Raising Spirits: Making Meaning at Work
What is Raising Spirits?
Raising Spirits is more than just an annual gala—it’s a heartfelt movement dedicated to supporting mental health initiatives for children and youth at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Since its inception in 2017, the event has united Calgary’s business and philanthropic communities, raising over $500,000 to fund programs like the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Center, Acute at Home services, and Emerging Adults programs.
The mission is clear: Uniting Calgary’s business community to lift up the kids who need it most.
Why It Matters?
The need for expanded mental health resources has never been greater. The Alberta Children’s Hospital has seen a staggering 52% increase in children requiring inpatient mental health care. Overcrowding, noise, and limited therapeutic spaces have made it urgent to expand and enhance the hospital’s High Observation Mental Health Unit. This year’s fundraising goal is $150,000, with every dollar going directly to creating trauma-informed spaces and specialized therapy rooms for children in crisis.
Our Role as Title Sponsor
This year, we were incredibly proud to be the Title Sponsor for Raising Spirits, a role that centers our team around making meaning at work rather than just making money.
Our team, alongside our clients, raised $35,000 this year, for a 2025 total of $65,000 helping push the cumulative fundraising total of over $500,000 in the 8 years since inception.
Making a Difference: Where the Funds Go
Every dollar raised goes directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, and specifically to supporting children’s mental health initiatives. The funds help expand the High Observation Mental Health Unit, providing purpose-built, youth-appropriate spaces that reduce the time children spend in crisis and offer comfort and calm during their most vulnerable moments. The impact is felt in brighter mornings for families, calmer nights for kids, and the hope that comes from knowing an entire community is behind them.
Looking Ahead: Raising Spirits 2026
We’re already working hard on next year’s event, which promises to be bigger, better, and at a new location. As Title Sponsor, we remain committed to supporting the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. Stay tuned for updates—2026 will be a year to remember!
Join Us in Making Meaning: A Way to Unite your Team
We invite you to celebrate with us, donate, or get involved as a sponsor or auction contributor. Every act of generosity helps build a brighter future for children’s mental health in our community.
At Achen Henderson, Raising Spirits is a central part of our culture; it unites our team and draws outstanding talent. By fostering a sense of purpose, we are able to recruit and keep individuals who care about finding significance in their work—not just earning a paycheck.
Consider the positive impact your company could make by joining Raising Spirits.
For more information, ticket details, or to get involved, email clayton@achenhenderson.ca directly.