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Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division mobilizes to raise funds for vulnerable women 

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CSS Morning Star program lifts women in lasting ways  

 News Release from Catholic Social Services

Teachers across Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division are raising funds to support the vulnerable women served by Catholic Social Services’ Morning Star program.    

“It’s just something that is very important to us, that we teach our children about helping less fortunate and being a part of a community and a faith filled community.” Melissa Meyer, teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas School.  

Last winter, a class at St. Thomas Aquinas school in Red Deer organized a drive to collect over 100 clothing accessories for Morning Star. This year, the entire school division is participating. Fundraising kicked off on May 9, and will continue through to the end of the school year.   

Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division has held a lunch day where faculty and pupils were able to order lunch from local restaurants, Millennium Cafe and Bo’s Bar & Stage, where a portion of proceeds will be donated to Morning Star. This week (May 9-13), faculty are participating by donating $20 to dress down for theme days. Themes include Gear down for a good cause, Jeans for justice, Sweathog Day, Just Cause Jeans, and High School Throwback, where teachers and staff may dress in jeans and sportswear at school. Another planned initiative includes a 50/50 draw on May 20.  

“The support means a lot and there’s something that really touches our hearts about the youth as well wanting to get involved in their community and help build up their community even from a young age. It means a lot to us.” Jill Lanz, Service Coordinator at Morning Star.  

Morning Star opened in downtown Red Deer in 2019, following a viability analysis which identified significant gaps in the community for women experiencing homelessness, addiction, and other self-identified barriers. Morning Star is the only program exclusively serving women, an important feature for those who may have experienced abuse and/or human trafficking.   

The program aims to lift women in lasting ways through both outreach and drop-in services. The Morning Star drop-in centre offers a safe place for women to access showers and laundry services, snacks, clothing, toiletries, and the friendship and support of staff. Morning Star served 168 women last year, and currently receives 140-260 visits monthly.  

“Part of our jobs is we will carry hope for our women until they can carry it for themselves,” Lanz describes her role at Morning Star.  

Morning Star is entirely funded through donations to Sign of Hope, Catholic Social Services’ charitable fundraising arm. The program costs $250,000 annually to operate. Those interested can make donations at (LINK)  

Local Filmmaker Involvement  

A video by a local Red Deer filmmaker Corey Gomez was produced to support the Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division fundraising efforts. Gomez has been involved with projects including Billy the Kid, ATCO, Government of Alberta, and a television show produced by Ron Howard.  

About CSS:  

For 60 years, Catholic Social Services has been providing help to the most vulnerable. Today, CSS works in three priority areas: serving newcomers to Canada, serving individuals with disabilities, and serving individuals, children, and families. Each year, more than 21,000 Albertans in 12 communities across central Alberta, are uplifted and empowered through CSS.   

 

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Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation

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Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!

If you want to taste all the flavors at Festival of Wines & Spirits, experience the enchantment of Mistletoe Magic, or treat your family to a morning of fun at Festival Pajama Breakfast, it’s time to buy your tickets!

Learn all about Festival of Trees and purchase your tickets at reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca!

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation Announces Cath Lab Opening 5 Years Ahead of Schedule

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, in collaboration with AHS, is proud to announce the fast-tracked opening of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. With a permanent facility scheduled for completion in five years, this critical fixture will allow for care on an accelerated timeline, offering life-saving cardiac care to the residents of Central Alberta.

Manon Therriault, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, emphasized the significance of this development. “In cardiac care, time isn’t just money—it’s muscle. The earlier patients receive treatment, the better their chances of recovery. This Cath Lab, coming approximately five years earlier than expected, could save up to 160 lives.”

The Cath Lab, which will be housed in a retrofitted space within the current hospital, will allow local cardiac patients to receive urgent care in Red Deer instead of requiring transfers to hospitals in Calgary or Edmonton. In the future, the lab will be transformed into a cutting-edge Vascular and Neurology Lab, going above and beyond the broader Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project, which represents a $1.8 billion investment—the largest hospital expansion in Alberta’s history. The ability to support projects of this importance would not be possible without our donors.

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation is providing financial support for the essential architectural, mechanical, and electrical upgrades. “This Cath Lab represents an immediate leap forward in improving local healthcare. We’re not waiting to make a difference in the lives of Central Albertans,” said Therriault.

“Through this Memorandum of Understanding with our Foundation partners, we’re underscoring our commitment to enhancing the cardiac care available at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre,” says Karen Foudy, AHS Senior Operating Officer for Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. “By establishing an interim catheterization laboratory, we will be able to provide a new service to patient’s years ahead of the completion of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre Redevelopment Project which will help reduce the need for cardiac patients to travel to other facilities.

This will also support our efforts to recruit and retain the talented healthcare professionals needed to provide care every day to our patients.”

Women Leading Philanthropy Event Supports Mothers Through the EMBRACE Program

On October 9th, Women Leading Philanthropy (WLP) hosted an invigorating gathering of 60

attendees, all coming together for a meaningful evening in support of the EMBRACE program.

The event highlighted WLP’s dedication to empowering women and making a difference in the

lives of those who need it most.

The EMBRACE program is a vital initiative aimed at supporting women with a history of

substance use during pregnancy. EMBRACE stands for Empowering Mothers and Families,

Mentorship, Building Healthy Relationships, Respect, Actively Listening and Learning,

Collaboration, and Engagement. At the heart of the program is a collaborative care approach,

ensuring that mothers receive comprehensive support throughout pregnancy and into the

postpartum period. The ultimate goal is to empower these mothers to be the primary caregivers

for their babies, equipping them with the tools and confidence they need to thrive.

During the evening, a guest speaker moved the audience with personal stories of her own

journey and that of another mother’s experience with EMBRACE. She shared how the program

had been a source of strength and guidance during some of the most difficult moments in their

lives, underscoring the powerful impact of community support.

As part of the fundraising efforts, EMBRACE totes—special bags given to mothers during their

stay in the hospital—were auctioned off. Each tote is filled with approximately $100 worth of

essential items for both mother and baby, including personal hygiene and comfort items, snacks,

things to pass the time in the hospital, and baby necessities like sleepers, sleep sacks, and

soothers.

Looking ahead, WLP is excited to grow its membership and continue selecting impactful causes

to support. The energy and passion shared at events like this are a testament to the power of

collective philanthropy.

Reflecting on the event, WLP member Sara Gerrard shared, “Being part of a group that

empowers women through philanthropy is incredibly rewarding. Events like ‘Connect for a

Cause’ in support of the EMBRACE program not only showcase the collective impact we can

have but also inspire us to strive for even greater change. Together, we’re making a difference,

one initiative at a time.”

With such a strong start, WLP is eager to see what the future holds as they continue to engage

in meaningful causes and strengthen their impact on the community.

VIEW OUR IMPACT REPORT

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation raises and disburses funds for programs, services, and the purchase of medical equipment for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and other health centres in Central Alberta.

Click here to view a list of some of the equipment recently funded by our generous donors.

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First Battle of Alberta this NHL season to bring big boost to Child Advocacy Centre!

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From the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre

The Edmonton Oilers MEGA 50/50 is BACK in support of three amazing organizations 💙🧡

By purchasing your Oilers MEGA 50/50 tickets today, you’re helping to support the CACAC, along with Little Warriors and Zebra Child & Youth Advocacy Centre .

Purchase before 1PM to be eligible for all 4 early bird prizes, including a $500 Esso card, 2 PCL Loge Arkells tickets for November 1, $1000 for Alberta Beef, and $10,000 CASH!

Early Bird draws!

Buy before 1:00 for $500 Esso card

Buy before 7:00 for 2 PCL Loge Arkells tickes

Buy before 7:30 for $1,000 Alberta Beef

Buy before 8:00 for $10,000 Cash!

THANK YOU EDMONTON OILERS!

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