For nearly a decade, Kim Soderberg McRae has been a driving force behind community engagement in Chestermere. As the founder of Macaroni Kid Chestermere and also being responsible for 100 Women Who Care Chestermere and Imagination Library, her brand served as a hub for local families to discover events and activities. However, when the U.S.-based Macaroni Kid shut down its Canadian operations, Kim faced a major decision. “They notified us on Halloween that they were shutting us down in March,” she explained. “It forced me to start from scratch, going from thousands of followers to nothing.”
This unexpected turn gave rise to Little Lake Locals, Kim’s new platform. “It’s the same idea—bringing local family and youth events to the community in one easy-to-find place,” she shared. The initiative will continue to feature an event calendar and a weekly newsletter, ensuring families can quickly plan their free time. “There’s nothing worse than seeing an event on Facebook and losing it to the algorithm,” Kim noted.
Building Little Lake Locals hasn’t been without challenges. Kim highlighted the significant investment required for the new website. “I don’t know what funds will look like going forward,” she admitted. Despite financial hurdles, she remains committed to organizing events like the upcoming Kindergarten Readiness Fair and continuing partnerships with groups like Calgary Rural Primary Care Network and Chestermere Community Services.
Kim’s dedication to Chestermere runs deep. Her family has lived in the area for almost a century, a legacy she cherishes. “I remember playing in the original one-room hall as a kid,” she said, recalling her connection to the community’s history. This passion for her hometown is evident in her work. “Chestermere has so much history, and I love being part of sharing that with others,” she said.
Her journey began years ago when a friend introduced her to the Macaroni Kid concept. “It was exactly what I wanted to do—connect the community and help families,” Kim said.
Now, with Little Lake Locals, Kim is not only rebuilding but also innovating. “It’s all mine this time,” she said proudly. With plans to introduce more community-focused content, Kim continues to be a cornerstone of connection in Chestermere, ensuring that families and youth always have a place to turn for activities.
