Give Amplify Connect Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation

Experience the ride of a lifetime with Laura Istead, Executive Director of Two Wheel View, as we pedal through stories of transformation and empowerment. On this episode, we're not just talking about bikes; we're revealing how these two-wheeled machines are unlocking potential and building independence in Calgary's youth. Laura takes us on a tour of the Earn-A-Bike program, an inspiring 10-week course for youth in grades 7-12, culminating in the ultimate prize—a re-furbished bike of their own, complete with the skills to keep it, and themselves, moving forward.

As the conversation shifts gears, we learn about the vital link between bicycles and broader opportunities for teens, such as improving school attendance and job prospects. Laura illuminates the successes of the GAP Employability Program, now in its 13th cohort, and its dedication to equipping young adults with more than just bike skills—think financial literacy, workers' rights, and a road map to adulthood. These programs aren’t just creating cyclists; they’re crafting future leaders and community champions, one spoke at a time.

Wrapping up, our journey with Laura examines the generosity that fuels Two Wheel View, with nearly 1700 donated bikes in 2023 sparking change across Calgary. We also take a peek into the work Laura is doing on the Social Sector Social initiative in efforts to uplift local nonprofits. So pedal with us as we celebrate the power of community, the joy of giving, and the impact of simple machines on complex lives. Join the movement that's more than just a bike ride—it's a ride towards a better future for all.

Key Messages
Introducing Two Wheel ViewEarn a Bike Program GAP Employability ProgramGAP 2.0 Kicking OffBike Shop Social EnterpriseDonate a BikeContinuing Cycles with Other Non-ProfitsCorporate Team BuildsRecycling BikesHow Laura Got InvolvedCollaborating with Biking OrganizationsSocial Sector SocialHow you can Give Amplify Connect with Two Wheel ViewJoin our Lifecycle team Who Inspires Laura?About Our Guest
 Laura Istead is the Executive Director of Two Wheel View. Starting at Two Wheel View as an intern on with a three-month contact, Laura is currently in her 13th year as a member of the Two Wheel View team. During her time with Two Wheel View, she and her team have grown the organization from 3 staff and 12 participants a year to a team of 30 that works with hundreds of youth and thousands of bicycles each year.  

What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com


Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun

Imagine a space where the voices of our youth don't just resonate, but actively shape the future of mental health care. That's the reality Meghan Provost has helped forge as a member of Kickstand's Youth Action Council, and in this episode, she sits with Katherine Hay, the organization's visionary Executive Director, to discuss Kickstand's transformative impact on mental health services for young people in Alberta. Katherine paints a future where access to mental health support is not a maze but a straight line, and Meghan reveals how her personal journey with the council has been nothing short of empowering.

As the conversation unfolds, you'll be inspired by Kickstand's innovative strategies, like their "More Good Days" text service, which sends a jolt of positivity to subscribers daily. Learn how a partnership with the Mental Health Foundation is not just a handshake but a powerful alliance that elevates Kickstand's mission to new heights. And if you're moved to take action, discover the myriad ways to contribute to the cause—be it through advocacy, participating on the Youth Action Council, or steering donations to fuel progressive mental health initiatives. This is more than a podcast episode; it's a call to join a movement that's redefining what it means to support our youth.

Key Messages
Meet Meghan Provost & Katherine HayWhat is Kickstand? How youth can get involvedWho is Kickstand for?Get daily messages by texting “More Good Days” to 393939The story behind KickstandPrograms, services and providersWhat can you do  Share Kickstand posts on InstagramMental Health Foundation connection  Book an appointmentGet involvedInspiration: Access Open Minds & Kickstand PartnersAbout Our Guests
Katherine Hay (she/her/hers) has worked in the mental health and substance use services field since 1997.  Katherine has been a tireless advocate for recovery oriented, person centered care, that focuses on the whole person and the environments in which they want to live, work and play.  
Meghan Provost (she/her/hers), a first-year Communications student at MacEwan University, serves as a dedicated Youth Action Council member at Kickstand, passionately advocating for youth mental health.  

What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com


Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun

When DeAnn Hunter speaks, you feel the passion for her work echo through her words—a passion that's vitally important to every community. As the board chair of the Mental Health Foundation, she joins us to share the remarkable progress being made in Alberta's mental health landscape. DeAnn's path in mental health advocacy is as personal as it is professional, shaped by a deep understanding of the critical role that support systems play in our lives. Our conversation is a beacon of hope, illuminating how the Foundation is tirelessly working to make mental health care accessible for all and to shatter the stigma so often attached to mental illness.

This episode is a journey through the interconnected worlds of mental health across various sectors, with an unexpected detour into the construction industry, revealing the profound need for dedicated mental health programs. DeAnn's heartfelt work with Big Brothers Big Sisters serves as a testament to the power of volunteerism, a gentle reminder of the human capacity for kindness and the transformative impact of community involvement. You're invited to get to know the groundbreaking work of Kickstand, a youth-led virtual wellness hub, and the Mental Health Foundation's upcoming events, including their annual fundraising breakfast, that champion mental well-being. Together we explore the serious, often underestimated responsibility of board service and how aligning your skills with an organization's needs can lead to fulfilling service. Join us to understand the steps being taken towards a future of mental wellness and the importance of fostering both personal and community health.

Get your ticket to the Mental Health Foundation Breakfast on February 27th, 2024. 

About Our Guest
DeAnn Hunter is the Board Chair of the Mental Health Foundation and also the CEO of Edmonton John Howard Society. DeAnn is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years in business, health care and the community sector. She is known for driving transformational change, maximizing operational excellence and building collaborations to enhance the lives of individuals. DeAnn is passionate about mental health and community development. She has held numerous community board appointments including Board Chair for Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters, Board Chair for Terra Centre and her current Board role with the Mental Health Foundation. DeAnn holds an undergraduate degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice and a MBA in executive leadership. In her spare time, DeAnn enjoys playing and watching sports and running in Edmonton’s beautiful river valley.

What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com


Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun

Ever wondered how we can combat food waste and food insecurity? Join us in an enlightening conversation with Cory Rianson, Executive Director of the Leftovers Foundation, an organization that has been tackling these pressing issues since 2012. Cory takes us on a journey from the inception of the Leftovers Foundation to its growth across Alberta and into Manitoba, debunks common misconceptions about food insecurity, and reveals the concerning issue of student food insecurity.

Discover how the Leftovers Foundation has harnessed the power of technology to improve the efficiency of food rescue, a practice with significant environmental and social benefits. We discuss their innovative app, Rescue Food, that connects volunteers with businesses looking to donate food. But that's not all, Cory also introduces us to the world of their Home Harvest program, a unique initiative aimed at reducing food waste by redirecting good food from landfills to tables.

Our conversation takes an inspiring turn as we learn about other organizations and individuals making waves in their respective communities. Tune in, be informed, and most importantly, be inspired to take action against food waste and insecurity in your own communities.

If you'd like to get involved with Leftovers we encourage you to volunteer. Visit their volunteer page here and download the app to give volunteering a try! Or sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date with what's happening.

About Our Guest
Cory Rianson is the Executive Director of Leftovers, and has worked for the past seven years leading organizations focused on reducing food insecurity. Prior to running the Leftovers Foundation, he managed a small food bank, growing the organization from a source of crisis food for those in need to a food security hub delivering a wide range of programming focused on reducing food insecurity. His goal is to take Leftovers even further in its food rescue mission, rescuing more and different types of food. Why should good food be rotting in landfill and emitting greenhouse gases, when it can go to those who need it? Good food should not go to waste!"
Who Inspires Cory? Multicultural Health Brokers & Saffron 



What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com


Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun

Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with Laurie Edward, the Executive Director of the Banff Canmore Foundation, on this episode of Give Amplify Connect. Join us as we explore the incredible work being done by the foundation in the Bow Valley community. From truth and reconciliation initiatives to supporting mental health, and providing funds for affordable housing, the Banff Canmore Foundation is making a real impact.

Discover how the foundation responds to urgent needs and unexpected challenges, and learn how you can get involved in creating lasting change. Plus, find out how small gifts can make a big difference and how you can create a donor-advised fund to support projects that matter to you.

Don't miss this insightful conversation on activating community potential and building a better future for everyone through your local community foundation.

Visit the Banff Canmore Foundation's brand new website
www.banffcanmorefoundation.org

About Our Guest
Laurie Edward is passionate about philanthropy, inclusive community and collaborating to achieve shared aspirations. Laurie brings to her work many years of experience in program innovation, community engagement, and strategic management in many sectors including post-secondary education, national retail, financial services, and public land policy advocacy. She has held program management roles at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and Mountain Equipment Co-op. Laurie has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from McGill University and an MBA from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. She recharges by getting outside and loves to backcountry ski, run, bike, paddle and climb. Laurie and her partner and young son live in Canmore.
Email: ledward@banffcanmorefoundation.org



What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com


Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun

Get ready to be inspired by our remarkable guest, Kim Presser, CEO of Between Friends. Be moved by her journey from a camp counselor to the head of an organization that profoundly impacts lives. Kim passionately shares the values that drive Between Friends: connection, growth, and belonging, illustrating how they not only uplift members but also deeply touch the hearts of volunteers and staff. Discover the magic of Camp Bonaventure, a unique summer camp that creates an authentic experience for children of all abilities, ensuring everyone has an unforgettable summer.

Also, join us as we shine a spotlight on Between Friends' fundraising feats, including their annual golf tournament that raised an astounding $107,000. Get insights into their other successful initiatives like the year-end campaign and the Friends in Motion event. Kim also expresses her deep appreciation for the Calgary Adapted Hub and their significant role in providing city-wide program training for kids.

Get Involved with Between Friends

About our Guest
Kimberley Presser is a dedicated visionary and trailblazer, currently serving as the CEO of Between Friends; an organization committed to providing quality social, recreation and development opportunities so that people with disabilities can connect, grow and belong.
In 2006, Kimberley's unyielding passion for making a difference led her to Calgary, where she joined the team at Camp Bonaventure as a group leader. Little did she know that this move would not only change her career trajectory but also shape her lifelong purpose. Between Friends quickly became more than a workplace—it became her second home, igniting her dedication to fostering equal opportunities and transforming lives.

As the CEO of Between Friends, she has spearheaded initiatives that challenge societal norms and perceptions, aiming to dismantle barriers that hinder the full participation of people with disabilities in recreational activities. Her tenacious drive to bridge gaps and cultivate an inclusive environment has touched the lives of countless individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Kimberley's influence extends beyond the boardroom. Her advocacy efforts have sparked collaborations through the Alberta Abilities Network with community partners, government agencies, and like-minded organizations, amplifying the impact of her mission.

With a remarkable ability to inspire, innovate, and lead by example, Kimberley Presser continues to be a guiding light in the journey towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.



What is Give Amplify Connect?

There’s a story behind every action. Give Amplify Connect is a podcast from the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation that gives a voice to the Alberta-based charitable organizations creating community impact, changing lives, and making a difference. Driven by honest conversations with host Kristy Wolfe, it’s a chance for passionate changemakers to share their story.

Learn more at wolfepackwarriors.com


Podcast music used with artist permission
"Okay" by Ellen Braun