Qualico Companies Unite to Help Kids with Complex Mobility Needs
Calgary, AB – Employees from five Qualico business units recently spent an afternoon assembling customized ride-on adaptive toy cars for children with multiple complex needs in support of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta.
After purchasing five standard ride-on cars, team members from the Southern Alberta Region, Communities, Properties, StreetSide Developments and Star Building Materials worked together to modify the vehicles for deserving families looking to make life a little easier for their kids.
Variety’s Go Baby Go program sets out to help toddlers and young children gain freedom of movement and a sense of independence. It allows young ones with complex needs to participate in everyday activities like joining their parents on a walk through the park or exploring their street with other kids their age.
Nina Wulder, Manager, Regional Communications & Community Investment, Qualico Southern Alberta, said it was a memorable day for all involved that included team building, problem-solving, and making a difference for parents who could use a helping hand.
“It was a very fun and emotional afternoon,” said Nina. “The kids that were more independent were ripping around in the cars immediately and the others were having fun with the help of their parents. There was so much joy, but also some emotional moments and tears.”
Nina pitched the idea of working with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta to Qualico companies throughout the region, and they were quick to jump on board. Working with Variety’s Go Baby Go team, each of the five business units purchased a car and special modification parts and committed a day of company time to put the kits together.
Kari Richardson, Director of Partnerships, Variety – The Children's Charity of Alberta, spoke to the how the program relies on help from the wider business community.
"Corporate partners like Qualico are critical to the success of Go Baby Go,” said Kari. “Their support directly helps children live fuller, more inclusive lives. We encourage other companies to get involved — it’s an investment not only in these amazing kids but in creating a community where everyone can thrive.”
Ashley Williams, General Manager, StreetSide Developments Calgary, said it was a special day to take part in the initiative.
“With just a few hours of our time, we were able to see the joy on the faces of the kids,” said Ashley. “It is something that will stay with us all for a long time. The smiles on these kids were so captivating”.
To make the day extra fun, Qualico Properties even built a mini racetrack to help the youngsters test drive their new wheels. Damon Mitchel, Commercial Operations Manager, Qualico Properties, said it was a terrific day for everyone involved.
“Bringing a large group together for a common goal like that was impressive. The organizers were great and ready to jump in when needed,” said Damon. “I think the cars will allow for more outdoor time for these kids, which I am sure everyone will enjoy”.
Joyce Franke, Director of Property Management, Qualico Properties, summed up the day by adding, “these cars will enable the kids to feel like they are just like all the other kids in the neighborhood, in fact they will probably have the BEST cars and be the envy of all! This was a very rewarding experience for everyone, and I thank Qualico for supporting this amazing charity and allowing us all to be part of it.”
To learn more about the Go Baby Go Program, visit Variety Alberta - The Children's Charity.
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