Community
Making Red Deer A Welcoming Community
By Sheldon Spackman
After a racially charged fight between some Syrian and non-Syrian students at Ecole Secondaire Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer May 16th, work is well underway in our community to make something positive out of the event.
The Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network or (WIC) is working with it’s 50 members and other community partners including the Red Deer Public School District, to move the community forward in encouraging residents to learn more about each other rather than buying into incorrect rhetoric. The organization is asking Red Deerians to be smarter than that.
In a release, WIC officials say “The Network supports the Red Deer Public School District in its management of the conflict that occurred between students at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School last week and we stand with them to celebrate the good work Lindsay Thurber has done in celebrating the diversity among its students.”
“The very, small number of people in Red Deer, in Alberta, across Canada who are trying to promote hatred towards Muslim people, using the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (2. b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression as a right to promote hatred of Muslim people, even stating that their religious freedoms are at risk may not be aware that the same Charter states that freedom of conscience and religion (2. a) are also fundamental rights. That means their religious freedoms are protected, but it also means that the religious freedoms of everyone else are also protected including Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, and yes, Muslim people. The parts of Sharia Law that are being opposed will always be illegal in Canada under Criminal Code of Canada so people don’t need to continue fear mongering around that.”
“Those who spread misinformation, who are not willing to educate themselves on the truth, and ALL of the laws in Canada, who would rather buy into the fear mongering, end up standing for something that isn’t true, like what we saw here in Red Deer Tuesday morning. It is nothing short of disappointing and is exactly what The Red Deer WIC Network is working against.”
Established in the Fall of 2015, the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network works in a collective impact model to help The City of Red Deer achieve its commitments as a signatory of the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination.
Visit WIC’s Facebook Page.
Red Deer Public School District Statement Regarding Student Fight.
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:
“Leading 100 Women has been an honour and a privilege. When we began this journey, we didn’t know where it would go – we simply loved the simple, elegant, and fun ‘100 Who Care’ 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!”
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:
“We 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 organization’s 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 members’ 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.
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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