Imagine being five years old and waking up on Christmas morning knowing there will be no gifts under the tree.

Unfortunately, that is the reality for many children in Calgary. 

But the Red Express, now in its 15th year, will again be working to change that for children in the CUPS Child Development Centre (CDC).

Every year, the not-for-profit collects donations from people and businesses, purchases toys, and delivers them unwrapped to children enrolled in the CDC.

The annual tradition, started by Tyler Chisholm, CEO of Clearmotive, has grown over the years to become a legacy project and has deepened the relationship between the foundation and CUPS. 

As a result of this generosity, more than one hundred kids will receive a gift purchased from Castle Toys during holiday festivities at the centre this year. 

Improving opportunities for families all year round

This year’s gift delivery comes at the same time as CUPS unwraps its latest present to the community. 

The new renovation at the centre is combining the Family Development Centre (FDC) and the CDC into a new space on the main floor.

This will immediately improve the opportunities for care planning with families and ensure that we’re applying brain science consistently in our work with everyone in the family. 

The centre supports children between the ages of three and six from low-income families with full-day preschool and kindergarten. It also provides them with breakfast, lunch and snacks as well as health care services such as visits from family doctors, dentists and opticians. 

It is also a place where people can get occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy and provides transportation support for those in need.

Bringing joy to children

Over the last 15 years, the Red Express project has delivered gifts to about 1,500 children.

To donate to this program, please click here. 

If you wish to redirect your corporate funds or pay by cheque, please email Conor Tapp at CUPS directly.

By giving to the Red Express, you are directly bringing joy to a young child over the holidays.