Originally founded in Winnipeg in 1983, the Rainbow Society was the first children's organization of its kind in Canada. The Alberta chapter was created in 1986 by a handful of caring volunteers who saw a need to bring such a strong support system to children in Alberta.

Registered under the Alberta Societies Act on November 21, 1986, as the 'Rainbow Society for the Welfare of Sick Children of Alberta', the society operated under the Winnipeg umbrella until obtaining independant charity status in January 1988 through both the provincial and federal governments. In 1992, our name was officially changed to The Rainbow Society of Alberta.

Our Canada Revenue Agency business number is 12998 8275 RR0001.

Our People

Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the Rainbow Society of Alberta has continued to grow since 1986. We have a valued network of volunteers across the province with a membership roster of over 170. The organization is also staffed by seven employees with offices in Edmonton, Calgary and Grande Prairie.

Our Success

Formation of a Provincial Medical Advisory Panel

1997 was an important year for the Rainbow Society. As part of a critical step to establishing a relationship with the medical community, a provincial medical advisory panel was formed of experts in the care of children with chronic and life threatening illnesses.

Over 800 Wishes Granted for Alberta Children

In 1998, we also proudly celebrated our 12th anniversary and marked the occasion by achieving an impressive milestone, the completion of 300 dreams at a total cost which exceeded ONE AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS. And we didn't stop there. In 2004, we granted our 500th wish and today, as we celebrate our 23rd Anniversary, we quickly approach 850 wishes for Alberta children.

Our success can be measured in many ways, whether it be the number of dreams fulfilled, the many success stories we can relate or the number of lives we have touched along the way. When children are no longer victims of life threatening illnesses, then our dream will come true. But in the mean time we are grateful for the generosity and support afforded us to continue to do our special work on behalf of these special children and their families.