Give Amplify Connect – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Can adaptive sports truly transform lives? Chloe Giroux is here to share her incredible journey, from a life-altering dirt biking accident to discovering a passion for adaptive sports that reignited her life. Just weeks after leaving the hospital, Chloe found herself on the slopes with Rocky Mountain Adaptive, where she not only embraced skiing but also ventured into mountain biking and kayaking. Thanks to the support of the Wolfe Pack Warriors Adaptive Sport Leadership Bursary, Chloe advanced from participant to certified coach and recreational programmer, highlighting the profound impact these accessible sports can have, not just on individuals, but on entire communities.

We also bring you the stories behind the scenes at Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Discover how this organization is not only offering a diverse range of activities like skiing, snowboarding, and camping but are also changing lives for families and caregivers. As part of our "Give, Amplify, Connect" podcast series, we spotlight the incredible efforts of Alberta-based nonprofits, encouraging listeners to connect with causes that resonate with them. Join us to learn how Rocky Mountain Adaptive is creating inclusive adventures and empowering individuals with physical or neurodivergent challenges to embrace the outdoors and rediscover their passions.

Other Links Mentioned

• Participate. Learn. Excel. The Origin Story of RMA
• Rocky Mountain Adaptive 
  • Adventures
  • Events
  • Get Involved
  • Donate
  • Bowhead FAQ
• Wolfe Pack Warriors Original Partnership with RMA

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

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Josh Wong, a dedicated burns and plastic surgeon, and Owen Chatwin, a passionate firefighter and secretary of the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society. We explore Josh's incredible journey from architecture to burn care, guided by his profound experiences in Southeast Asia, and Owen's unwavering commitment to supporting burn victims. The heroic efforts of these individuals, along with the heartwarming contributions of veteran nurse Laura Vey, showcase the powerful community bonds and mutual admiration between healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.

Experience the profound impact of camp programs designed especially for young burn victims and their siblings, where peer support and shared experiences offer unparalleled emotional healing. Listen as we highlight the advanced technologies and specialized care provided at the Burn Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital, made possible through financial donations and social media engagement. The courage and dedication of full-time firefighters, alongside the inspiring stories of burn survivors, reflect the relentless passion driving the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society. Tune in to discover how you can be a part of this vital cause and make a difference in the lives of many.

Other Links Mentioned

• Turn up the Heat Firefighter Calendar
• Burn Awareness Week Feb 2-8 2025
• EFBTS Events including their Gala and Golf Tournament 

About Our Guests
Dr. Josh Wong completed his medical school, residency in Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and a Master of Science in peripheral nerve regeneration at the University of Alberta. After further specialization he returned to the University of Alberta and works as an academic associate professor of surgery with particular interest in burns, cold injury, trauma, complex wounds and skin malignancies. Dr. Wong is the clinical competency chair for the residency program as well as the quality assurance officer of the Edmonton Firefighters’ Burn Treatment Center.

Owen Chatwin is a firefighter with the City of Edmonton, serving for nine years and currently stationed at Station 17 in Castledowns. He has been actively involved with the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society for four years, now serving as Secretary and Social Media Director. Owen enjoys the Society’s activities, fundraisers, and especially the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp for Children, where he spends a week with burn survivors. Supported by his wife Becky and their dog Bernie, he dedicates many hours to the charity.

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

Have you ever wondered how sports can transform lives and address equity gaps in Indigenous communities? Join us for this special episode of Give*Amplify*Connect where we share inspiring stories from Spirit North, an organization dedicated to creating sports opportunities for Indigenous youth. Meredith Bratland, Spirit North's director of communications, and a dynamic team of voices – Jennifer MacPherson, Robi Fish, Gabriel (Gabby) Hall, and Megan Imrie – discuss the incredible impact of land-based sports on their lives and the importance of including multiple perspectives in this conversation.

Get ready to be moved by real-life stories, such as Robi's account of a student's journey learning to ride a bike at Nakoda Elementary School and the joy it brought to the entire community. Hear about Gabby and Megan's passion for giving back through sports and how their experiences have shaped their outlook on life. Learn about the power of community and the lessons they've gained through working with Spirit North, from listening to youth and co-creating with communities, to respecting Indigenous traditions and fostering healthy connections. Don't miss the chance to discover the transforming power of sport and the incredible work being done by Spirit North to create access and opportunity for all.

About Spirit North:

Spirit North is a national charitable organization that uses land-based activities to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous youth, empowering them to become unstoppable in sport, school and life. Working in partnership with schools and communities, Spirit North delivers programs to over 10,000 Indigenous youth in 83 communities and 134 schools in Western Canada and the Northwest Territories. 

• Learn more about Spirit North here
• Sign up for their newsletter here
• Check out their job postings here
• View the Photo Voice exhibit here 

About our Guests:

Meredith Bratland - Director of Communication @11:15 Meredith talks about Spirit North's youth leadership program

Megan Imrie - Program Development Manager @7:53 Megan shares about listening and co-creating with community

Jennifer MacPherson - Regional Coordinator @13:31 Jennifer discusses multi-week programs building confidence

Gabriel Hall - Spirit North Leader @3:40 Gabby explains how he first  got involved with Spirit North

Robi Fish - Spirit North Leader @18:13 Robi tells a story about the bike program at Nakoda Elementary 

In this Episode:

0:15 Learning From Spirit North Voices
3:40 Spirit North Connections
6:16 Lessons earned
11:58 Biking with Spirit North
15:56 Empowering Youth Through Photo Voice
24:52 Give Amplify Connect  

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 Kristy & Harrison Wolfe's son Kane needed help, the Stollery Children's Hospital was there for him. The impact this hospital has had on countless families is immeasurable, and raising funds for children's healthcare is a mission that closely aligns with the Wolfe Pack Warriors Foundation.

In this conversation, Kristy connects with Mike House, President and CEO of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, as he shares his personal journey in children's healthcare and the importance of fundraising efforts like Crescendo and Life Cycle, two fundraising events supporting both the Stollery and Alberta Children's Hospital Foundations.

Investing in children's health is essential, and that's why the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation is working to build a new children's hospital in Alberta. Mike and Kristy discuss the challenges that come with operating within an adult hospital, and how collaboration with other organizations is crucial in overcoming these obstacles. Mike also shares ways you can contribute to this meaningful cause and support the Stollery Children's Hospital right now. Learn more at  stollerytomorrowandtoday.com

Lastly, we delve into the impact of philanthropy on children and their families, exploring how teaching the value of generosity can start at a young age. We celebrate the work of a variety of nonprofits organizations across Alberta, including the 70+ healthcare foundations,  the Alberta Cancer Foundation  and MyKickstand.ca with its wraparound care services.

In this episode:

1. Crescendo: A John Cameron Experience  (0:40)
2. Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation (3:05)
3. Mike's Personal Health Journey (5:25)
4. Stollery Tomorrow & Today (11:27) 
5. How can you Give Amplify Connect? (19:01)
6. Life Cycle: Cycling Challenge (22:51)
7. Impact on Kids (26:55)
8. Who inspires Mike? (37:18)

About our guest

Mike House is the President & CEO of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, committed to funding excellence at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, located across four hospital sites in Alberta.  In addition to supporting children’s physical and mental health across the province, the Stollery is also heavily involved in pediatric research, indigenous health, and helping to recruit and train the next generation of medical professionals for our community.  Mike’s commitment to kids is echoed in the Foundation’s vision to give kids the best chance at a long and healthy life.  That resonates deeply with him, as he himself had life-saving surgery as a baby and toddler and beat the odds of survival.

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

Welcome to episode two of Give Amplify Connect. Today we are talking with Catherine Feenstra, a longtime champion of philanthropic fundraising. Catherine now oversees Community Initiatives & Events with the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation (ACHF). She shares some of the events the Foundation manages as the primary fundraiser for Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary. We also discuss the direct impact these events have on those who need it most— kids and their families, as these events enable world-class care for thousands of kids whose lives depend on it.

In this episode:

1. Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. (Intro)
2. What inspires the work of the Foundation? (2:49)
3. Get involved—help kids. (5:55) 
4. Life Cycle Virtual Cycling Event. (7:35)
5. Join the Wolfe Pack Warriors Life Cycle Team! (9:55)
6. Crescendo and other events (12:35)
7. How can you Give Amplify Connect? (16:30)

About Our Guest

Catherine Feenstra is the Community Initiatives & Events Manager with the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. She oversees all the Foundation's signature events, including Life Cycle and CRESCENDO and has over 20 years of fund development and event planning experience. She is the proud mom to two adult daughters who have shaped her non-profit work at organizations focusing on children and families.

Catherine invites you to join other generous participants for Life Cycle, CRESCENDO and any of the other outstanding events that support kids and families who rely on care at the Alberta Children's Hospital.
Visit childrenshospital.ab.ca.

About Life Cycle
Every year, thousands of children and families rely on the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the Alberta Children’s Hospital for expert pediatric care. Together, we can ensure that, in addition to providing the best treatments possible for kids’ injuries and illnesses, specialists have the resources to care for their spirits as well.

This June, we're riding to move kids' health forward!
Join the Wolfe Pack Warriors team here OR Donate to a rider here  


CRESCENDO info & tickets https://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/event/crescendo/

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

In this, our first episode of Give Amplify Connect, we are talking with Glori Meldrum. As a survivor of child sexual abuse, Glori founded Little Warriors and the Be Brave Ranch, a first-of-its-kind, world-class, evidence-based treatment centre to help children, teens and families around the world who have been impacted by sexual abuse.  

Little Warriors is a national, charitable organization based in Alberta, Canada focused on the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. They also advocate on behalf of and with child sexual abuse survivors. The organization’s most recent project is the creation of Our Lighthouse – a treatment centre for adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

Who do you know that could benefit from knowing about Little Warriors? 

In this episode:

1. Little Warriors and The Be Brave Ranch. (Intro)
2. God’s whisper. (6:00) 
3. Mental health: surrender, grit, and resilience. (12:19)
4. Our Lighthouse. (20:09)
5. How can you help? (24:22)
6. Who inspires you? (28:26)

About Our Guest

Glori Meldrum is a business leader, sexual abuse survivor, mother, author, motivational speaker, and non-profit founder, with a driving passion to protect our children and advocate for sexual abuse survivors. A charismatic catalyst, Glori has an undeniable gift for cutting through the noise and unearthing opportunities to create positive change.

Her ability to channel her experiences into life-changing initiatives for others demonstrates the resilience and greater purpose of her soul. Her work at Little Warriors and the Be Brave Ranch has led to ground-breaking, science-backed, and trauma-informed treatment for child sexual abuse survivors and their families. 

One of the lessons that Glori’s experience has taught her is to be more present and to allow herself to be vulnerable. By sharing her story and vulnerabilities it has allowed her to feel more whole, happy, and content in life. It is in that vulnerability and leading from a place of love that she started to build beautiful things. What started off as a dream, has changed the course of so many lives and it continues to for future generations.

Find out how you can help Little Warriors.

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

Meet Laura Vey, the dedicated Burn Camp Director from the Alberta Firefighters Burn Camp for Children. In this episode Laura shares the incredible journey and mission of the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society. Hear from Shelley Cormier and her children Tristan and Savannah as they recount how the camp has profoundly transformed their lives. Laura walks us through the camp's empowering activities like high ropes courses and whitewater rafting, while Shelley highlights the remarkable boost in Tristan's self-esteem and emotional health. Tristan and Savannah open up about the strong friendships and invaluable sense of belonging they discovered at the camp.

We also spotlight the tremendous support from the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital and the vital role of the University Hospital Foundation in advancing burn care. You'll hear heartfelt testimonials from families and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the camp’s significant impact. This episode is a tapestry of resilience, community support, and inspiring stories that underline the transformative power of compassion and care.

About Our Guests

Laura Vey is a Registered Nurse on the Edmonton FireFighter's Burn Treatment Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital and Burn Camp Director.

Meet the Cormier Family: Mom Shelley, an inspired yoga and meditation teacher, turned her trauma into a mission to give back. Dad Mac works tirelessly to build their family's dreams, while Tristan, a burn survivor, advocates for self-love and enjoys beatboxing and ninja warrior training. Savannah, full of life and creativity, embraces arts, singing, dancing, and ninja warrior activities despite battling juvenile idiopathic arthritis, uveitis, and glaucoma. Together, they enjoy traveling, living minimally, and giving back to the community, always coming back stronger through life's difficulties and ups and downs. 

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

Have you ever wondered about the impact  Canadian Blood Services has on patient lives? Join us for a compelling conversation with Jhoanna Del Rosario as she walks us through the many ways you can support Canadian Blood Services beyond blood donation. From financial contributions to registering for stem cell and organ donations, there are numerous avenues to make a difference. Jhoanna shares details about the impactful, Assignment Saving Lives, bursary scholarship program designed to recruit new donors among post-secondary students and emphasizes the urgent need for donations, especially from diverse ethnic groups.  

During the episode Jhoanna opens up about her own father's battle with stage four lung cancer in the Philippines and how that personal experience highlighted the contrast between blood donation systems in Canada and abroad. Her story is a powerful reminder of why a reliable blood donation system is crucial, and how her passion has driven the growth of the Partners for Life program, ensuring a steady supply of blood for those in need.

Key Messages in the Episode

• Jhoanna’s Story
• Why Canadian Blood Services
• Partners for Life
• Assignment Saving Lives
• How to donate blood & other ways to support
• Calgary’s New Blood Donor Centre

About Our Guests

Jhoanna Del Rosario is the Community Development Manager for Canadian Blood Services Calgary. Jhoanna has been with Canadian Blood Services for 14 years and is responsible for donor relations, donor recruitment and partnership management for the Calgary fixed site donor center. With over 48,000 whole blood units’ collections target and 5000 new donor targets, the Canadian Blood Services Calgary fixed site is one the most successful and largest blood donor center in Canada. Jhoanna grew the Partners for Life program from 40 partner organizations in 2010 to currently over 500 partner organizations supporting Canadian Blood Services.

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

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 View
• Earn a Bike Program 
• GAP Employability Program
• GAP 2.0 Kicking Off
• Bike Shop Social Enterprise
• Donate a Bike
• Continuing Cycles with Other Non-Profits
• Corporate Team Builds
• Recycling Bikes
• How Laura Got Involved
• Collaborating with Biking Organizations
• Social Sector Social
• How you can Give Amplify Connect with Two Wheel View
• Join 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 Hay
• What is Kickstand? 
• How youth can get involved
• Who is Kickstand for?
• Get daily messages by texting “More Good Days” to 393939
• The story behind Kickstand
• Programs, services and providers
• What can you do  
  • Share Kickstand posts on Instagram
  • Mental Health Foundation connection 
  •  Book an appointment
  • Get involved
• Inspiration: Access Open Minds & Kickstand Partners

About 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