Connect with us

Community

Kids and youth connect over free meals every Friday night at Northside Community Centre YMCA

Published

3 minute read

Article submitted by YMCA of Northern Alberta

Since opening in 2019, the Northside Community Centre YMCA has been an important gathering place for kids and teens in the Glendale area. Its popular free drop-in youth centre and Skatepark Mentorship program have been a staple in youth’s lives as they look for a safe, inclusive place to go after school and on Friday nights. Now, they can also sit down together and enjoy a free, hot meal every Friday night at Free Food Fridays.

Free Food Fridays is a program that launched in February, generously sponsored by Avalanche Integrity. Typically, a little more than 30 youth arrive at the centre each week to eat together, with as many as 53 taking part in the meal one Friday. Youth who attend can also develop skills in the kitchen with the chance to help prepare the meal. Often the centre sees 70 or more youth attending youth centre drop-in and Friday night Teen Nights, so it’s a busy place for kids and teens.

“We already knew that youth in our area needed a place to go to hang out together in a safe space. Some of these kids’ families may be experiencing food insecurity or economic uncertainty, so we are so grateful to be able to offer a warm, nutritious meal to them at no cost,” says Amy Komarniski, General Manager at the community centre. “At the YMCA, we deeply value social inclusion — everyone can have a sense of belonging here, and giving kids and youth the chance to connect with each other over a healthy meal is such a great way to offer that opportunity to those who need it.”

Meals are served Friday nights at 4:30pm for ages 8–18, and again at 6pm for ages 13–18 every week until the end of the school year. During the summer, the YMCA will continue to provide snacks for youth at the skatepark, and Free Food Fridays will start up again in September. For more information, visit ymcanab.ca/ncc.

About YMCA of Northern Alberta

YMCA of Northern Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to building healthy communities since 1907. From providing quality child care and supporting people in their health and wellness to providing important housing and community outreach programs, the YMCA of Northern Alberta works to strengthen communities in the Red Deer, Wood Buffalo, Grande Prairie and Edmonton regions. For more information, visit ymcanab.ca.

Todayville is a digital media and technology company. We profile unique stories and events in our community. Register and promote your community event for free.

Follow Author

Community

Support local healthcare while winning amazing prizes!

Published on

When you purchase tickets for Red Deer Hospital Lottery and Mega Bucks 50, you do more than just play—you become part of something bigger. You help bridge the gap between what government funding provides and what your hospital truly needs to deliver exceptional care.


Your support helps fund state-of-the-art equipment that doctors and nurses need right now to care for patients across Central Alberta. While plans for the hospital expansion move forward, healthcare doesn’t wait. Patients in our community need access to life-saving technology today, and your generosity makes that possible. 


This year’s lottery will fund essential new and replacement equipment, ensuring your hospital can continue to serve the 500,000 people who rely on it. When you purchase your ticket, you’re investing in innovation, excellence, and a healthier future for Central Alberta. 
SUPPORT TODAY

Step into your Million Dollar Dream Home
by Sorento Custom Homes

Sorento Custom Homes, known for their fine craftsmanship, has continued the tradition of building an exceptional Hospital Lottery Dream Home, located at 128 Emmett Crescent in Red Deer’s Evergreen neighborhood.  This gorgeous bungalow features 2,824 sq ft of developed living space and showcases a tall, vaulted ceiling.

This outstanding home features a screened deck off the dining room, a large family room on the lower level, and of course, a beautiful primary suite. Sorento’s ensuites are always something to behold, and this one features a clawfoot tub. There’s an office on the main level, two bedrooms below, and a large fitness room that includes a two-person infrared sauna.

BUY NOW!

CHECK OUT OUR GREAT TICKET PACKAGES

1 for $20 • 8 for $100 15 for $150  30 for $250

BUY NOW!
MEGA BUCKS 50
Win half of an increasing jackpot of up to $500,000

DON’T FORGET!

$10 EACH | 10 FOR $25
25 FOR $50 | 50 FOR $75

GET YOUR TICKETS!
Thank you so much for your support, and best of luck in the draws.
CALL RED DEER & AREA OR TOLL FREE
403.340.1878      1.877.808.9005
Red Deer Hospital Lottery
Red Deer Hospital Lottery
PO Box 1098
Red Deer AB T4N 6S5

Lottery Licence #724321 | Mega Bucks 50 Licence #724322

© RED DEER HOSPITAL LOTTERY 2025
Continue Reading

Community

SPARC Caring Adult Nominations now open!

Published on

Check out this powerful video, “Be a Mr. Jensen,” shared by Andy Jacks. It highlights the impact of seeing youth as solutions, not problems. Mr. Jensen’s patience and focus on strengths gave this child hope and success.

👉 Be a Mr. Jensen: https://buff.ly/8Z9dOxf

Do you know a Mr. Jensen? Nominate a caring adult in your child’s life who embodies the spirit of Mr. Jensen. Whether it’s a coach, teacher, mentor, or someone special, share how they contribute to youth development. 👉 Nominate Here: https://buff.ly/tJsuJej

Nominate someone who makes a positive impact in the lives of children and youth. Every child has a gift – let’s celebrate the caring adults who help them shine! SPARC Red Deer will recognize the first 50 nominees. 💖🎉 #CaringAdults #BeAMrJensen #SeePotentialNotProblems #SPARCRedDeer

Continue Reading

Trending

X