On October 1, 2026, elected officials, business leaders and community partners gathered at the Calgary Petroleum Club to raise funds and awareness for Radiance Family Society. Held at the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Rise & Shine created space for thoughtful conversations about responsible leadership, workplace culture and how we can better support those experiencing domestic violence.
A heartfelt thank you to Joulegrid, our presenting sponsor, and Mawer Private Wealth, All Systems Communications Contracting Inc. and Great West Radon for helping make our second annual Rise & Shine Fundraising Breakfast possible.
We are also deeply grateful to the attendees, speakers, volunteers and supporters whose generosity and care made this such a meaningful morning.
With immense gratitude to everyone involved, we are proud to share that almost $40,000 was raised at this year’s Rise & Shine breakfast, an increase of almost 80% compared to our inaugural event last year. We are deeply grateful for this growing support and what it makes possible for families rebuilding their lives after domestic violence.
Responding with Trust and Care – Mayor Jeromy Farkas
Thank you to Mayor Jeromy Farkas, who reminded us that asking for help requires deep trust—and deserves a response that is free from judgment.
He encouraged business leaders to consider whether employees feel safe disclosing domestic violence and know where to turn for support. His invitation to “reach back” when someone finds the courage to ask for help offered a meaningful reminder: how we respond can help someone feel heard, supported and less alone.
Valuable Insights from Our Panellists – Workplace Culture and Responsible Leadership
Our panellists—Adam Legge, Jason Hatcher and Dorothy Bewernick—shared thoughtful insights into how leaders can create workplaces where people feel respected, included and supported.
Through the conversation, a central theme emerged: an organization’s culture is defined by the values it will not compromise.
Adam Legge: Put Values into Practice
Adam spoke about the small, daily decisions that shape workplace culture. Overlooking a breach of values, even a minor one, can weaken the trust leaders are working to build. Strong leadership means upholding those values through short-term pressures and equipping others to do the same.
His takeaway: Define and model your values and equip other leaders to do the same.
Jason Hatcher: Relationships Are Important
Jason highlighted the importance of how a strong culture welcomes dialogue, helping employees see themselves reflected in an organization and giving emerging and diverse leaders room to learn from their mistakes. He also acknowledged that leaders must address harmful behaviour with both firmness and grace.
He also shared how his company approaches parental leave through advanced planning, flexible return options and support for men’s caregiving responsibilities—practical choices that can help reduce stigma and support families.
His takeaway: Invest in relationships, personally and professionally.
Dorothy Bewernick: Listen Actively
Dorothy drew a thoughtful parallel between radon, which her business detects, and domestic violence: both can remain unseen, and everyday conversations can help build awareness.
She spoke about making intentional choices when building workplace culture, including creating space for vulnerability. Her example of her husband, Jordan, pausing team meetings for a shared breathing exercise illustrated how leaders can normalize acknowledging stress and asking for support.
Her takeaway: Listen actively, rather than passively.
Audience Q&A – Learning from One Another
Our audience brought valuable perspectives to the conversation, too.
During the Q&A, a healthcare worker encouraged leaders to check in proactively with staff rather than wait for someone to say they are struggling. A newer business owner highlighted continuous learning and a shared approach to leadership.
Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your questions and experiences helped connect the discussion to everyday opportunities to lead with greater care.
A Survivor’s Story: Domestic Violence is Closer Than You Think
One of the most powerful moments of the morning came from a former Radiance Centre resident who closed the event by sharing her experience as a survivor.
As a community advocate with experience in diversity, equity and inclusion, she has worked to strengthen responses to domestic violence and support culturally diverse communities. She challenged assumptions about who experiences domestic violence, reminding us that abuse can affect anyone—including a neighbour, colleague or friend whose circumstances may not reveal what is happening at home.
Read more of her story here. https://radiancesociety.ca/domestic-violence-is-closer-than-you-think/
Looking Ahead to 2027
Building on the success of our first Rise & Shine has given us much to be grateful for—and much to look forward to as we prepare to reconnect next year.
If you attended, we would love to hear from you. Your feedback will help us continue to create a welcoming, relevant and impactful experience.
Share your feedback in our short event survey.
Stay Involved Throughout the Year
The care shown at Rise & Shine can continue throughout the year. To explore ways to support Radiance, including our Home Suite Home and Adopt a Family giving programs, please visit our Ways To Give – Holiday Giving Guide.
Thank you for being part of a community helping families move toward safety, stability and the futures they choose.