Community
Red Deer Rebels teaming up to collect toys for kids
From Wawanesa
GET READY FOR THE WAWANESA TOY DRIVE WITH THE RED DEER REBELS
Together with United Way of Central Alberta and local independent insurance brokers, Wawanesa Insurance is collecting toys for kids and sending two lucky fans to the Memorial Cup in Kelowna, B.C.
Whether unwrapping a teddy bear, a fire truck or a stethoscope, there’s nothing like making kids smile during the holidays. This year, Wawanesa Insurance is teaming up with United Way of Central Alberta, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and independent insurance brokers to host holiday toy drives across Canada, including right here in Red Deer.
Wawanesa Insurance and the CHL want to give more kids a reason to smile, and they are making it easy and rewarding for anyone to help. For fans heading to the Red Deer Rebels game on November 30, please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to donate. Wawanesa Insurance will enter all toy donors into a Grand Prize draw for a trip for two to Kelowna for this year’s Memorial Cup Presented by Kia.
“Happy kids, neighbours helping neighbours, and some of the best hockey in the world – it’s a winning combination to help more Canadian families enjoy this holiday season,” said Selena Hinds, Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs for Wawanesa Insurance. “We are thrilled to partner with the Canadian Hockey League, independent insurance brokers and local charities across Canada on this country-wide holiday toy drive. For us at Wawanesa Insurance, supporting the communities where we work and live is the essence of who we are.”
If someone is unable to bring a toy to the game, Wawanesa has partnered with local insurance brokers to provide people with convenient toy drive drop-off locations:
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#101 4320 – 50 Avenue | Red Deer, AB |
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102 4802 – 51 Ave | Red Deer, AB |
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33 Mckenzie Crescent #203 | Red Deer County, AB |
Wawanesa Insurance is a proud partner of the CHL and the Official Auto and Home Insurer of the CHL. For more information about the Wawanesa Toy Drive and full contest rules, visit: wawanesa.com/toydrive.
Grant was in his mid-fifties – maybe a bit overweight but with no other cardiovascular risk factors. However, a stroke hit and hit hard. His right side was very compromised, he had little use of his hands, he was unable to walk or lift his right arm. He was hospitalized in Red Deer for 4 months and then went to the Centennial Centre in Ponoka for rehab for 6 months. His doctor had told him that he would be bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life and would never walk again or be able to recover from this stroke. This made Grant angry as he didn’t want this prognosis.
Since that time, he has put a lot of work and effort into getting better. The physios and rehab team helped him make progress, but he kept asking them how he could get more training. They were able to refer him to Recreation Therapy at RDPCN. His therapist arranged to work with him at the Gary W Harris Canada Games Centre three times per week. He is doing a lot better now. He can walk with a cane and he can lift 30 pounds on the machines at the gym. He can now clap hands. He has gained strength and control, his gait has improved along with his endurance, and he has an increased range of motion and strength in his upper extremities. He can now do many more tasks of daily living such as carry groceries, cook and barbeque.
Grant states that his doctor can’t believe his progress. Other people he knows have said very similar things. Working with the Rec Therapist has been very encouraging and supportive. The Rec Therapist has really helped me to stay motivated. Having a plan for myself also helps the attendants at the Gary Harris Centre to work with me to move forward. I have highly recommended this program to others I know who have had a stroke.
My work is not done but I am proud of the progress I have made and thankful for everything I can do for myself.
To learn more about the RDPCN programs, visit www.reddeerpcn.com
Pop-up Spray Parks
Members of Red Deer Emergency Services, RCMP and Municipal Enforcement blasted the hoses to keep you cool Thursdays in July and August.
Pop-up spray parks are popping up across Red Deer this summer. Beat the heat with Red Deer Emergency Services, Municipal Policing Services and RCMP in a neighbourhood near you.
Participants are reminded to not attend if they are feeling unwell or are currently required to quarantine.
Thursdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m.
| Date | Location | Address |
|---|---|---|
| July 22 | Highland Green Community Centre | 65 Halladay Avenue |
| July 29 | Deer Park Community Association | 181 Dowler Street |
| August 5 | To Be Confirmed | —– |
| August 12 | Riverside Meadows Community Centre | 6021 57 Avenue |
| August 19 | Joseph Welsh Elementary School | 4401 37 Avenue |
*Events are weather dependent.
My European Favourites – Helsinki, Finland
Summer Vacation Idea – Central Alberta’s collection of Train stations preserved along the Highway 56 Corridor
Keep cool with the firefighters this Thursday!
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