Helping Children in our Community Since 2005
Our club continues to prioritize community initiatives designed to enrich the lives and futures of children and their families…
On November 12, 2025, JoAnne Hayden (Executive Director) and Shelley Newman (Grants & Community Engagement Coordinator) from Aspire Child Development Centre presented to the Sunrise Rotary Club. In alignment with our 2025-2028 strategic plan, the club continues to prioritize community initiatives designed to enrich the lives and futures of children and their families. JoAnne and Shelley expressed their appreciation for the club’s support of two key initiatives this year: the 2025 Summer Park-IT Program, and Service Club Week —which included volunteering for the Evening of Decadent Desserts event and a donation toward the purchase of iPads for the EASE specialized preschool.
1. HIGHLIGHTS FROM PARK IT 2025
The $5,000 commitment from Rotary Sunrise allowed Aspire to run Park IT at full capacity – across central Alberta – this summer.
□ 463 recorded attendees
□ Offered 5 mornings per week
□ Located at 16 different locations throughout Red Deer, Penhold, and Blackfalds
□ 2 young adults were employed for the summer
ABOUT PARK IT
Aspire’s Park IT is a free, inclusive community program offered throughout the summer months. At Park It, special attention is given to ensure that children with diverse needs can participate fully. Children of all abilities are welcome. The activities are designed to include all participants in a positive, inclusive, and engaging environment
PARENT FEEDBACK ON PARK IT
“Wonderful young women running the group, thank you! My child had a great time attending.”
“[This was a] good way to make friends, a way to get out of house and meet new friends every day.”
“Always welcoming and supportive.”
“We loved attending Park IT this year! Thank you for running a great program!”
2. SERVICE CLUB WEEK VOLUNTEERISM & EASE iPADS
The Sunrise Rotary Club chose to support Aspire for the 2025 Red Deer Service Club Week. Club members volunteered their time at the Evening of Decadent Dessert annual fundraiser and also gave a donation of $2,000 towards purchasing five iPads for the EASE specialized preschool program.
THE BENEFITS OF iPADS
iPads are incredible communication tools for the non-verbal and minimally verbal children Aspire supports. iPads support these children in:
□ Communicating and connect with others
□ Expressing their wants and needs
□ Learning on developmentally appropriate apps
□ Continuing to use technology throughout their schooling and their lives, as required
A Mom's story on how the iPad helped her son communicate
ABOUT ASPIRE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE:
□ Aspire opened its doors in Red Deer on May 1, 1985
□ 36 Children were served that first year
□ 1,000 individuals are now supported annually
□ Aspire serves the region 6,600 km2
Aspire has three core programs:
1) Assessment, Consultation and Training Services (ACTS): Clinics to connect children and families with internal and community supports.
2) Early Access to Supportive Education (EASE): Therapy-based preschool for children diagnosed with a disability, including at least one severe developmental delay.
3) School and Family Services (SFS): Consultation and assessment services offered across central Alberta in homes, schools, and other community programs.
ASPIRE
ASPIRE’S FAR-REACHING IMPACT
Beyond Aspire’s core programming, we also offer a parent training program, Triple P Parenting. Plus, Resource Services are an important part of our organization, through which we connect with hundreds of families each year.
SERVICE CLUB SUPPORT THROUGH THE YEARS | ROTARY SUNRISE
Did you know that Aspire has a lift in their existing building to help clients with disabilities that was funded by Rotary Sunrise in 2005!