You may have seen our Program Manager Kaitlin O’Grady on Global News or in other media sources earlier this month. Kaitlin was selected as one of ten Community Champions who were recognized at the 2022 Shaw Charity Classic. She has gone above and beyond to support young people at The Doorway for nine years, her story that was shared by Shaw is below. Read all 10 Charity Champions Stories here.

Kaitlin O’Grady has been with The Doorway, a Calgary-based charity that provides support to young people on the street choosing to rejoin society, for nine years. As a Program Manager, she teaches The Doorway’s methods of helping street-involved youth to dozens of staff and volunteers. Her deep commitment is rooted in principles of dignity, belief in young people’s potential, and trust for them to guide their own path forward. Kaitlin has personally helped hundreds of youth. She believes relationships are the foundation to supporting people, values being authentic and intentional, and has witnessed the impact that being an invested adult can have on a youth. As the pandemic arrived, Kaitlin proposed and launched distance delivery and an outreach program that sustained and grew The Doorway’s services to young people.

Kaitlin’s commitment goes far beyond her workday. She has been instrumental in recruiting volunteers for and participating in Steps Off the Street, The Doorway’s annual fundraising run/walk, and the Calgary Marathon. Kaitlin helped initiate The Doorway’s involvement in the Shaw Charity Classic starting in 2016 and has led social media and promotion of the Shaw Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink donation matching opportunity ever since. Thanks to her efforts and many generous donors, The Doorway has raised over $300,000 through the Shaw Charity Classic.