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Red Deer Renegades winter programs moving to Exhibition Hall at Westerner Park

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News release from the Red Deer City Soccer Association

RDCSA and Westerner Park Rekindle Long Standing Partnership

The Red Deer City Soccer Association (RDCSA) and Westerner Park are re-entering a multi-year partnership that will see the new Exhibition Hall of Westerner Park leased out to RDCSA. The lease, set to start in October 2022, will see the Soccer Association lay down a state-of-the-art indoor turf that will be multi-sport capable thus allowing for sub leasing opportunities. For Red Deer Renegades soccer players, it will be a place to call home as the turf can be used as a 9v9 field, or two 7v7 fields.

Prior to entering the COVID era, RDCSA and Westerner Park had a 13-year long partnership. This partnership started off inside the Stockmen’s Pavilion with one turf field. “This was a game changer for us as we were able to continue to train and develop our players in an environment that mimics outdoor game. We were one of the pioneers in popularizing indoor board less soccer in Alberta,” said Ado Sarcevic, General Manager for RDCSA. The needs of the soccer organization grew rapidly, as did the partnership with Westerner Park. This growth resulted in the purchase of two new turf fields and the rental of both the Agricentre West and Agricentre East facilities. Unfortunately, with the rise of COVID, the need for the indoor facilities diminished and the long-standing partnership would have to be put on hold.

With COVID starting to be a part of history, the Soccer Association has seen a record high number of registrations, even surpassing pre COVID figures. RDCSA President Dr. Stephen Kelly gave some insight, “It is great to see families getting back into sport. Kids need sport in so many ways: physical exercise, mental wellness, teamwork skills, building friendships and having fun. We look forward to providing the best possible experience for as many kids as possible.” With more youth than ever being interested in soccer, RDCSA had to be innovative in coming up with new ways to meet current and future demand. “This hall houses four change rooms and gives us the ability to have two 7v7 games running simultaneously or one 9v9 game. Our parents and fans will love the second-floor spectator area where they can watch the games while sipping on their favorite beverage. Our new world class turf has built in
padding and a Velcro system that makes the field virtually seamless. It also has no infill (rubber pellets you see on most turf) which gets to be quite a nuisance,” said Dr. Kelly. With the increased size of the facilities, RDCSA will look to bring their other soccer programs to Westerner Park. “We plan on getting all our players in this facility, grassroots all the way to our elite Renegades teams,” mentioned Kelly.

The future is bright for soccer in Red Deer and the possibilities for the growth of soccer are endless. The Association is extending an invitation to other sports organizations within the community. “We are planning on implementing an online booking system where anyone can go online and reserve a time slot,” said Sarcevic. A partnership that was put on hold, is now set to comeback stronger than ever before, looking to reach new heights in the Red Deer Community.

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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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