VCC celebrates 20 years of community-driven impact
Shining a Light on systems change and poverty reduction
22 September 2025
On September 18, over 160 community builders, changemakers, partners, champions, and leaders gathered with Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) to celebrate a milestone: 20 years of advancing systems change and poverty reduction in Calgary.
VCC’s Shine a Light 20th Anniversary Celebration was more than a look back. It was a moment to reflect on what’s been achieved together, to honour the voices and leadership that have shaped this work, and to look ahead to the future we are still building.
The afternoon of community-driven celebration began with a blessing and smudge from Elder Wanda First Rider, who set the tone for the day with grounding words of wisdom. We were honoured to be joined by Elders, dignitaries, and municipal and provincial elected officials, alongside partners, Enough for All Champions, and community members.
VCC Board Chair Sam Hayes and United Way’s President and CEO Karen Young reminded us of the power of collaboration. Keynote speaker Vinod Rajasekaran, CEO of Future of Good, inspired the room with ideas on unlocking the potential of changemakers and pushing beyond self-limiting conversations.
Twenty years of impact
Since 2005, VCC has been bringing people together across sectors and perspectives, encompassing community members, individuals with firsthand experience of poverty, nonprofits, businesses, and government, to create meaningful change.
VCC’s work centres on lived experience, community engagement, and evidence-driven advocacy and policy. From affordable housing to low income transit to calculating the living wage, these are just a few examples of how systems change translates into real impact for Calgarians.
As we celebrate, we also acknowledge the challenges that remain, including affordability, food security, housing, and access to meaningful employment. These are complex issues, but they are not insurmountable.
The past two decades have shown us that lasting change happens when we act collectively. When lived experience, research, and advocacy come together to shift policies and systems, we break down barriers.
The spark that began 20 years ago has grown into a strong foundation. Now, we continue to transform and build toward a Calgary where there is enough for all.
This celebration is about more than VCC. It’s about the many hands, hearts, and voices that have shaped this journey. To our Champions, partners, community members, and those with lived experience, thank you.
And many thanks to our funders, The City of Calgary and United Way of Calgary and Area, whose generous support has made the past two decades of impact possible.
Together, we shine a light on the challenges and the path forward. Here’s to the next 20 years of systems change, collaboration, and possibility.
