Luna Centre seeks $3.15M more to fund new facility serving traumatized children
The child advocacy centre has raised 55% of its $7M campaign goal and now needs the remaining $3.15M to expand capacity for nearly 5,000 children annually.
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Update — September 17, 2026: Luna has raised approximately 55 per cent of its $7 million fundraising goal and is seeking the final $3 million, with the public campaign running through October and the holiday season. The new facility will include additional interview rooms, therapy spaces, remote testimony rooms for children to give evidence safely, and private family rooms, with teams expected to move in after Christmas and a grand opening planned for spring.
Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre has raised $3.85 million toward its $7 million fundraising goal and is pushing to secure the remaining $3.15 million to expand its facility.
The centre, which opened in 2013, was originally designed to serve about 1,000 children per year. It now supports nearly 5,000 children annually and has helped more than 30,000 children and families since opening. The new facility, set to open in early 2027, will add more interview rooms, additional therapy rooms including a group therapy room, more remote testimony rooms, and more private family rooms.
Luna serves 15 per cent of Calgary's most complex and severe child abuse files. Seventy per cent of its cases involve sexual abuse of children under 18. More than 140 professionals from police, health professionals, therapeutic services and victim services work at the centre, including the Calgary Police Service's child abuse unit, which reviewed 1,648 child abuse files in August 2026 alone.
Campaign co-chair and Luna board member Tara McCool said the momentum signals community backing for the project. "That is an incredible start and it's just so very Calgary. It tells us that there's real momentum behind this project, and it gives us enormous confidence about what we can accomplish together."
Luna CEO Karen Orser attributed the surge in demand to population growth and the evolution of the centre's programs and services. "Calgary continues to grow. Our child and youth population continues to grow, and every year we see more children and families who need help. We have an opportunity right now to build for the need we see today, and for the many children and families who will lead us in the future."
Calgary Police Service Deputy Chief Joe Brar emphasized the collaborative model. "Our investigators sit alongside partners to collaborate in real time and build relationships that allow us to respond more effectively when children need us the most. The result is a stronger response for families and ultimately, a better path forward for children who have experienced trauma."
The facts
How much has Luna Centre raised toward its fundraising goal?
$3.85 million toward a $7 million goal, leaving $3.15 million still needed.
How many children does Luna Centre serve annually now?
Nearly 5,000 children per year, compared to the original design capacity of about 1,000 when it opened in 2013.
When will the new facility open?
Early 2027. The expansion will add more interview rooms, therapy rooms including a group therapy room, remote testimony rooms, and private family rooms.
What percentage of Luna's cases involve child sexual abuse?
Seventy per cent of Luna Centre's cases involve sexual abuse of children under 18.
