Financials

The support of funders and donors makes it possible for Distress Centre to offer our programs and services at no cost to the service user. That includes 24 hour crisis support, youth peer support, professional counselling, and information and navigation services through 211 and coordinated entry.

Distress Centre logo

Statement from our CFO

Bianca Zhou

Bianca Zhou

Chief Financial Officer

In 2023, Distress Centre Calgary solidified its financial stability and capacity to serve. Our financial growth, with assets rising to $6.8M from $4.4M in the previous year and revenues reaching $10.7M, is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation, core values driving our mission. As we navigate the dynamic service ecosystem, our financial health empowers us to focus on the unique value we offer—seamless crisis support and systems navigation backed by robust data. Reflecting on our strategic advancements, our pivotal role as a sector leader, and our unwavering dedication to the health, well-being, and resiliency of individuals in our community, this summary underscores our journey towards a future where we persist in connecting and empowering people and communities more effectively.

2023 $10.7 MILLION OPERATING FUNDING SOURCES

Distress Centre logo

Statement from our Director of Strategy & Engagement

Karen Gallagher-Burt

Karen Gallagher-Burt

Director of Strategy & Engagement

2023 was a successful year for fund development. We hosted the 1st annual Drive for Distress Charity Golf Tournament in June, which raised over $50,000 to support our services. We were the recipient of funds raised by a number of third-party events including Darkness Into Light and Listen Up Calgary. We are grateful for the organizers of these events and their ongoing commitment to our work. Running events is extraordinarily challenging, but when done well, can attract new friends and funds for our organization.

We raised just over $1.3 million to support our core programming. Grant revenue, individual and corporate donations, and some amazing gifts in kind ensured stability for the people we serve.

You are invested in our work and we thank you for continuing to care about our organization.

2023 SPENDING ALLOCATION

See our full audited financial statements

MAJOR DONORS

  • Amazon Web Services
  • ARC Resources Ltd.
  • Calgary Chamber of Commerce
  • Calgary Children's Foundation
  • Calgary Foundation
  • Children's Hospital Aid Society - CHAS
  • CHIMP - Charitable Impact Foundation
  • Cushman & Wakefield LePage Inc.
  • Darkness Into Light
  • ENMAX Corporation
  • Government of Alberta
  • Government of Canada - Community Services Recovery Fund
  • Cenovus Energy Community Emergency Fund (previously Husky Energy Inc.)
  • Neil Horbachewski
  • iA Financial Group - Industrial Alliance
  • John Kousinioris
  • New West Freightliner Inc
  • Peter and Janice MacKinnon
  • Peter McKeen
  • POD Marketing
  • RBC Foundation
  • Shaw Charity Classic
  • TC Energy
  • TELUS Friendly Future Foundation
  • The Lecky Foundation
  • W. Brett Wilson Family Fund for Adolescent Wellness
  • William S. Herron Family Charitable Foundation

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

The PODvocate Project selected Distress Centre Calgary as their inaugural endeavour, delivering 1,000+ hours of marketing support in 2023/24. Their contributions spanned a spectrum of projects, crafting new websites for Distress Centre and ConnecTeen and executing a momentous rebrand for ConnecTeen's 40th anniversary. They developed comprehensive brand guidelines for DC and CT, devised a branding strategy for the annual golf tournament, conducted SEO, social media, and email marketing optimizations, redesigned the Zen room, and adorned our office with a stunning mural. 

The PODvocate Project provided media training and facilitated a comprehensive analysis of the most captivating marketing messaging for Distress Centre, working with Salient Behavioural Scientists. This collaboration yielded a value surpassing $150,000, underlining the substantial impact of their expertise.

Moreover, they spearheaded holiday marketing campaigns, handling design, execution, and paid promotion with finesse. Beyond 1-time projects, The PODvocate Project offered ongoing marketing training and support to cultivate sustainable, long-term outcomes for Distress Centre. This holistic approach underscores their commitment to fostering lasting success and perpetuating positive change within our organization and community.