Community
Executive Director of CAIWA awarded Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
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Submitted by Robert Opoku on behalf of the board, management and staff of the Central Alberta Immigrant Women Association (CAIWA)
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of CAIWA, I would like to congratulate our dear and indefatigable Executive Director, Halima Ali for being awarded a Queen Elizabethās Platinum Jubilee Medal on Saturday December 10th, 2022. This award, as important as it is, crowned our Year- end party.
This award was delivered by Minister Adriana LaGrange, Albertaās Minister of Education and Halima has the opportunity to be decorated by this honorable person including RCMP personnel.
The Queen Elizabeth IIās Platinum Jubilee Medal will be awarded to 7,000 Albertans throughout this year in recognition of significant contributions these awardees have made to the province. Thus, this award is typically given to recognize contributions made by Canadians from a broad spectrum of society. Specifically, Halima has made and continues to make significant contribution to central Albertaās diversity and inclusion goals.
I am happy that one from our own – Halima has been uniquely honoured. I am even happier that it was her. The award appropriately reflects the endless hours Halima has been spending to champion the needs of immigrant women, youth, and men in our region. Halimaās determination, self-discipline and hard work has finally paid dividends and provincially recognised.
I also would like to thank Abdul for being on Halimaās side all the time. Abdul, CAIWA is so thankful. Youāre a champion too!
I also would like to acknowledge that our very own Sister Mary was honored alongside with Halima. I know this will not be a surprise to many.
Once again, on behalf of Board, Management and Staff of CAIWA, I wish you and sister Mary unlimited success in the future.
Sincerely,
Robert Opoku
On behalf of the Board, Management and staff of CAIWA
Community
New Documentary “Cooking with Hot Stones” Explores History of Fort Assiniboine, Alberta
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February 14, 2025 ā Alberta, CanadaĀ ā A compelling new documentary,Ā Cooking with Hot Stones: 200th Anniversary of Fort Assiniboine, is set to air on Wild TV, RFD TV Canada, Cowboy Channel Canada, and you can click here to stream for FREE on Wild TVās streaming service, Wild TV+. This engaging one-hour feature will take viewers on a journey through time, exploring Fort Assiniboineās rich history from 1823 to 2023.
Fort Assiniboine is a significant landmark in Alberta, playing a crucial role in Indigenous history, the fur trade, and the western expansion of Canada. This documentary captures the spirit of the region, illustrating how it has evolved over two centuries and how it continues to shape the cultural fabric of the province today.
Wild TV will make the documentary free to stream on Wild TV+ on February 14th so that it can be easily accessed in classrooms and other educational settings throughout the region, ensuring the historical significance of Fort Assiniboine reaches a wider audience.
Produced by Western Directives Inc.,Ā Cooking with Hot Stones: 200th Anniversary of Fort AssiniboineĀ brings historical moments to life with vivid storytelling, expert interviews, and breathtaking cinematography.
āWe are very excited to partner with Wild TV as part of our one hour documentary production. Based in Alberta, we respect the hard work and quality programming that Wild TV brings to a national audience. With the broadcast opportunity, Wild TV gives our production the ability to entertain and educate Canadians across the country on multiple platforms,ā said Tim McKort, Producer at Western Directives.
Scott Stirling, Vice President of Wild TV, also expressed enthusiasm for the project: āAt Wild TV, we are passionate about telling Canadian stories that resonate with our audiences. This documentary not only highlights a crucial piece of our nationās history but also celebrates the resilience and contributions of Indigenous peoples, traders, and settlers who shaped the land we call home today. We are proud to bringĀ Cooking with Hot Stones: 200th Anniversary of Fort AssiniboineĀ to our viewers across Canada.ā
Airtimes for Wild TV can be foundĀ here.
For airtimes on RFD TV Canada,Ā click here.
For airtimes on Cowboy Channel Canada, visitĀ CCCās schedule.
Community
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership
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L to R: Cindy Jefferies, Susan Knopp, Lane Tomalty, Bre Fitzpatrick
Photo credit: The SnapHappy Photographer
After a decade of leadership under Cindy Jefferies and Susan Knopp, 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer (100+ WWCRD) is proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting local charities and the announcement of Bre Fitzpatrick and Lane Tomalty as its new co-leaders. This marks an exciting new chapter for the group, which has made a significant impact on not-for-profit organizations in Central Alberta.
Cindy and Susan have led 100+ WWCRD with vision, dedication, and a commitment to empowering women to lead and inspire change. Under their stewardship, the organization has raised over $630,000 for local charities by hosting 4 annual 1-hour meetings. Since 2015, more than 36 local charities have received funding through the group.
Reflecting on their tenure, Cindy and Susan stated:
āLeading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didnāt know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ā100 Who Careā concept and thought it was a great fit for our community. We are grateful to the many women who have stood with us. They are the magic of the organization! We are confident Bre and Lane will steward this leadership role well and we look forward to supporting it – just not from behind the microphone!ā
Bre and Lane bring a dynamic energy and fresh perspective to the organization. Both have been involved with the group and have been mentored by Susan and Cindy over the past year. They are eager to continue the collaboration, connection, and local support this team of women have established in Red Deer.
In their joint statement, Bre and Lane shared:
āWe are humbled to step into this role and build on the incredible foundation Cindy and Susan have laid. Many needs are at the doorstep of our community and in the hearts and minds of our members. We know a powerful, caring, and united group of individuals can play a huge role in driving change and breaking barriers.
To celebrate this milestone and leadership transition, the 100+ WWCRD hosted the final meeting of 2024 on November 25th at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club. The evening featured reflections from Cindy and Susan, the selection of the Salvation Army as the charity of choice, an opportunity for members to connect with Bre and Lane as they outline their vision for the organizationās next chapter, and a toast to 10 years.
For more information, please visit www.100womenreddeer.ca
About 100+ Women Who Care Red Deer
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer is a network of compassionate, empowered, and dedicated women who make a direct, immediate, and positive impact in Red Deer and area. We support local non-profit and charitable organizations that work every day to make our community a better place to live. 100% of funds donated go to the selected charities – there are no
administration fees, and all costs are covered by the generosity of sponsors. Collectively, we make a difference.
The group meets 4 times annually for 1 hour. Non-profit and charitable organizations are nominated by members. After hearing 3 randomly drawn pitches, the members vote to select their top choice. The group with the highest number of votes receives the membersā donations. Each member or team commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Since 2015, the average raised has been more than $15,000 per meeting.
Membership is open to all women In Red Deer and area. We invite you to join us! The first meeting of 2025 will be on Monday, February 3, 2025.
Founded in February 2015, the organization currently has about 150 members. We are committed to uniting this powerful group of 100+ women who care and lifting the amazing non-profits and charitable groups they support.
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