Giving To Transformation
A Q&A with Claudia Sjoberg, Pedalheads CEO
In this Q&A interview with Claudia Sjoberg, founder and CEO of Pedalheads, we discuss her longtime involvement with neighborhood houses across Canada, starting with Cedar Cottage, highlighting her role in creating welcoming and adaptable community spaces. She shares with us what finding refuge at the Neighbourhood House meant for her family, and why giving back has made such a difference in her life.
How did you first become involved with neighbourhood houses?
Originally my daughter was a part of the afterschool program at Cedar Cottage. It was back when kindergarten was only a half a day, and they would go pick her up at school and would look after her for the rest of the afternoon, which was very helpful to my family.
From there a friend invited me to one of the community dinners - and so I took the whole family and went to the dinner. That friend then asked me if I would join the Community Board, and that was probably close to 19 years ago.
I was on the board for 16 years, and I had various roles - Treasurer, Board Chair, committee work and strategic planning with CCNH and ANHBC. I also was involved in and supported many other activities - All Candidates Meetings before municipal, provincial and federal elections, holiday gatherings and community events including our annual wine and cheese as part of the Listening Committee. As an ally, I was a part of the Indigenous Advisory Council, which was a privilege, and something that I not only enjoyed, but learned a lot.
How have neighbourhood houses transformed your life personally?
On the surface I’m not the typical person who would be so affected by a neighbourhood house, as I have a lot of privilege. That being said, I feel very impacted by Cedar Cottage and it is immensely important to me. When I am there, I feel heard and respected - when a person walks in the door there is a sense of lack of judgement and people are welcome. At Cedar Cottage we always try to make space for everyone.
As a former Board Chair of Cedar Cottage, what did it mean to you to help dream up the new building?
When we started planning for the new Cedar Cottage building, I worked on the Development Committee, which was many years ago. The Committee did so much research, listening and engagement with participants, volunteers, neighbours and business leaders. It was a long process to get to where we are today.
Now I’m supporting the development of the new building with planning for a Capital Fundraising Campaign to fund the final stages of construction.
What hopes do you have for the transformation of Cedar Cottage, with the new building broken ground early 2025?
It has been a long process to get here, and at the same time, it has been a respectful and collaborative process. People from the neighbourhood, wider community, Indigenous communities, local businesses have all been consulted and involved in the designing of the new building - which will serve the future of Cedar Cottage well as it comes to be. This will be a new era of Cedar Cottage!
Can you share a bit about your organization’s commitment to neighbourhood houses and why giving back to them is important to you?
My connection to Cedar Cottage helps me in my role as a business owner. I’m always trying to connect my business, nonprofit and volunteer activities with each other - to try to find meaning in the world. I’ve found a lot of that meaning in my life through neighbourhood houses.
Over the years Pedalheads has supported neighbourhood houses across Canada and into the United States, giving back to the communities where we run our programs, in over 300 locations. For a long time we had an initiative called Special Day of Helping where two days in the summer, at our camps, the youth leaders and kids would help the community through different acts of service - like bake sales, picking-up garbage or watering community gardens. During those days we also asked families for donations to their local neighbourhood houses - and Pedalheads would match all donations and distribute the funds across North America. These initiatives also helped me educate families, youth and staff of Pedalheads about neighbourhood houses and their impact in the communities they serve.
What makes neighbourhood house work unique and essential in today’s world?
When I first started going to the Neighbourhood House, its presence came at a challenging time in my life, and it was a really good outlet for me. Neighbourhood houses connect with community needs, listen to those in the neighbourhood, and hear what they’re actually thinking.
The magic of Cedar Cottage is the refuge that it gives to the community - where you will always feel at home and always feel welcomed.
Thank you Claudia and Pedalheads for your continued connection, support and championing of neighbourhood houses across Canada! With the new Cedar Cottage building set to open its doors in 2026, your legacy will be felt throughout the space.
Click here to learn more about monthly giving and other ways to support ANHBC neighbourhood houses and camps.
