25 Years of Daring to Care: A Founder’s Journey of Compassion, Courage and Change

A Bold Journey from Idea to Movement: Transforming Lives through Kindness, Courage, and Community – 25 Years of Daring to Care by Lisa Dixon-Wells

Twenty-five years ago, fueled by compassion and a bold vision, I took a leap of faith. What began as a desire to make a difference in the lives of those who felt misunderstood and mistreated grew into Dare to Care: A program that has profoundly impacted communities across the country and millions of lives worldwide.

During my two and a half decades with this organization, life presented a highlight reel of unforgettable memories. Each moment added a little more substance to who I am, why I do what I do, and what fills my heart with pride. Now, as I prepare to pass the torch to the next brave leaders of this impactful organization, I want to share five defining moments from the years. These moments truly shine as the ultimate mix of creativity, grit, teamwork, and humility.

1999 – The Seed is Planted

The early days felt like a rollercoaster, full of exhilaration and mild panic. With just four years as a school counselor and zero experience running a nonprofit, I was basically winging it. I had a bold vision, a heart full of hope, and a suspiciously high caffeine intake. There was no manual or secret map. All I had was an unshakable belief that compassion could address bullying effectively.

I knew that to truly shake up the school culture, we couldn't go it alone. To make a lasting impact, we needed the entire community involved. Let’s be honest; we also needed funding.

Enter Dick Wilson. At that time, he was the VP of Community Investments at Alberta Energy Company (soon to become EnCana Corporation). Dick instantly understood what Dare to Care was all about. One quick meeting sparked a decade-long partnership that supported bringing the Dare to Care vision to life.

In 2005, Dare to Care and EnCana were honored with the Imagine Canada Award for Community Partnerships. This moment brought a whirlwind private jet trip to Toronto (yes, we felt fancy), a lavish gala at the Royal York Hotel, and a glimpse into a fabulously philanthropic lifestyle. The real treasure? The lasting friendship with Dick, who still serves on our Board of Directors. His wisdom and wit continue to guide us. I will always be grateful for Dick and EnCana. Without their monumental support, Dare to Care may never have flourished.

2010 – Walking with the Dene

One of the most humbling moments of my career took place in Tulita, a remote fly-in hamlet nestled in the Northwest Territories, home to the resilient Dene First Nation. In January, deep winter gripped the place with biting temperatures of -35°C. After helping push our little four-seater prop plane out of a snowbank (yes, that actually happened), we made it to what became our home for the week.

This trip wasn't just about delivering a program. It was about showing up with open hearts to listen, learn, and witness a way of life steeped in tradition, strength, and community. The Dene people welcomed us with warmth that cut through the cold, offering stories and insights that would leave lasting imprints on our souls.

On the fourth day at the school, I witnessed something that would have caused absolute mayhem in a typical urban setting. I watched as students arrived by snowmobile with rifles slung over their shoulders. In Tulita, this was a moment of beauty, not fear. The Grade 5 class was heading out on their long-awaited caribou hunt, a cherished rite of passage. When they invited me to join, I felt honored but chose to decline, knowing this experience belonged to them.

Even our departure resembled a tale from a northern adventure. When our flight was grounded by poor weather, the local RCMP offered to drive us 81 kilometers across frozen McKenzie Lake to the nearest airport. I spent the next 60 minutes riding in the back of a truck, shoulder to shoulder with a freshly hunted deer. It was surreal, humbling, and completely true.

2013 – A Record of Kindness

With help from an absolutely legendary team, Dare to Care pulled off something wild and unforgettable. In 2013, we set a Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Lemonade Stand!. Stretching all the way along Calgary’s Eau Claire Market, 365 identical lemonade stands lined up in perfect formation. Each stand buzzed with amazing volunteers handing out thousands of cups of lemonade. It was a high-energy, heartwarming day that mixed pure fun with a powerful purpose: spreading the message of bullying prevention and the magic of kindness.

To create a full-circle moment, we donated all 365 lemonade stands to an animal rescue group that repurposed the wood to build cozy dog houses for pups in communities in the far north of Alberta. From lemonade to loving homes, we turned something sweet into something even sweeter.

2018 – From Classrooms to Locker Rooms

In 2018, we dove headfirst into a new arena by launching our “Dare to Care in Sport” program, thanks to a formative partnership with the University of Calgary Swim Club. This mission aimed to identify and call out bullying and toxic culture in athletic spaces—a cause long overdue. For me, this work was not just professional; it felt deeply personal. The U of C Swim Club was where I wrapped up my own competitive swimming career. Working with the next generation of athletes felt serendipitous and blended two of my passions beautifully.

What began as a passion project rooted in sport and a lifelong commitment to bullying prevention grew into something much bigger. Today, Dare to Care: Tackle Bullying in Sport stands proudly as a national leader in Canada’s safe sport movement. I couldn't be more proud of it.

2020 – Pivoting with Purpose

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed overnight. Like many organizations, Dare to Care faced a wave of uncertainty. But rather than pressing “pause,” we hit "go." Fueled by determination, more caffeine, and sheer willpower, we pulled off one of our biggest pivots yet. We transformed Dare to Care’s school programs into a fully online platform within weeks.

This leap of faith, sparked by necessity, became one of the most game-changing decisions we've made. Suddenly, we overcame geographical barriers. We reached communities we never imagined, opened new doors, and proved that not even a global pandemic could stop the power of compassion, connection, and education.

The People Behind the Mission

None of this progress would have been possible without the incredible people who walked this journey with me. To every staff member who gives their all, every passionate facilitator, and every donor who believes in our mission: thank you. You are the heartbeat of Dare to Care.

To all the extraordinary individuals and families who’ve allowed us to be part of your stories, thank you for the trust, the laughs, the lessons, and everything in between. You have shown me time and again that while one person can spark change, it’s the power of community that keeps the momentum going.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 25 years, my heart is filled with pride for how far Dare to Care has come and excitement for what lies ahead. Though I will be stepping down as Executive Director, I will always be a committed supporter. The next chapter of Dare to Care will be led by new hands, fresh ideas, and the same unwavering heart.

What began as a one-person mission has blossomed into a vibrant movement. Here’s to the past that built us, the people who carried us, and the future that inspires us. May we always Dare to Care and never stop believing that kindness can change the world.