Calgary’s Child Magazine

What is the frequency of the publication?

8 times a year plus one annual

What is the per issue circulation?

30,000 to 36,000

What is the date of first issue?

07/22/1994

Summarize the magazine’s achievements during the past year and how it has served the needs of its readers

Editorial Mandate: Calgary’s Child Magazine (CCM) was founded over 30 years ago to fill a crucial gap in Calgary’s parenting landscape. It serves as a trusted resource, connecting families with essential information about parenting, health care, education, local events, and family-focused services. Our goal is to empower parents by offering valuable, timely, and locally-relevant content to help them make informed decisions for their families. With a commitment to local expertise and community building, Calgary’s Child Magazine is recognized as a cornerstone for families in Calgary and surrounding areas.

Audience:
Our audience is primarily families with children ranging in age from prenatal to early teens, grandparents of young children, and health care professionals, educators, and childcare experts.

Staff Positions:
• Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: M.L. Ellen Percival
• Managing Editor: Allie Percival
• Art Director: Amanda Sharp
• Sales Director: Eilidh Tait
• Associate Editor: Stacie Gaetz
• Copy Editor: Ryynn Rathwell
• Distribution Manager: Cathy Bontje
• Social Media: Ella Tait

Frequency: Published eight times per year, plus an annual YYCFamilies Resource Directory

Circulation and Distribution:
• Print Circulation: 30,000 to 36,000 copies per issue
• Digital & Print Readership: Over 150,000 families
• Our print edition is distributed to hundreds of high traffic stands and targeted distribution locations in towns and cities across southern Alberta. We distribute thousands of copies at local family-focused events and trade shows. Over 200 copies are sent to waiting rooms, specialist offices, Alberta Children’s Hospital clinics and departments as well as AHS facilities, coffee shops, resource centres and other high traffic public locations. New for 2025 – CCM is the only publication approved to be distributed through City of Calgary Recreation facilities.

• With express approval and authorization, our digital editions are distributed exclusively to elementary schools through the CBE, CSSD, Foothills and Rocky View School Districts. Hosted on calgaryschild.com (+26K visits/month), they are also shared extensively on social media (+30K followers), our newsletter and digital edition subscribers (+10K subscribers), plus boosted on Facebook and Instagram to reach even more local and Foothills region parents.

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Summary of Achievements in the Past Year:

1. New Editions:
o In the past year, Calgary’s Child Magazine continued to grow its reach both online and offline. We have increased our print frequency, adding two new editions, Summer Camp & Program Special Edition and Fall Education & Program Planner Special Edition.
o Our Summer Camp & Program special edition is the ‘go to’ guide for parents looking for information about summer recreation for their children. Comprehensive listings run alongside trusted, engaging editorial content.
o Our Fall Education & Program Planner special edition features advice and support plus local listings for pre-K, independent schools, academic support, classes, programs, pre- and after-school care, and alternative curricula options.

2. New Features & Directories:
o Calgary Cares: We understand that a thriving community is built on connection, compassion, and action. That’s why we launched the Calgary Cares Directory – an innovative platform designed to spotlight local agencies, not-for-profits, and businesses dedicated to making a difference. This feature goes beyond traditional directories by fostering community engagement and empowering readers to become active participants in meaningful causes. It provides a comprehensive resource for Calgarians to discover and connect with organizations that are shaping the future through volunteerism and mentorship. By offering agencies a dedicated space to share their missions, needs, and volunteer opportunities, we bridge the gap between those seeking support and those eager to offer it.
o Inclusivity & Accessibility Resource Directory: We believe that every family deserves access to resources and experiences that meet their unique needs. Our Inclusivity & Accessibility Resource Directory is a unique platform that connects families with children who have specialized needs to local businesses and organizations offering inclusive and accessible services. This initiative bridges gaps in accessibility, ensuring all families can fully participate in community life. We’ve introduced Inclusive & Accessible Icons to make it easier for families to identify businesses and organizations that offer:
1. Mobility Access: Including wheelchair accessibility, ramps, elevators, and adjusted programming.
2. Sensory-Friendly Experiences: Featuring quiet rooms, dimmed lights, lower music, and trained staff for those with sensory sensitivities.
3. Specialized Programming: Offering tailored services for children with diverse needs, ensuring they can fully participate and enjoy activities.
o Discover Calgary Series: Every Calgarian thinks their quadrant of the city is the best – we’ve dug in to showcase what’s special about each one! From the best parks and attractions to plans for future expansion, we have the scoop on the city’s four major quadrants and three nearby bedroom communities in this new editorial series spread over seven issues.

3. Expanded Reach and Engagement:
o We have added dozens of new distribution locations across southern Alberta.
o We have increased our monthly newsletter frequency to weekly.
o Calgary’s Child Magazine also works closely with local businesses to foster connections with families through sponsorships, content collaborations, and event partnerships including the new From Bump to Baby & Beyond: A Curated Market.
o To meet the ever changing and evolving needs of our readers, in 2024 we added 17 new writers to our curated team of over 40 local and regional writers, including specialized psychologists, councillors, therapists, and experts in local food and entertainment.

4. Recognition and Community Engagement:
o The Parents’ Choice Awards, which we launched in 1996, is one of the magazine’s hallmark achievements. This program recognizes the best local businesses, service providers, and experts in over 40 categories. By engaging our readers in voting, we encourage them to celebrate the businesses and professionals who serve their families, while also providing valuable exposure to these local businesses.
o Calgary’s Child Magazine is a trusted resource for local parents, health care professionals, and educators. It serves as the go-to guide for parenting advice, community events, and expert resources. Our regular segments on Global Calgary’s Morning News, 770FM and 97.7FM further expand our reach, ensuring we connect with even more families.

5. Supporting Charities and Giving Back:
o Calgary’s Child Magazine believes in giving back to the community. Over the past year, we have supported dozens of charitable organizations through donated advertising, editorial space, and sponsorships. We actively promote fundraising efforts and provide editorial coverage for local causes, contributing to the strengthening of our community.

6. Expanding Digital Footprint:
o Our website, calgaryschild.com, is a comprehensive hub offering access to past and current issues, a calendar of local events, blog articles, and a variety of family-related resources. Our digital offerings ensure that families can access valuable content anytime, anywhere.

7. Commitment to Parenting and Education:
o Our editorial content is designed to connect with families at every stage of life, offering special features on a wide range of topics such as Healthy Living, Education, Tweens and Teens, Parenting Connection, Bump, Baby & Toddler, and more. From expert advice on navigating the challenges of adolescence to tips for raising healthy, active kids, our content continues to resonate deeply with our readers. We collaborate with top parenting experts, healthcare professionals, educators, and local specialists to provide reliable, practical guidance that families can trust. Whether it’s family-friendly recipes, advice on managing screen time, or supporting mental wellness, our goal is to offer valuable insights that make a real difference in the lives of parents and caregivers.
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Conclusion:
Let’s be real—potty training and temper tantrums might not be the most glamorous topics, but we know firsthand that families thrive when they feel supported and have all the resources they need, when they need them the most. But parenting is so much more than just bedtime battles and picky eaters, we help forge family bonds with calendars and features packed with local fun activities, events, getaways, and experiences designed to be shared together.

For the past 30 years, Calgary’s Child Magazine has proudly been a part of building and strengthening families and communities. Through locally focused content, trusted resource guises and directories, community engagement, and support for local businesses and charities, we’ve made a lasting impact on families in Calgary and beyond.

By continuously meeting the needs of our readers, we’ve become an essential resource for parents, caregivers, and professionals alike. Our unwavering commitment to empowering families, championing local businesses, and giving back to the community ensures that Calgary’s Child Magazine remains the go-to source for everything family-related in Calgary.