Health And Wellness
ISTAR celebrates 40 years in 2026
20 January 2026
40 Years of ISTAR contest
Share the excitement! Join our contest each month for the chance to be the monthly winner and choose your $25 gift card prize.
All entries & memories are welcome, but prize winners must be located in Canada for fulfillment purposes.
September 2026 contest prompt:
"Tell us something you like about ISTAR" submit entries until September 30, 2026.
August 2026 contest prompt:
"Share a message to celebrate ISTAR's 40th birthday" entries are still open.
July 2026 contest prompt:
"Tell us how ISTAR helped you." The winner has been notified - their entry, "ISTAR has helped me immensely over the years - from my first [intensive] clinic at age 19...it has been like night and day" from Shawn.
June 2026 contest prompt:
"Tell us one thing you wish others would know about stuttering" The winner has been notified - their entry, "One thing I wish others knew about stuttering is that people who stutter have valuable thoughts, ideas, and experiences to share, and taking the time to listen patiently can make a meaningful difference." from Jazmin
May 2026 contest prompt:
"Share something you learned at ISTAR" enter by May 30th. The winner has been notified - their entry, "I learned that I can help my older brother by being involved in his sessions at ISTAR " from Miller, age 12.
April 2026 contest prompt:
"Share a peice of advice you’d give a PWS who is considering ISTAR" The winner has been notified - their entry, "You will be so happy with this program & have compassionate support for life." from Cathy & Cohen.
March 2026 contest prompt:
"Tell us about a favourite activity or transfer at ISTAR " enter by March 31st.
The winner has been notified - their entry, "My favorite activity at ISTAR is learning new skills while playing games with Lujia" from Lazar, age 9.
February 2026 contest prompt:
"Tell us one thing stuttering has given you or helped you with" enter by February 28th.
The winner has been notified - their entry "One thing stuttering has taught me is that having patience and turn taking in conversation is really important." - LA
updates:
January 2026 contest "Share your favourite memory from your time at ISTAR"
**We have extended the deadline for the January prompt into February.
The winner has been notified - their entry
Save the date!
The first special anniversary (birthday) celebration has been booked and you are invited to attend. 
. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us:
. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us:Family Fun Day
At Corbett Hall (lawn) in Edmonton
Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 1-4 pm
Featuring games & treats for all ages (and maybe even more prizes!)
Tickets now available! $5 each at https://app.groupize.com/e/istar-2026-family-fun-day
See the poster at https://www.ualberta.ca/en/stuttering-speech-therapy/news/2026/21-apr/istar-celebrates-40-years-in-2026.html
More events and information will be posted here as the year progresses!
2026 is an exciting year for ISTAR, as we’re proud to mark a major milestone—four decades of transforming lives through specialized treatment, support, and innovative research.
To honour this anniversary, we’re launching a year-long series of events and activities with one inspiring goal:
Raise $40,000 for 40 Years
Throughout 2026, you’ll have the chance to:
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Participate in fun community fundraising & awareness events
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Hear inspirational client stories
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Re-engage with the ISTAR community
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Join us for special anniversary celebrations
Every contribution helps expand access to ISTAR's treatment programs that create real, lasting change for the people we serve.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Together, we’ll make this 40th anniversary a year to remember—and a year of meaningful impact. Stay tuned for more details throughout the year!
Participate in community awareness & celebrate the success of a 'Star' in your life.
Share a Star of ISTAR - support our initiatives and put a name or message on display at our Edmonton or Calgary office.
More information at bit.ly/40AnnivStars