Every year, the Big Hearted Mavericks partner with local children’s charities that align with our mission of creating meaningful impact in our community. We focus on programs that support health, education, inclusion, and crisis response for Calgary-area children and families.
Funds raised through our events and sponsorships are transferred to the Big Hearted Mavericks Foundation, where they are responsibly distributed to programs that support health, education, inclusion, and families facing crisis.Our giving model ensures that every dollar raised for charity goes exactly where it’s needed most.
Below are the organizations we’ve proudly supported in recent years, along with stories of how your generosity has helped change lives.
The Big Hearted Mavericks approach giving with care, discretion, and a deep sense of responsibility to our community. Every decision is guided by our mission to create meaningful, lasting impact for Calgary-area children and families.
We focus on long-term partnerships with trusted organizations and programs that demonstrate real, measurable outcomes — prioritizing impact over visibility and purpose over publicity. By supporting charities with proven experience and strong governance, we help ensure resources are used where they can make the greatest difference.
This approach allows us to support important work quietly and effectively, while maintaining the trust of our members, partners, and the community we serve. It also reflects our commitment to thoughtful stewardship, transparency, and giving that is rooted in long-term benefit rather than short-term recognition.
The Big Hearted Mavericks Foundation distributes all charitable funds to trusted organizations serving Calgary children and families. Here are the partners we proudly support.
Summary:
The Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) is an accredited non-profit, long-term treatment program supporting chemically addicted youth ages 12–21. Since 1992, AARC has graduated more than 640 clients and supported over 2,500 family members through its intensive, family-centered recovery model.
Impact:
Addiction impacts young people from all backgrounds, and access to treatment is based on need, not ability to pay. The Mavericks’ support helps fund treatment fee subsidies so families in crisis can receive life-saving care.
AARC credits the Mavericks for enabling teens and their families to reclaim hope and rebuild their lives.
"On January 23rd, 2019, I came into AARC. I was terrified, angry, sad and miserable. Treatment, in the beginning, was incredibly difficult for me. Eventually, however, I slowly started to grasp what this program had to offer. I have experienced many ups and downs, but today I am sober and grateful for a second chance at life."
Summary:
PREP provides therapy, education, and family support for children and teens with Down syndrome. Their programs help students become active, included members of their communities through personalized instruction and expert guidance.
Impact:
The Mavericks help fund PREP’s Reading Program — one of its most important services — offering individualized literacy instruction for students in grades 1–12. Thanks to this support, 45 children received reading support last year, with more registering each year.
Summary:
Between Friends creates social, recreational, and developmental opportunities for individuals with disabilities to connect, grow, and belong. Their programs support emotional well-being, physical health, friendship-building, and community involvement.
Impact:
With Mavericks support, Between Friends was able to subsidize Camp Bonaventure by over $104,000 and offer additional fee assistance to 28 families navigating financial hardship. This support ensures no child is left out due to cost.
Summary:
Community Kitchen works to reduce hunger and promote healthy eating through classroom programs, summer initiatives, and food support services for low-income families.
Impact:
Mavericks funding supports two major programs:
Souper Stars: Healthy living & food education for grades 4–5
Tummy Tamers: Summer nutrition support for children who rely on school meal programs
In 2021 alone, Community Kitchen fed over 92,000 children, delivered more than 10,500 snacks, and distributed 891 food hampers to families in need.
Summary:
Pacekids is a charitable organization providing therapy-based educational programs to over 600 children with special needs each year. Their services support children from infancy to school age through in-home, classroom, and community programs.
Impact:
The Mavericks have helped fund:
A sensory movement gym
A specialized outdoor play space
A transportation van supporting 200+ children annually
Their contributions ensure kids can access crucial early intervention programs without barriers.
Summary:
A swim club supporting youth and young adults with Down syndrome, focused on mobility, endurance, fitness, and community.
Impact:
The Mavericks’ donations help cover pool rental fees, coaching wages, and program equipment — enabling the club to continue providing life-changing recreational opportunities.
“We wanted to take the opportunity to sincerely thank you and the Big Hearted Mavericks for the $5000.00 donation to the Calgary Dolphins Swim Club. We appreciate that there are a lot of non profit organizations in Calgary that need support, so we are very grateful you chose our club.
Summary:
Kids Cancer Care supports families facing childhood cancer through research funding, camp programs, education services, and hospital support programs. They work across the entire cancer journey — from diagnosis through recovery.
Impact:
Their programs help families stay connected, supported, and resilient during the most difficult times in their lives. Mavericks support ensures children receive care, connection, and opportunities for brighter futures.
Each year, the Big Hearted Mavericks Foundation publishes a detailed Impact Report outlining the funds raised, donated, and distributed across Calgary’s children’s charities.
We’re always happy to share more about the charities we support and the programs your generosity makes possible.
