Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta 

To kick off our Charity Spotlight features for 2026, we are proud to spotlight Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta, a provincial organization dedicated to supporting children and youth with disabilities and specialized needs. Through innovative programs, community partnerships, and a strong belief in inclusion, Variety Alberta is helping build communities where every child belongs. 

About Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta (Variety Alberta) 

Variety Alberta is a non-disability-specific children’s charity that supports children and youth living with disabilities and specialized needs across Alberta. Their work is rooted in one simple but powerful belief: all children deserve the opportunity to play, participate, and be included in their communities. 

Their vision is to enable all children living with specialized needs to be an active and engaged part of their community. 

Why Inclusion Matters 

Living with a disability often means facing barriers that many families never have to consider, from inaccessible playgrounds and limited sport opportunities to the high cost of therapies, equipment, and mobility supports. 

At Variety Alberta, they focus on removing those barriers. When environments are built inclusively and children are given the right supports, challenges shrink, and confidence, independence, and joy grow. 

Inclusion benefits everyone. When children of all abilities play, learn, and grow together, communities become stronger, kinder, and more connected. 

About Their Programs 

Variety Alberta has three primary program areas: Mobility, Education and Health: 

Mobility: Changing children’s lives by granting mobility devices, inclusive resources and running adapted sport programs that provide independence, mobility and freedom.  

Education: Working to create more inclusive and accepting communities by educating children and youth on disability and differences. Through exploring topics of belonging, inclusion, challenging norms, representation, and disability as a social model, they are affecting systemic change in how society views and values people with disabilities and/or differences.   

Health: Closing the equity gap between low to middle- and higher income families and ensure low-income families get the required support for their children’s medical needs which are not covered by Alberta Health or employment benefit programs. This includes support for medical equipment, therapy programs, and health and wellness supplies.  

Under these program areas, they currently run six core programs:  

Volt Hockey: An exciting, inclusive team sport played using specialized electric sports chairs and joysticks. Volt Hockey offers greater accessibility than sledge hockey or wheelchair hockey, truly empowering participants of all abilities. 

Go Baby Go: Customized, adapted ride-on cars with supportive seating and push-button technology, for children with limited mobility.  This program gives children control of their own mobility, fosters independence, and allows them to keep up with siblings and friends, without stigma. 

Just Like You: An in-school disability awareness education program for grades K-8, led by a person with lived disability experience. In this program, kids get to ask real questions, break down stereotypes, and learn to view the world through a truly inclusive lens. 

Inclusive Playgrounds: We know that play doesn’t discriminate, but far too many playgrounds do.  Playgrounds are often created without disabilities in mind. Variety Alberta believes every child deserves to play, so they partner with community and school groups on playground projects and offer design expertise, guidance on inclusive best practices, and assistance with organizational outreach. 

Health & Wellness: Living with a disability can be costly. Variety Alberta helps ease that burden by providing funding support for specialized therapies and equipment such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, continuous glucose monitors, and adapted technology (i.e. Brain Computer Interface) to support families. 

Sensory Backpacks: Their Sensory Backpacks are packed with fun, tactile and calming tools designed to help kids with sensory sensitivities navigate overwhelming environments with ease. You can find the sensory backpacks at multiple locations, including schools in Calgary, Edmonton, and across Alberta! 

Impact in Action 

Every program represents more than a service; it represents a child gaining confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a toddler driving their first adapted car, a child playing on a playground designed for them, or a student learning that disability is simply part of human diversity, Variety Alberta’s work creates lasting impact for children and families across the province. 

How You Can Help 

Variety Alberta’s work is made possible through community support, sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteerism.  

There are many ways to get involved: 

• Host a fundraiser 

• Workplace giving 

• Become a sponsor 

• Donate raffle or silent auction items 

• Make a monetary donation 

• Volunteer your time 

Be sure to follow Variety Alberta on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram to see inclusion in action across Alberta. 

We want to thank Variety Alberta for building communities where everyone belongs, and every child wins. Together, we can help ensure that children with disabilities and specialized needs are not just supported but celebrated.