international women’s day

with making changes ASSOCIATION AT THE CORE

This International Women’s Day, Making Changes Association (MCA) invites the Calgary community to take part in a meaningful public activation centered on confidence, opportunity, and collective impact. In partnership with The CORE Shopping Centre, we are creating space to celebrate the power of giving, and how small actions can create lasting change for women and teen girls across the city.

  • 📍 Location: The CORE Shopping Centre (324 8 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2Z2)

  • 📅 Dates: March 3, 4, and 5

  • ⏰ Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Women and girls continue to face barriers that limit access to education, employment, and economic independence. Advancing gender equity strengthens families, communities, and the economy. When women are supported, they gain confidence, access to meaningful employment, and the ability to build a better future, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.

Since 1981, MCA has been providing innovative programming to support women and teen girls on their employment and education journey helping them to overcome these barriers.

At the heart of this activation is a Bag Drive supporting two of MCA’s programs:

  • Dress for Success Calgary, through the donation of gently used purses that help women move into the workforce with confidence.

  • My Best Friend’s Closet, through the donation of backpacks that support teen girls as they navigate school, self-expression, and personal growth.

Access to the right tools, whether it’s a professional purse or a reliable backpack, can make a powerful difference. These items are more than accessories; they represent dignity, readiness, and the confidence to take the next step forward.

Financial contributions are also welcome and play a vital role in sustaining and expanding MCA’s impact. Donations help support additional programs such as Women in Technology, the GREAT Program, and Basic Digital Skills, which equip women with in-demand skills, career pathways, and the tools needed to thrive.

The event featured a variety of activities, including:

Resources

Explore and download the resources available as part of this activation:

  • Press Release – Learn more about the initiative and how to get involved

  • Event Flyer – A printable resource for community sharing

When we give, women gain. When women gain, communities grow stronger.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

If you or your organization are interested in supporting International Women’s Day initiatives or partnering with Making Changes Association, we would love to connect. Please reach out to Tory Reade, Lead, Philanthropy, at philanthropy@makingchangesassociation.ca

Your support helps turn generosity into opportunity, and opportunity into lasting change.

All persons welcome at making changes

Making Changes acknowledges the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai, the Tsuut’ina Nation and Stoney Nakoda Nations of Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley and the Metis people of Alberta, Regions 5 & 6. We honour the hardships that were endured by the peoples on this land to allow us to be in this space to do the work that we do in our community. We respect the culture of the peoples who walk through our doors and we strive to provide space for them. We acknowledge that Indigenous peoples continue to experience hardships and our agency will be champions for change in our daily service to community. Making Changes is committed to inclusivity and recognition of all peoples who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.