Inclusion Lethbridge

A Night of Belonging: Thank You, Lethbridge

What an extraordinary evening. As we begin to sift through the photos, video's and memories of last Saturday...

On behalf of everyone at Inclusion Lethbridge, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every person who joined us for our Spring Gala. Together, we celebrated something truly powerful: a community where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

The stories shared throughout the evening reminded us why inclusion matters. We heard about challenges overcome, barriers broken, friendships formed, and lives transformed when people are welcomed not just into the room, but into the heart of their community. The inspiring presentation by Katrina Neil and Kaleb Neil touched everyone in attendance, illustrating how belonging can change the course of a life and create opportunities that once seemed impossible.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, donors, and community partners whose generosity made this event possible. Your support helps create programs, advocacy initiatives, and opportunities that empower individuals and families throughout our region. Your investment in inclusion strengthens our entire community.

To our guests and attendees, thank you for believing in our mission and for showing up with such enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment. The energy in the room was a powerful reminder that Lethbridge is a community that cares deeply about ensuring every person has the chance to participate, contribute, and succeed.

We also want to recognize the incredible volunteers and staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. From months of planning and preparation to the countless details that made the evening run so smoothly, your dedication, professionalism, and passion were evident in every aspect of the event. The success of the gala is a direct reflection of your hard work and commitment.

We were honored to welcome community leaders, educators, advocates, families, and supporters from across our city. From celebrating recipients of the Betty Grigg Inclusive Education Award to hearing stories of resilience, achievement, and connection, the evening showcased the very best of what inclusion can look like in action.

As we reflect on this year's gala, we are filled with gratitude and hope. The conversations, connections, and shared experiences of the evening reaffirmed that inclusion is not simply an idea—it is something we build together every day.

Thank you for helping us create a community where every person is welcomed, respected, valued, and celebrated.

We look forward to continuing this important work alongside all of you. Together, we are building a more inclusive Lethbridge.

A heartfelt thank you to Chief Mehdizadeh for joining us at the Inclusion Lethbridge Gala on Saturday evening.

We were deeply honoured to have your presence as we celebrated the power of community, belonging, and inclusion. Your words about creating a community where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive reflect the very vision that drives our work every day.

Partnerships and support from community leaders help strengthen the message that inclusion is not just an aspiration—it is a shared responsibility. Your attendance demonstrated a commitment to recognizing the contributions, talents, and potential of people of all abilities, and we are grateful for your support.

Thank you for standing alongside Inclusion Lethbridge and helping champion a community where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and flourish. Together, we continue building a more inclusive Lethbridge for all.

As we count down to Saturday’s Inclusion Lethbridge Gala, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible sponsors and community champions helping make this unforgettable evening possible.

Your generosity, belief in inclusion, and commitment to our community help create opportunities, connection, and belonging for individuals and families across Lethbridge.

Thank you to:

94.1 CJOC - Lethbridge 98.1 The Ranch98.1 .com
Tracey Dumonceau & Kristin Brown – The Power of More of More Real Estate Team
Reside Custom Builders
National Salvagel Salvage
Crossings Dental
BDI Play Designs Inc.
Westminster Liquor
Southern Irrigation
Prairie Cedar

Because of your support, Inclusion Lethbridge can continue empowering and celebrating people of all abilities. We are so grateful to have you alongside us for this special night. 💙

📢 The Government of Alberta has launched an ADAP Estimator tool.
While this is not a comprehensive assessment, it may be helpful for individuals, families, and service providers who are trying to better understand how the proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) changes could affect them.

We also encourage our community to read advocacy perspectives and plain-language breakdowns of the proposed changes. Zachary Weeks has shared an informative blog discussing this calculator for ADAP, and concerns being raised by the disability community, and what these changes could mean for Albertans with disabilities.

🔗 Read Zachary Weeks’ blog here:
https://www.zacharyweeks.ca/blog/aish-adap-calculator

As always, we encourage individuals and families to review information carefully, ask questions, and stay informed as discussions around disability supports continue across Alberta. 💙

AISH and ADAP Benefit Estimator Released in Alberta | Zachary Weeks — Zachary Weeks The Government of Alberta has released the new AISH and ADAP benefit estimator. Learn what the tool includes, what it leaves out, and what disabled Albertans should know.

📣 Have You Applied for FSCD? CBC Wants to Hear From Families.
CBC Calgary has launched a survey for families who have applied for Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD). Whether you’re currently waiting for support or have already navigated the process, your experiences matter.
For many families, timely access to services can make a significant difference — yet there is very little publicly available information about wait times and barriers to accessing support. This survey is an important opportunity to help shine a light on the realities families are facing across Alberta.
🗣️ Your voice can help inform public awareness and future conversations around disability supports.
📱 Scan the QR code in the image below to complete the survey before June 5.
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with families, caregivers, and community members who may want to participate. 💙

Inclusion Lethbridge Association is the proud recipient of a 2026 Henry S. Varley Rural Life Grant, from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta. Through our project, "Financial Literacy in Rural Communities", we hope to bring information and solid strategies about financial planning, coping with money anxiety, and basic financial tools, to folks in rural communities. These sessions are intended for (but not limited to) people who may be receiving limited employment income, may be dependent on income support, and/or may be living with a disability or assisting a friend or family member with a disability.

These Financial Literacy events will be posted on our page and on our website in the coming months. Please stay tuned for a free workshop appearing in a town near you!

Thank you to the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta!