CASA Connor

25/04/2026

EMILY FOLLENSBEE SCHOOL COOKIE DRIVE

COOKIES RAISE $1,168.00 IN TRIBUTE TO TEENA OUDMAN

For years, the Emily Follensbee School community has supported Casa Connor in the most meaningful ways. From cookie sales to volunteering at events like the Calgary Tower Climb, staff, students, and parents continue to show up with generosity and heart—keeping Connor’s memory and legacy alive. This past week, the community once again came together in tribute to Teena Oudman who passed away April 15,2026.

Casa Connor was built because of the determination and faith of Teena and Peter Oudman (Connor’s grandparents) along with Geraldine and Jerry Vanderveen (Connor’s parents). With the help of many, many supporters Casa Connor became a reality and the keys were given to Pasitos de Luz in October 2016. After it was completed, the family and supporters continued to pour their hearts into helping the children with special needs who attend at Casa Connor and receive critical services at no cost to the families. The Emily Follensbee staff, students and families were involved from the onset.

The most recent Emily Follensbee School cookie sale raised an amazing $1,168, with an Educational Assistant generously matching $500. For this recent cookie sale, one of the teachers,Darcy, and her students hosted the day. They had a great time and were SO happy to help out! The incredible staff of Emily Follensbee School, students and families have always been happy to help out when they can.

MCA Mexico’s Canadian Angels, Casa Connor and the children who attend at Casa Connor and their families are very grateful for their dedication and ongoing kindness and support.

Two of the students are shown in the below photos, Hunter and Lette.

Lette and Amy Spring, mother of Lette, baked some of the cookies. - the ice cream shaped ones shown below. You can see how wonderful they are in the photos. Lette, and her whole family Including her 10 year old sister, Tallyn, also fundraise for the neurosurgery department at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. They are an incredibly dedicated family that are always helping others.

Hunter doesn’t eat many sweet treats but he’s always happy to help out and cheer on everyone that donates! He, his mom Lisa and his dad Brian have supported the cookie drives every time.

17/04/2026

The Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 am on Saturday April 18 (tomorrow) at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church.

The service will be live stream online as well at https://youtube.com/live/I_GMJ9wFKHs?feature=share

Teena Oudman Obituary
After a brief illness, God called Teena home in the afternoon of April 15, 2026. She will be greatly missed by her children: Henk (Kaja), Geraldine (Jerry) and Carol (Quinn); grandchildren: Kaitlin, Kyle (Megan), Lauren, Liam, Noah, Clara and Will; and great grandchild Emma. She is also survived by a brother, several in-laws and many nieces and nephews in The Netherlands. Even though we are grieving the loss of our mother and Oma and Super Oma, we take comfort knowing that she is reunited with Peter, her loving husband of 62 years, and Connor, her dear grandson.

Teena was born on May 29, 1940 in Bedum, The Netherlands. She was the daughter of a dairy farmer, which instilled in her a deep sense of hard work and perseverance, the joy of simple pleasures and a love of being outside. In 1962, she married Peter, and they moved to several different cities in Holland before coming to Canada in 1975. After a brief stay in Edmonton, they settled in Calgary and called it home.

Teena worked for many years as a clerk at Calgary Co-Op, and after retiring in 1998 she and Peter started travelling. They followed the warm weather: Radium, BC in the summer and Puerto Vallarta in the winter. Despite being officially retired, Teena stayed very busy and was always committed to all kinds of volunteer work. She loved to share her knowledge of dairy farming during the Calgary Stampede and Aggie Days, bringing back many fond memories from her childhood. She was very involved with her church, serving several terms as an elder and regularly helping out at the Pantry. Teena was a faithful friend and visitor to seniors and shut-ins, showing God’s love to her neighbours and building community

Her main focus of the last twenty years was Casa Connor, a centre for special needs kids in Puerto Vallarta that she was instrumental in creating. Teena worked tirelessly to raise funds that would go directly towards supporting these children and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church (3020 51 St SW Calgary) on Saturday April 18 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers and if friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to https://mcangels.org/ in support of Casa Connor, a cause so dear to her heart.

Teena Oudman Memorial service - April 18, 2026

17/04/2026

"Peeeerrfeeecto!!."
"It will all be okay."
"We have to do what is in our hands."
"Remember, God is always in charge of Casa Connor."

These are just a few of the phrases that characterized Teena Oudman, a wonderful angel who, together with her husband and Jerry & Geraldine and family, were fundamental pillars in the construction of CASA CONNOR and in improving the quality of life for hundreds of children in Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas.

We honor her memory by celebrating an exemplary life dedicated to service, to thinking of others before herself, and to caring for what mattered to her even from a distance. There is no better way to move hearts than by setting an example through doing good for others.

We are infinitely grateful for the life testimony that Peter and Teena left us. Their actions and tireless efforts, congruent with their faith and dreams, created miracles in uniting the community and amplifying the impact of what it means to help. We will miss you deeply, Teena. May your spirit continue to provide light from where you are now. Thank you for so much. Your Pasitos de Luz Casa Connor family holds you in our hearts forever.

Teena was born on May 29, 1940 in Bedum, The Netherlands. She was much loved and will be missed by her children: Henk (Kaja), Geraldine (Jerry) and Carol (Quinn); her grandchildren: Kaitlin, Kyle (Megan), Lauren, Liam, Noah, Clara and Will; and one great grandchild, Emma. She has been reunited in heaven with Peter, her husband of 62 years, and Connor, her dear grandson. A celebration of life will be held TOMORROW SATURDAY APRIL 18 at 1030am. Details to follow later today. .

In lieu of flowers and if friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to https://mcangels.org/donate in support of Casa Connor, a cause so near and dear to her heart.

&compassion

19/01/2026

Illumination VI Dinner & Show – An Evening That Makes a Difference for children with special needs

Join Us!
Illumination VI Dinner & Show in Puerto Vallarta
📅 Thursday, February 26 | 🕕 6:00 PM
📍 Shangri-La, Marina Vallarta

We are turning the lights back on for the children of Pasitos de Luz, and we would be honoured to have you join us. Illumination VI Dinner & Show returns for its 6th annual luxury beachside evening, combining fine dining, exceptional entertainment, and meaningful giving—all in support of local children with disabilities.

✨ An Unforgettable Show
The stage shines once again with the amazing Sol Reyes leading off before dinner followed by Nacho Granados & Chris Lopez, beloved Puerto Vallarta performers known for their acclaimed shows at The Palm Cabaret and other renowned venues. They will present a vibrant, elegant, and high-energy performance created especially for this very special night.

💙 Supporting Pasitos de Luz
This event benefits Pasitos de Luz, a local charity providing 100% free services to children with disabilities across Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, including physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, special education, nutritional support and more. This year, Pasitos de Luz proudly celebrates 25 years of making a difference in our community as a Registered Charity in Mexico.

🎟️ An exclusive evening for only 220 guests

🔨 Live Auction Highlights
• One week in a new 2-bedroom condo at Marina Towers, Puerto Vallarta (after October 2026)
• One week in a 4-bedroom condo at Marina Towers, Puerto Vallarta (after October 2026)
• Three-bedroom condo in Kelowna, British Columbia, including a wine tour for four, wine dinner for four, and a $2,000 CAD travel voucher (May, June, September, or October 2026)

🛍️ Silent Auction
Luxury hotel stays, original art, top restaurants, spa & wellness experiences, exciting activities, restaurant dining, original jewelry and more!

🎟️ Raffle
Win a draw for a dining experience package at 10 amazing restaurants.

From our attendees in prior years
“So much fun, how did we not know about this event before!”
“A great night and a great charity!”
“Looking forward to the next one!”
“Thank you for one of the best nights out we have had in a long time!”

Your attendance at Illumination VI will help the children reach for the stars and achieve their dreams. We look forward to sharing this extraordinary evening with you.

The best ticket in town includes wine, beer and water.

30/11/2025

2025 is a very special year for us. Pasitos de Luz, the charity for children with disabilities who receive services in Casa Connor, turned 25 years old. The charity was started by Yolanda Sanchez in the year 1999 and became a registered charity in Mexico in November 2000.

In this video, we showcase the evolution of Pasitos de Luz from 2000 to 2025: 25 years of growth, love, hope, and dedicated work for our children with disabilities in Puerto Vallarta. Thank you for being part of this story.❤️❤️❤️

We hope you enjoy watching this as much as enjoyed making the video capturing our story over the years.

https://pasitosdeluz.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=eef627f1c0a1639264454b16b&id=0d84d056e5&e=9e6848fefa

Don’t forget We are currently running a matching donation campaign to help us look to another 25 years! https://mcangels.org/donate/

29/11/2025

❤️ Double the Hope. Double the Impact. Just 9 days left for the Matching Campaign

Right now, you have the chance to make twice the difference in the life of a child with disabilities.

From now until December 7, 2025, every donation to
MCA – Mexico’s Canadian Angels Foundation
will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

That means your gift doesn’t just help…
it transforms.

At Casa Connor / Pasitos de Luz, children with profound disabilities receive therapies, education, nutrition, love, and a safe place to grow — all at no cost to their families.
Many parents arrive exhausted, scared, and out of options.
Your kindness gives them hope again.

✨ Your compassion becomes two meals instead of one.
✨ Two therapy sessions instead of one.
✨ Two steps closer to a better life.

And every dollar you give comes with a CRA tax receipt, making this the perfect time to give before year-end.

Please help us bring more healing, more joy, and more possibility to these brave children.
Donate today — and let your generosity shine twice as bright.

https://mcangels.org/donate/

21/11/2025

🌟 Now through December 7: Matching Donation Campaign! 🌟

This is our most important fundraiser of the year, and we need your help!

MCA Mexico’s Canadian Angels supports children with disabilities by working directly with Pasitos de Luz at Casa Connor — a safe, loving place where children receive:
💛 Therapies
💛 Special education
💛 Nutritious meals
💛 Socialization
💛 Alternative therapies
… and so much more.

✨ All services are completely free for families.
✨ Every donation to December 7 is matched — doubling your impact!

Your support helps make these life-changing programs possible.
Please donate and help us change lives, one child at a time.

💛 Thank you for being an Angel!

Please Donate now mcangels.org/donate

16/11/2025

So many thanks to our sponsors, climbers, everyone who donated for climbers and our incredible volunteers! And added thanks to those who climbed in Puerto Vallarta with me! The 2025 Calgary Tower Climb raised over $40,000 CAD. We are so thankful to all who participated in any way. See some of our climbers and the fun. Hope to see everyone and more at our next edition. 🙏🧡

09/11/2025

MATCHING DONATION CAMPAIGN 2025!

The MCA Mexico’s Canadian Angels Matching Campaign is now underway and will run to December 7th 2025!

🌟 Double Your Gift. Make a Difference. 🌟

From now to December 7/2025, you have the chance to change lives—times two.

MCA Mexico’s Canadian Angels is proud to once again run our annual Matching Donation Campaign, the most important fundraiser of the year. Every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar up to $60,000 helping children with disabilities and their families in the Puerto Vallarta area.

At Casa Connor, 130 families—many living on or below the poverty line—receive vital support for their children with special needs. From therapy sessions, education and nutrition to essential care, all services are provided completely free of charge thanks to donors like you.

✨ That means your gift during our matching campaign will:
• Provide life-changing therapies, ensure nutrition, education and a sense of self worth for the children
• Support families who have a child with disabilities and struggle to make ends meet due to added needs for medicine and health care
• Bring hope and brighter futures to those who need it most

This is our biggest fundraiser, and it makes everything we do possible.

👉 Donate November 7th to December 7th and your impact will be doubled!

Together, we’re not just making a difference—we’re making it twice as strong.

Donations can be made by Etransfer, cheque or credit card. A tax deductible receipt will be sent from MCA Mexico’s Canadian Angels Foundation.

26/10/2025

What amazing support from our communities! We cannot begin to thank all of you enough. You have surpassed our hopes and dreams for this event. We will have many more photos and the total funds raised in the next few weeks for you. Stay tuned here. 🧡🧡🧡

16/10/2025

🚨 Last Call to Climb! 🚨
Registration for the Calgary Tower Climb closes Sunday night, October 19 — don’t miss your chance to be part of this amazing challenge for a great cause!

Not climbing but still want to make a difference? 💛 You can support our climbers with a donation right up until midnight on Climb Day — October 25! We’re so close to reaching our fundraising goal — let’s push past it together!

👕 Shirt Pick-Up Alert:
If you registered by September 30, swing by Strides Running Store this Sunday, October 19, between 1:00–4:00 PM MDT to grab your event shirt and get ready to represent!

⏰ Don’t wait — register today (or within the next 3 days) and help bring hope and support to the kids at Casa Connor. Every step counts! ❤️