Community
Will we ever again know what is really happening here at home?
How do we get “Real” local news? Who asks the tough questions?
Who holds anyone to account?
Someone asked me about the rash of incidents in Red Deer involving holes being drilled into cars’ gas tanks. I knew nothing but this person living in Southern Alberta heard about it. Is it “Fake” news? Is it real?
Two days later over lunch, I was asked about finding local news as the questioner thought the local websites and papers dealt very little with local news and either dealt with entertainment or world news easily obtained elsewhere.
Then to end the week, another friend asked me about local accountability and how do we find the other side or the background of a story in Red Deer.
The week began with questions from a group of the Millennial generation, with divided opinions of the trustworthiness of Facebook, the popularity of Twitter, and a myriad of other sites and Apps.
Then the concerned parties were from older segments of society. Believe it but some were even older than me.
Have we seen the end of reliable journalism? Will we think that every article could be fake news planted by a foreign power hoping to influence our thoughts?
How many websites do we have to visit to find out what is happening across the street, down the road, or around the corner?
It is easy to wish for a single source but is it possible?
Reporting the news is expensive and time consuming, and news reporters need to be profitable. Advertisers need a larger market than a local media outlet specializing in local news can offer. So what do we do?
Surprising enough there is some desire for a step back to old time newspapers. Have breakfast at an A&W sometime and watch the newspapers flow around the room.
But there is a need for journalism, questions, investigative reporting, and stories that tell both sides of an issue?
How do we achieve it if it is possible?
Years ago I subscribed to the National Post, the Edmonton Journal and the Red Deer Advocate, and the standing joke was you would read a story first in the National Post, the second day it would be in the Edmonton Journal then the third day it would appear in the Red Deer Advocate.
I supported the local media, but it started to feel redundant if I was getting news late and not getting the local stories that I was hoping for. Like many I now get my news from various sources, including websites and apps but it reminds me a lot of the old rumor mill and you wonder what you can believe?
Will we ever have a trustworthy reporter who we can count on to ask the tough questions, know the facts and keep us informed about what is happening “Here”? I think those days are gone, do you?
Community
100+ Women Who Care Red Deer celebrates 10th season in 2025 with new leadership
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.
Community
Festival of Trees tickets on sale! Update from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation
Festival of Trees tickets are on sale now! Get ’em while they’re hot!
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