ANNUAL REPORT
April 2024 - March 2025
A message from Kelly Holmes-Binns, CEO
This past year has been one of profound transformation for Vecova. As we prepare to say goodbye to a building that has long been at the heart of our operations, I’ve been reflecting not just on what we’re leaving behind, but on the opportunity that lies ahead
Leading through transformational change takes courage, clarity and an unwavering commitment to our mission. It means staying rooted in purpose while boldly embracing new possibilities. I’m proud to say that at Vecova, I’m surrounded by people who do exactly that.
Our staff have shown incredible resilience and leadership throughout this journey In the midst of uncertainty and change, they have continued to deliver exceptional services and support to individuals and families facing complex challenges. They’ve done so with heart, creativity and an unshakable belief in what Vecova can become.
No matter the location or circumstance, our mission remains present in every program, every conversation, and every act of care That consistency is what makes Vecova so special, and what will carry us into our future.
This is more than a transition - it’s a new chapter. Grounded in the values of our founders, we are expanding our reach beyond a single location and into the communities we serve. With the opening of our Airdrie facility in early 2025 our second location outside of Calgary, following Canmore we’re increasing access to inclusive, barrier-free wellness and support services across the region.
We're not leaving our identity behind; we're building on it. We're becoming more of who we’ve always been: a place of belonging, a catalyst for potential, and a champion for equity and inclusion
This year’s Annual Report reflects the story of that transformation, of a team that continues to lead with compassion and purpose, and an o that is growing stronger, more connected, and more ready tha to meet the future.
With gratitude,
Kelly Holmes-Binns Chief Executive Officer, Vecova
A message from Michelle McKenna, Board Chair
Dear Community,
On behalf of Vecova’s Board of Directors, I want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support during a time of great transformation.
In 2024, the Board made one of the most significant decisions in our history: to close our longstanding main building and transition to a new, community-based model of service delivery This was not an easy choice to make, but it was the right one It was made with care and an unwavering commitment to those we serve.
As a parent to a son with a disability, I know firsthand how essential spaces like Vecova are. They are places of connection, inclusion, and belonging, places where smiles are given with joy and enthusiasm, and everyone is welcome My family is deeply grateful that such a place existed for our son; it helped shape him into the confident young man he is today.
To remain strong and sustainable, Vecova had to adapt. Our future isn’t rooted in a single building; it’s rooted in our mission to create inclusive, accessible opportunities that reach people where they are We’re leveraging our decades of experience in wellness and adapted recreation to expand our reach through new partnerships and locations across Calgary and beyond.
As this impact report shows, your generosity is already making that possible. Together, we are growing housing supports, expanding mental health programming, finding new spaces for wellness program delivery and continuing vital services like our bottle pick-up and recycling program
Vecova’s transition is about more than operational change. It’s about meeting people where they are today as we honour our past and continue planting seeds for a stronger future. Thank you for standing with us as we move forward with purpose and hope
Sincerely,
Michelle McKenna Board Chair, Vecova
Meet Our Board
Kyle Bakx Sean Crump Dennis Agbegha Neil Mackie
Nancy Toombs Board Secretary
Michelle McKenna Board Chair Robert McKercher Vice Chair
Donald Dart Treasurer
Sylvie Tran Tracy Graham Georgia Lykidis Lucy Anderson Vas Antoniou
Kelly Holmes-Binns Chief Executive Officer
Meet Our Executive Team
Yvonne Martodam Chief People Officer
David Walsh Chief Financial Officer
Keith Geddes Director of Housing
Tom Naestead Chief Operating Officer
Dean Dodge Chief Development Officer
Jennifer McColl Director of People & Culture
Carolyn Long Director of Wellness Services
Kris Robin Director of Finance
Celebrating Our Volunteers
As your remarkable eight-year journey on Vecova’s Volunteer Board of Directors comes to a close, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment Your involvement on the Board, across committees, and at staff and consumer events has been appreciated every step of the way
You played a pivotal role in shaping Vecova’s path forward From championing long-term sustainability and increasing board engagement to raising awareness of disability issues, your impact has been both profound and lasting
You also helped guide Vecova through some of its most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of our main building. Your strategic insight helped us make difficult decisions and laid the groundwork for our new hub-and-spoke model. Thanks to your dedication, Vecova is stronger, more resilient, and better positioned to serve our community. Your legacy will continue to inspire the work ahead. With heartfelt appreciation, -The Vecova Team
Michelle McKenna
Michelle has been a driving force at Vecova since joining the Board in 2017 As Chair of the Board and Capital Campaign Committee, and a member of every standing committee, Michelle has helped guide Vecova through a period of growth and transformation. Her leadership has been marked by a deep personal commitment to the disability community, informed by her lived experience as an advocate for her son. Beyond Vecova, Michelle’s dedication to inclusive education and community engagement has been evident in her roles with Renfrew Educational Services, the Creative Kids Museum, and Telus Spark, where she played key roles in major fundraising and strategic initiatives. Her passion, vision and hands-on leadership have left a lasting legacy at Vecova — and we are deeply grateful for her years of service.
Neil Mackie
Since 2017, Neil Mackie has brought deep expertise in public affairs, communications, and stakeholder relations to Vecova’s Board. His insight and leadership have been instrumental in helping us navigate change and champion inclusion We are grateful for Neil’s commitment and steady guidance throughout his tenure, and for his dedication to strengthening community connections.
Don Dart
Don brought a wealth of experience in financial strategy and corporate services to Vecova’s Board. With a long career in leadership roles across public and nonprofit sectors, Don has been a valued voice in shaping our governance, financial, and strategic planning since joining the Board in 2017. We thank him for his thoughtful leadership and dedication to community impact.
2024-2025 Timeline
Closure Announcement Closure Announcement
Vecova made the difficult decision to close the doors to our main building However, this change has only strengthened our commitment to the community. Vecova is not closing. We continue to operate at full speed, delivering the same impactful programs and services that support individuals of all abilities every day.
Giving Tuesday Giving Tuesday
Launched on November 4th, Vecova’s month-long Giving Tuesday campaign highlighted the stories that define who we are and why we do what we do. We shared the voices of our community to inspire generosity and connection. Thanks to the incredible support of 153 donors, we raised $97,207 to help build a more inclusive future
New Airdrie Location New Airdrie Location
Vecova announced the opening of the new Airdrie location. This location offers social programs for individuals with disabilities, mental health services, and supports for youth and adults including employment aid, housing support, and community activities.
DEAM DEAM
Through Rocky View School Division, Vecova had the honour to recognize the incredible accomplishments of our students. Their dedication, growth, and successes have been inspiring to witness We also extend heartfelt thanks to our job coach dream team for their vital support throughout the year.
Vecova celebrated Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). The event featured inspiring stories, recognition for inclusive excellence, and meaningful connections with leaders and advocates for equity
Art Show Art Show
The Art Show and Sale celebrated and displayed the creativity and talent of artists with disabilities Vecova’s Art Therapist, Daniella Paulich, received the Marlin Styner award, showcasing her resilience and passion for helping others through art therapy.
White Hat Awards Hat Awards
Vecova was honoured to attend the 62nd White Hat Awards, recognizing Calgary’s tourism and hospitality. This year, two of our Airport Baggage Cart Service team were nominated as semifinalists for the award We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kevin for over 30 years of dedication to Vecova’s airport team.
2024-2025 Highlights
New Chapter, Same Mission: Expanding Community-Based Services
Vecova marked the closure announcement of our main facility with mixed emotions, but when one door closes, another opens. Our programs have successfully transitioned to welcoming, community-based locations thanks to valued partners like Vivo and COSPA. Together, we’ve ensured continuity for Adapted Recreation, including Adult and Children’s Adapted Aquatics, CAR/YAR, and Mixed Ability Sport.
A major milestone this year was the opening of our new Airdrie location in February 2025. With a dedicated space and growing demand, we now serve 11 consumers in Airdrie and are excited to continue expanding our presence and impact.
Creating Excellence Together (CET) Accreditation
In June 2024, Vecova proudly achieved Level 2 accreditation under ACDS’ Creating Excellence Together (CET) Standards including complex needs, secure treatment, respite, and children’s survey requirements
We met every standard and received commendation for our unique youth programming, cluster environments, and our strong focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. From the Board to front-line teams, everyone could clearly articulate Vecova’s Mission, Vision, and Purpose.
This achievement is a direct result of our employees’ dedication to delivering quality services and reflects our commitment to fulfilling our mandate for persons with disabilities.
Celebrating Excellence in Service at the White Hat Awards
Two of Vecova’s YYC Airport Cart Retrieval Associates were honoured as Semi-Finalists at the 2025 White Hat Awards an esteemed celebration of Calgary’s tourism and hospitality excellence With over 1,800 attendees, the event spotlighted those who go above and beyond in delivering outstanding service to both visitors and residents
Among the honourees was Kevin, who has dedicated over 30 years to excellence at YYC Their nomination recognized not only exceptional service but also the enduring commitment that defines Calgary’s spirit of hospitality.
A Place to Belong: Calgary Comes Together for Inclusive Housing
On April 30, 2025, we hosted A Place to Belong, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for inclusive housing. The result was outstanding:
Over 280 people attended
40 donors gave generously
Nearly $16,000 was raised
34 new donors joined our family and made their first gift to help create spaces where people with disabilities can live, grow, and thrive
These numbers reflect more than just the generosity of Calgarians; they reflect belief Belief in belonging, and in a future where inclusion lives at the heart of every community
Impact Report Higlights
Consumers in Housing 123 92 Youth Employment Program
Consumers Served in Wayfinder 90
208
208 People in PDD Contracts
20,616
Active Members in the Newcomer Program 19 Drop-in Admissions to Vecova Facility
45,965 Walk-in Supporters at the Bottle Depot
Raised at Our Charity Sale $24,725 12,745 Registrants in AHF Registered Programs
Consumers in Bow Corridor & Airdrie 25
115 Employment Partners
649 Active Donors
Financial Information
People and Culture
Employee Engagement and Recognition
Vecova’s success is rooted in the dedication and passion of our incredible employees. As we continue our journey to strengthen organizational culture, we remain committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, connected, and engaged.
Annual Employee Engagement Survey
In fall 2024, we conducted our second annual Employee Engagement Survey to gather meaningful feedback from our team. The survey explores various aspects of the employee experience individual roles, team dynamics, and organizational culture and helps us identify both strengths and areas for growth. This feedback guides future initiatives to enhance engagement, including improved internal communication and employee recognition efforts.
Employee Recognition and Long Service Event
Each year, we proudly celebrate our employees through dedicated recognition events, including our annual holiday and long service awards party and the May Staff Appreciation Event held during Community Disability Services Appreciation Week. In 2024, we honoured 85 employees for their service, ranging from 5 to 40 years. Their ongoing commitment and contributions are vital to building a future where people of all abilities are valued, included, and empowered to thrive.
As of March 31, 2025 have:
366 full-time employe
199 part-time employ
Staff making a positiv impact in each area:
AH&F: 59
Consumer Service
Employment: 19
Enterprise: 66
Housing: 299
Mental Health: 5
Operations: 29
Wayfinder: 71
Youth Program: 5
Celebrating Long-term Service
Wayne
Finch - 35 years at Vecova
Wayne’s journey with Vecova began in 1988 during his practicum through the Mount Royal Rehabilitation Studies program. He officially joined the team in October 1989 as a variable staff member in Housing Services. His first shift at the 12th Avenue group home left a lasting impression he remembers feeling warmly welcomed by staff and Consumers.
One of Wayne’s favourite parts of his work has been witnessing the lasting relationships between Consumers, staff, and families some continuing for over 20 years.
Outside of work, Wayne and his partner are raising their two grandchildren, whose busy schedules keep them on their toes.
As Vecova prepares to leave the main building, Wayne reflects on what he’ll miss most: regularly seeing Consumers and being part of a vibrant, shared space filled with programs and community activity. His advice to new staff? Embrace change, as it’s essential to growth and innovation at Vecova.
Celebrating Our Oldest Resident
Gerry Wise - 90 years young
Gerry Wise, the oldest Consumer across all of Vecova’s services, recently transitioned out of our programs shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday Known for his lively spirit, love of karaoke, and commitment to making the community a better place, Gerry has long been a passionate advocate and a familiar face in both Housing and Wayfinder programs
Gerry still resides with the same supportive roommate and remains closely connected to the Vecova community. He’s feeling bittersweet about the closure of the main building, but is excited to see what comes next. With his upbeat energy and strong sense of purpose, Gerry continues to inspire everyone around him.
Top Organizational Donors
Corporations, foundations, and funding agencies each play a pivotal role in Vecova’s success. They provide essential funding for large-scale projects and unique initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and substantial community impact. Together, these diverse sources of funding enable Vecova to effectively plan, deliver, and amplify our work.
THE CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY
CANPROM FOUNDATION C/O AQUEDUCT FOUNDATION
RBC FOUNDATION
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANKYOUTHANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
MCKENNA FAMILY FUND
SPORT CALGARY
MILK JAR CANDLE COMPANY INC.
GRAYDON AND DOROTHY MORRISON FUND AT CALGARY FOUNDATION
XPAN INTERACTIVE LTD.
CALGARY SHAW CHARITY CLASSIC FOUNDATION
PETRO CANADA
Top Individual Donors
Individual donors are vital for Vecova as they provide an important portion of the funding, allowing the organization to sustain its operations and respond flexibly to the needs of our clients. Your contributions also help raise awareness for Vecova’s mission and foster deeper community involvement and support.
SANDRA HUNTER
JOHN AND ANN SPEER
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANKYOUTHANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
GORDON J. HOY
WILLIAM SCHICKEDANZ
DUSTIN ANDERSON
DIANE KAMITAKAHARA
RON LOWRY
SYLVIE TRAN
GEORGE SCHLOSSER
ROBERT SMART
Top 10 Longest Consecutive Donors
Long-term donors are crucial for Vecova because they provide a stable and reliable source of funding, allowing us to plan and meet community needs effectively. Your sustained support helps build a strong community of advocates who amplify the charity's message and attract new supporters.
STEVE GAAL
GORDON JARRETT
DONNA JOHNSON
YVONNE MARTODAM
STEPHANIE MOON
PATRICK OTAKPOR
GEORGE SCHLOSSER
ROY SHAFER
RUTH WINNITOY
JOHN S. ABERCROMBIE
For a complete list of all of our donors, please visit: vecova.ca/ways-to-support/donors
Vecova is based in Calgary, and we acknowledge Alberta, Canada and our centres are located on the traditional territories of First Nations Peoples of Treaty 7. The Treaty 7 Lands in Southern Alberta are home to the Kainai Nation, Piikani Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley (Stoney-Nakoda) Nations. Calgary is also home to Region 3 of the Métis Nation of Alberta.
Vecova is a registered charity CRN 119286912 RR0001