Fundraisers and Campaigns
Expanding Our Reach
Events and campaigns are core to Inclusion Foothills' success.
First, we receive little funding directly from the government. The Family Support programs we offer, such as Sibshops, One-to-One Support, and the Resource Library, are made possible through grants and additional fundraising efforts. Monetary donations and corporate sponsorship are welcome as well.
Second, events are an opportunity to raise awareness about what we do and who we can help. Individuals with pan disabilities, their families, guardians and others connected to them, need to know they are not alone. We are here to advocate and connect them with the resources they need from care and support through employment.
Third, giving back to the community that supports Inclusion Foothills is important to us. There is much talent, beauty and good people to celebrate.
Expect The Unexpected Charity Golf Tournament
Date: July 23, 2024 - tee off @ 1pm
Spend a gorgeous July afternoon on the links with your friends or co-workers. Each year, a different golf course in the Foothills is the site of fun and raising funds for inclusive communities. The 4-player scramble includes 18 holes and a golf cart capped off by a reception, delicious dinner, and silent auction.
Don’t have a foursome to sign up? No worries! We welcome singles, doubles, and threesomes to signup and be placed on a team of four. This is a great chance to meet new golf enthusiasts as well as individuals or parents of children that have taken our programs. As well, you create a memorable and valuable experience for our program participants.
Register individually ($200) or as a team ($760)
Charitable Chairs
Date: July - Aug 2025
Imagine relaxing in your one-of-a-kind custom painted Muskoka chair knowing you made a difference towards inclusive living. Inclusion-minded local businesses and community members come together in this fun and creative way to raise awareness and funds. Participating businesses receive their “blank canvas” Muskoka chair and have their masterpieces painted in time for mid-July.
View the chairs, then purchase tickets online or in-person at the High River and Okotoks Farmers' Markets until the draw time.
Draw Date: August 14, 2025
Draw Time: 6pm
Cost: $5/ticket per chair ($10/ticket for chair pairs)
Raffle winners are drawn according to AGLC rules. In order to purchase tickets, at the time of purchase you:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be within the province of Alberta
- Cannot be an employee or Board Member of Inclusion Foothills Assoc.
Spring & Winter Markets
Dates: May and December 2025
Our downtown seasonal Spring and Winter Markets raise money for Inclusion Foothills while supporting the many talented local crafters and makers in our area. Take in the Spring Market with the Little Britches Parade on the May Long Weekend. The Winter Market is open for Christmas shopping on the first Friday and Saturday in December. Get in the holiday mood being at the heart of Light Up George Lane Park and Santa Claus Parade.
The Winter and Spring Markets provide much needed program funding during the early months of the year. Proceeds often make the difference in continuing services or not. The Markets offer an indirect benefit as well. Individuals in our inclusive employment programs have short-term employment to help vendors from set up through take down. More than 80 small business witness first-hand how people with barriers can provide quality services.
We are grateful to be part of two local fundraising initiatives that support our programs while raising awareness about the importance of inclusion.
Rogers Birdies For Kids
Date: donations accepted until August 31, 2025
The Rogers Birdies For Kids presented by Altalink coincides with the Rogers Charity Classic each August. In addition to engaging the community with the golf tournament, the program helps to increase donations and provide matching funds to make contributions go even further.
Western Wheel Cares
Date: November 1 - December 31, 2024
Since 2012, Western Wheels Cares is an annual campaign that collects contributions primarily from Foothills’ area businesses and individuals, and distributes the funds to participating charities. With the campaign spanning the holiday season, Western Wheel Cares donations are put towards ensuring Family Supports Programs can be offered in the early months of the new year.
Poker Rally Car Cruise
Date: August 16, 2025
Inclusion Foothills Association, in partnership with River City Classics, Big Rock Auto Club, Diamond Valley Car Club, and Eamon's Garage Historical Society, host the annual Poker Rally Car (and Bike) Cruise. Auto enthusiasts of all kinds are invited to join us for a joyful adventure around the Foothills. Check-in at all of the assigned rally points and get your poker hands punched. Best hand wins! Return to Eamon's Garage for a BBQ dinner and festivities. Classic cars are not a requirement, only enthusiasm.
Drivers and passengers can register at one of the three starting locations.
Registration: 9am at Eamon's Garage
Rally starts: 10am
Rally ends: 4pm
Over But Not Forgotten
While two of our most popular fundraisers have come to a close, we look back with fond memories and look forward to our exciting new ways to connect with the community.
Show the Love! HeArt Gala
Final gala: 2020
Showing the Love, One Picture at a Time
February is the month for hearts and love. The HeArt Gala celebrated a love for art and our talented local artists in a fun-filled evening.
The event began in 2009 and quickly became a popular annual fundraiser. Proceeds from art show and silent auction helped fund much-needed programs at Inclusion Foothills like Sibshops, and, One-to-One Support.
The creativity and laughter that flowed through each gala continues to fill our new fundraisers.
Leather 'n' Chaps
Final ride: 2021
