one by one®: Cerebral Palsy Alberta
Cerebral Palsy Alberta, an affiliate of the international organization United Cerebral Palsy, is a nonprofit that supports individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. The organization’s mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities in Alberta. Cerebral Palsy Alberta accomplishes this through a variety of programs and services, and it also collaborates with other groups to promote awareness, acceptance and understanding to help the individuals it serves live, learn and work in their communities.
In 1976, the organization was founded by a family with a child who had cerebral palsy and few avenues for support. Cerebral palsy is used to describe a group of conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. There are several types of cerebral palsy, and it develops in an estimated three out of every 1,000 children.
Promoting limitless lives
Cerebral Palsy Alberta has main offices in Calgary and Edmonton and smaller facilities around the province. Its team of employees and volunteers includes about 60 people.
“We offer a lot of life-skills programming,” said Makenna Williams, fundraising and event coordinator. “A lot of the focus is for the individuals to be able to get out and have positive social interactions and experiences with their peers and be with people who are going through the same life situations.” Cerebral Palsy Alberta’s programs and services are designed for early development, as well as teens and adults, which include basic life skills, art, gardening, dance, computer programs, yoga, swimming and many more.
Gifts for fundraisers turn up the fun
Cerebral Palsy Alberta hosts three major fundraisers each year. Two are summer golf tournaments and the third is a fall event called the Hush Gala. Each year, the Hush Gala is planned with a theme that’s initially kept secret, then slowly revealed through clues leading up to the event. Past themes include Oktoberfest, Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass®” and the Roaring ’20s.
For the most recent Hush Gala, Cerebral Palsy Alberta used a one by one grant to buy light-up tumblers. Shaped like a disco ball, they were a perfect match for this year’s Austin Powers® theme. Williams said the tumblers were a hit with the 200 or so attendees. Along with handing them out to the guests, organizers used the light-up tumblers on a table that displayed the names of sponsors.
Beyond the three major fundraisers, the organization hosts several smaller events to raise money and awareness throughout the year. Support like the one by one grant helps make the best of each occasion. “These opportunities are definitely very important,” Williams said. “Every dollar counts and any time we are able to find extra support it goes a long way.”
A note from Cheryl
We were honored to provide gifts for fundraisers that add a little fun and increase support for an organization like Cerebral Palsy Alberta. Its team does important work to support people with disabilities, and we were humbled to play a small role in that mission. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.
Trademarks
DISNEY ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS is a registered trademark of Disney Enterprises, Inc., IP Department – Trademark Group 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES 91521
AUSTIN POWERS is a registered trademark of New Line Productions, Inc., 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES 91522