Summary

• 60 volunteers from 10 Qualico business units in Calgary built 10 adaptive ride-on cars for children with mobility challenges
• The initiative was delivered in partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta
• Employees contributed 300 volunteer hours in one day toward Qualico’s broader Volunteer Day efforts

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Calgary, AB – Sixty Qualico volunteers gathered in Calgary to build and adapt ride-on cars for children with mobility challenges, creating a hands-on Volunteer Day experience centred on independence, inclusion, and community impact.

Working across 10 business units, employees customized cars through the Go Baby Go initiative, giving children new ways to move, play, and connect with the world around them.

By the end of the day, volunteers had contributed 300 hours toward Qualico’s broader Volunteer Day efforts and had a direct view of how their time could make a meaningful difference for families in their community.

Supporting independence

Led by Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta, the Go Baby Go program transforms ride-on toys into adaptive vehicles tailored to each child’s specific needs. The cars support independence, encourage social interaction, and help children build key developmental skills.

“Having Qualico and its family of companies beside us means we can bring this life-changing experience directly to children and families in our community,” said Kari Richardson, Director of Partnerships, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta. “Their employees invest their time, energy, and care by building and adapting each car, then meeting the child who will receive it. That hands-on involvement creates a meaningful connection between the volunteers and the families they are supporting.”

Kari said the partnership continues to grow in both reach and impact, helping improve the lives of children across Alberta while encouraging others to get involved.

“Our team was grateful to participate in the event this year,” said Natalia Beilin, Director, Property Management, Rancho. “Seeing the children’s excitement, along with the smiles on their families’ faces, truly captured what the day was about. It reinforced that even a small contribution of our time can make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. This experience was incredibly rewarding and one we will remember for a long time.”

Qualico collaboration expands the build

The initiative has grown steadily as more employees and business units have come together to support the program.

“Over time, the partnership has expanded both in participation and impact,” said Claudio Palumbo, Regional Vice-President, Southern Alberta, Qualico. “This year’s build brought together employees from multiple business units to deliver our largest Go Baby Go event to date. It reflects the collaboration, shared purpose, and commitment to community that define Qualico.”

Hosting the event at Star Building Materials gave volunteers the room to work in teams, organize the builds, and welcome families for the final road test, helping the day run smoothly from start to finish.

“Initiatives like this give people the chance to collaborate outside their everyday roles while making a lasting difference in the community,” said Richard Tunnicliffe, Director, Branch Operations, Star Building Materials. “Corporate responsibility is not just about financial support; it is also about taking time and creating space for people to work together to make a difference in the communities where we live and work.”

A road test turns impact into a lasting memory

For volunteers, the experience extended beyond the build itself, especially when the children saw and tested their cars for the first time.

“The most memorable moment was seeing the car come together and knowing every adjustment was made with Charlie in mind,” said Debbie Burnett, Executive Assistant, Qualico Properties. “It was inspiring to watch everyone bring their skills and energy together for one shared purpose. There was a real sense of excitement and pride knowing the finished car would soon be part of such a special milestone for Charlie.”

A mini racetrack was built on the basketball court outside the Star Building Materials building for a road test, giving children a chance to try their new cars and giving volunteers a memorable view of the impact.

“Without question, knowing the car we helped build will give a child greater independence and mobility is an incredible feeling,” said Don O’Dwyer, Director, Development, StreetSide. “When you see the children in the driver’s seat for the first time, with their sibling beside them, it creates a moment that is hard to put into words.”

For Rebecca Reeves, Marketing Coordinator, Star Building Materials, that impact came through one joyful handoff.

“The most memorable moment was delivering the car to Hank,” said Rebecca. “When we told him it was his, his eyes lit up and he had the biggest smile on his face. He climbed in and suddenly started driving in reverse while we ran alongside him, trying to buckle him in. He was laughing the most incredible, contagious laugh. It was such a joyful and unforgettable moment.”

Those moments are what define Go Baby Go. What begins as a one-day event becomes something far more meaningful, giving children a new way to experience independence while giving employees a direct connection to the impact they can make together in the communities they serve.

To learn more about the Go Baby Go program, visit Variety Alberta – The Children’s Charity