of persons with self-identified barriers to employment. We demonstrate that a business can operate profitably and ethically with an inclusive workforce.

Click here for more tips on how to process your refund quickly and to learn more about our Recycling Services and modified hours and operations, please visit us at vecova.ca/recycling.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]