Pacekids Newsletter
February 2026
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Pacekids proudly hosted our 32nd Annual General Meeting early this February, and we want to thank everyone who joined us for this important milestone.
We extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Directors Kofi Oteng and Yang Guo for their dedicated service, and we are delighted to welcome David Lees as our newest Board member!
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“When the doors of our Sunridge facility finally opened, it wasn’t just the sound of staff and families arriving, or the laughter of children echoing through new hallways. For me, it was the sound of possibility. It was the realization of years of dreaming, planning, and believing that more children should have access to the services they so desperately need — a place where they are understood, supported, and able to truly thrive.”
Alex Reed
Executive Director
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“The opening of the Sunridge school represents far more than an expansion of space. It represents a promise kept — a promise to reach more children and to do so with excellence and care. With Sunridge and Sundance together, Pacekids now has the capacity to support more than 350 children every day. Behind this number are children finding their voices, families finding hope, and futures being shaped.”
Rhonda Bean
Board Chair
| | | Check out our 32nd AGM blog post to read the full comments from Pacekids leadership and for more information on the evening. | | 2026 Keeping Pace Dancer Spotlight: Part 1 | | Keeping Pace 2026 is shaping up to be our most exciting event to date! With just under two months until the big night, we want to introduce a few of our incredible dancers, who are not just hitting the dance floor, but also fundraising for Pacekids this spring. | | |
Nadine Niba
"Children are our future. There's not going to be a Calgary or an Alberta if we don't invest in the future of our children. And children with diverse needs are a very important part of that future. If we give them what they need to develop like any other child, then they are going to be just as great as leaders.”
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Brittney Hruska
"I think the most important thing for me was it always being a part of my life from a very early age. My dad and the Mavericks have been such a huge part of my life, and I think being able to give back, especially to children with diverse needs and their families, just a little bit of support goes such a long way.”
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Dennis Agbegha
“Children with diverse needs are smart people, and we need them in the community. We need them because they come with a different perspective. This is the best way we can help them integrate in community and be valuable members of society. I think providing support to people with disabilities is for the good of everybody.”
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Michela Sheedy
"Every kid is different. And every kid deserves care and attention specified to what they need. So, supporting kids with diverse needs is something that is not only going to help children thrive in adolescence, but it's going to make beautiful adults and a better world as a whole."
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Stay tuned for next month's newsletter to meet the rest of the 2026 Keeping Pace Dancers!
Click the button below to learn more about Keeping Pace 2026, purchase tickets, or support a dancer.
| | Sunridge Open House Recap | | |
On International Day of Education, January 24th, families braved the snowy Calgary morning to join us at the Pacekids Sunridge Open House, and we couldn't be more grateful! It was wonderful to welcome families exploring Early Childhood Services for their children with diverse needs.
From touring our brand-new facility to meeting our expert therapy and education team, connecting with families, enjoying Little Villager ice cream, face painting fun, and exploring inclusive play activities – the morning was filled with joy, discovery, and meaningful connections.
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“This place is great for my son, and for every child. It’s going to be fun for them, and they are going to learn much more.”
– Hasan
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“All the sensory rooms right off the bat were overwhelmingly inspiring. From the first second my kids walked in they were engaged.”
– Stephanie
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“I think this new building is absolutely phenomenal, especially the windows in the classrooms.”
– Carly
| | A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community partners who joined us! | | |
Are you exploring preschool or kindergarten options for your child with diverse needs? Pacekids is hosting two free online ECS information sessions this March, and we'd love for your family to join us!
Both sessions are free to attend — RSVP is required.
For questions, contact us at ecsintake@pacekids.ca or 403.234.7876.
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Exploring Our Clinical & Therapeutic Approach
- March 9, 2026 | 6:30pm | Microsoft Teams
- Featuring Clinical Manager Torey Perez and ECS Manager Kerri Witherspoon
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Navigating Enrollment
& Funding
- March 18, 2026 | 6:30pm | Microsoft Teams
- Featuring ECS Manager Poonam Raeewal and Intake Lead Rebecca Harrow
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Grow the Choice
Alberta's classrooms are under pressure, but part of the solution already exists.
Every child learns differently, and every family deserves options. For 56,000+ Alberta students across 350+ schools, independent schools are making that possible.
Organizations like Pacekids Programs, a Calgary-based charitable organization serving children with diverse needs, are a prime example of what's possible when families have access to specialized options. Pacekids offers play-based, therapy-integrated Early Childhood Services as an Alberta Education approved ECS program for children who need more individualized support.
Add your voice at growthechoice.ca
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