From Red Deer College

BMO Financial Group’s support honoured at unveiling event

Red Deer, January 21, 2019 – At an event in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre/Centre des Jeux du Canada Gary W. Harris this morning, Red Deer College proudly unveiled the BMO Financial Group Wellness Studio.

In recognition of their $300,000 contribution toward RDC’s Shaping Our Future campaign, the loft-like space above the south end of Builders’ Hall in RDC’s newest facility has been named for the next five years.

This stunning space is a vital component of the Collicutt Performance Fitness Zone, and is used for fitness classes, yoga and meditation. The BMO Financial Group Wellness Studio’s floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the NOVA Chemicals Waskasoo Creek Nature Walk on the south end, and Builders’ Hall to the north. This bright, quiet space contributes to the building’s holistic approach toward wellness by providing an indoor fitness space that connects users to the natural landscape beyond its walls, supporting an individual’s spiritual, environmental and physical wellness.

BMO Financial Group is a committed community partner, and has supported RDC as a proud donor and sponsor in the past and with other initiatives. Their most recent contribution to Red Deer College and the Shaping Our Future campaign is an investment in the health and wellness of RDC students as well as the community members who use the College’s newest facility.

For Red Deer College, this community investment reinforces the support of industry and local businesses for the role that RDC plays in the region.

“We’re grateful, and proud to acknowledge, the strong support that BMO Financial Group has provided to Red Deer College, to support our students and community today and in the future,” says Joel Ward, RDC President & CEO. “We have a shared vision for our region, as community leaders who recognize that we have the power to shape the future of our region, our province and our communities by investing in the total wellness of our citizens.”

The Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, which is perhaps the most recognizable result of the Shaping Our Future campaign, is only one component of the work RDC has been able to accomplish with the support of community partners like BMO Financial Group.

The College has increased its footprint by nearly a third, with new infrastructure projects including an Alternative Energy Lab and New Residence. RDC has also developed new programs and enhanced existing programs that prepare graduates for success within new and emerging careers that support central Alberta businesses in a diverse and changing economy. All of this will ensure RDC can best continue to serve our learners and communities as we become a comprehensive regional teaching university.

About RDC: For 55 years, RDC has been proudly serving its learners and communities. The College continues to grow programs, facilities and opportunities as it transitions to become a comprehensive regional teaching university during the next three to five years. This year, RDC will add seven new programs to more than 100 established programs (including full degrees, certificates, diplomas and skilled trades programs). RDC educates 7,500 full-and part-time credit students and more than 38,000 youth and adult learners in the School of Continuing Education each year. The College is expanding its teaching, learning, athletic and living spaces with the additions of the state-of-the-art Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre/Centre des Jeux du Canada Gary W. Harris, Alternative Energy Lab and construction of a new Residence which all enhance RDC’s Alternative Energy Initiative. Main campus is strategically situated on 290 acres of Alberta’s natural landscape along Queen Elizabeth II Highway. RDC is also proud to serve its Donald School of Business students housed at a downtown campus, located in the Millennium Centre, in addition to housing teaching and learning space at the Welikoklad Event Centre.

Josh Rimer will represent Canada at the Mr. Gay World competition in South Africa

When we last saw Josh Rimer in Red Deer, he was working at the local TV station (back when there was one), starting down a path in the TV industry.  It was 1997.  He had recently graduated from LTCHS French Immersion program and completed the broadcasting program at Mount Royal College.

He moved to Vancouver 11 years ago and up until last year, Josh was just a regular Canadian living in Vancouver building a career in the biz. But… that changed recently when Josh was designated Mr. Gay Canada 2019.  He will be the country’s representative at the Mr. Gay World competition in April.

Rimer, who grew up in Red Deer and moved to Vancouver 11 years ago, has volunteered with a number of local charities including the Dr Peter AIDS Foundation, A Loving Spoonful, AIDS Vancouver, the LOUD Foundation, and Foundation of Hope. He also hosts and produces interstitial programming for OUTtv, Canada’s national LGBT TV station, where his content will now focus on his journey as Mr. Gay Canada.

“I’m planning to bring viewers along with me behind the scenes on this exciting year that I have ahead of me” says Rimer, who has been regularly uploading videos to his YouTube channel as well, where he currently has over 33 thousand subscribers. “In 2018 I showcased more than 30 different gay-friendly destinations in my TV and online content, but in 2019 I want to put a spotlight on some of the amazing organizations and people in our LGBT community, in Vancouver and across the country.”

Click here to see an announcement video for his new series.

About Mr Gay Canada:
Each year a new delegate is selected to be Mr. Gay Canada and he will represent the nation at the annual Mr. Gay World competition. A candidate is chosen for the position from the gay community who is inspiring, charismatic, articulate, and confident. He will travel to South Africa to compete for the title of Mr. Gay World along with other delegates from a number of countries around the world.