Returning to Living Life Without Limits
A blog series by Stephen Lee, CP Alberta Board Member
2022 – Returning to CPAA
Computers and technology have been pivotal in both my personal and professional life, especially throughout my 35-year career in IT with Environment Canada. I’ve had a fulfilling career, and I’m in a position to give back. I wanted to help individuals with Cerebral Palsy reach their full potential through technology.
With my generous donation, I was invited and attended the Hush Gala in Calgary in 2022. This was the first CPAA event that I attended in over 25 years. The Hush Gala is one of CPAA's major fundraisers. At the event, I was able to meet in person with Joanne Dorn (CEO) and other members of her team. I also met Patricia Wheatley, a board member, and Sean Crump, board president.
Next year, I attended the Gala, and instead of driving to Calgary that day, I went down a day early to see friends; unfortunately, my plans fell through. Joanne said a group was going to have dinner at the hotel and I could join them. The group included Armando Contreras, CEO and President of United Cerebral Palsy, an American organization made up of affiliated member organizations, one of which is CPAA. In recognition of CPAA' 50th, by holding their annual convention outside of the states for the first time in Calgary this year. Currently, two of CPAA's Board Members are trustees of the United Cerebral Palsy.
I stayed in touch with Joanne and expressed interest in rejoining the board, as I am retired and have time on my hands. I was talking to her, and she invited me to a board meeting. The board meetings are now held virtually over Zoom. A few days after the meeting, I was in Calgary for a few days visiting friends and had an opportunity to meet up with Joanne and Cindy Turnquist,
Director of Development & Communications, and tour the Life Without Limit Building. CPAA purchased the building a few years ago and just completed a major renovation to make it more accessible by installing an elevator and an adult changing table in the washroom. The building houses the staff in Calgary and provides space for programming. Also at that meetup, Joanne informed me that the board voted me onto the board.
The association offers programming through ComputAbilities, Dance Without Limits, Aqua Therapy, Music Therapy, Equine Therapy, and Adapted Gymnastics and emphasizes its support for people of all ages throughout Alberta. The CP Cares is funding that allows any member with a disability to apply for any extraordinary costs associated with day to day living, technology, programs, therapies, and equipment. One of the major focuses of the association is Early Intervention to ensure early diagnoses in order to receive rehabilitation therapy. The association has a Government Relations & Advocacy Advisor who advocates to the provincial government on behalf of people with all disabilities. CPAA partners and collaborates with many organizations to assist with achieving the of providing a life without limits to all persons with disabilities.
Besides the Hush Gala, CPAA has other fundraisers throughout the year such as poker "Poker For A Cause" in Calgary and "Golf Without" golf tournaments in Calgary and in Edmonton. The Calgary golf tournament sells out every year. CPAA runs a very successful Social Enterprise, "Go Green with CP" by collecting millions of pounds of clothing, small household items, and recyclable beverage containers each year through donation bins, home pick-ups, and community partnerships.
Fifty Years of Connections
The history described in these stories includes sports, fundraising, family support, recreation, education, technology, advocacy and community programs.
It includes the development of the Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association, the Great Canadian Stationary Bike Race, bursaries, recreation programs, local associations and fundraising events.
It also includes CPAA's growth from offices located in surplus classrooms to larger commercial facilities and eventually to the Life Without Limits Building.
The organization has continued to adapt as technology, programs and methods of delivering services have changed.
Today, CPAA provides programs and financial assistance, advocates on behalf of people with disabilities, supports early intervention and works with organizations throughout Alberta.
These activities form part of CPAA's 50-year history of supporting people with Cerebral Palsy and disabilities.
This series documents my involvement with that history—from becoming involved through sports in the early 1980s, joining the CPAA board in 1986, participating in fundraising and local organizations, and eventually returning to the board more than 25 years later.
Wishing CPAA a Happy 50th Anniversary and all the best to the next 50 years!
