Events – Everyone Belongs

You’re Invited to the DDRC’s Annual Stampede Breakfast!

Posted on July 4, 2017 By Communications Team

Yahoo! It’s almost time for the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary’s annual Stampede Breakfast, and we would love have you as our guest!

Come enjoy some delicious pancakes and fun for the whole family at this free event! Enjoy delicious pancakes, live entertainment, and great company between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on July 13.

Guests will include the Stampede Queen and Princesses, Starr the pony, local politicians, and many more!

The DDRC Stampede Breakfast takes place in our first-floor parking lot, located at 4646 Sarcee Road SW. Parking is available at Mount Royal University in parking lot 1 (look for our signs).

We hope to see y’all there!

Highlights from the 2016 Holiday Open House

Posted on December 16, 2016 By Communications Team

With approximately 300 guests in attendance, this year’s “Candy Cane Lane” Holiday Open House was a huge success! This year, the festive event featured delicious baked goods from six employees in the Bite-Size Bake Off, a visit from Mr. Claus himself, a prize wheel, and clients, employees, and members of the community working together to decorate a tree. We’re thrilled to share some highlights with you!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who worked so hard to make the day happen. We’d also like to say thank you to Sarcee Plaza Starbucks for their generous donation of coffee for the enjoyment of our guests.

Some of our volunteers take a break from serving food.

Members of the PACE Team enjoy a bite to eat.

Meeting Santa on his way around the building.

Santa stops by the Client Services office.

You’re Invited to the Holiday Open House!

Posted on November 21, 2016 By Communications Team

Holiday Open House poster Come celebrate the season at our annual Holiday Open House!

This festive event is completely free, and open to everyone. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments, learn about the DDRC, meet our clients and employees, and visit with Santa Claus! Plus, who wouldn’t want to be a judge in our Bite-Size Holiday Bake Off? Five DDRC employees whip up some delicious holiday treats, and then YOU get to sample all of them and vote for your favourite!

Date: Thursday, December 8
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: DDRC Gym, 4646 Sarcee Road SW
Cost: Free!

Computer Literacy Course comes to DDRC

Posted on October 13, 2016October 13, 2016 By Communications Team

The DDRC has partnered with Bow Valley College to introduce a computer literacy course to the our clients this fall, and we were thrilled to host a launch celebration in September!

The 12-week course focuses on supporting clients with relevant goals, such as finding community employment. Three Community Resource Workers from the PACE team act as facilitators, making sure learners are comfortable with the concepts taught by a Bow Valley College instructor.

Topics covered include basic computer functions, using the Internet, digital literacy, online safety, and commonly used computer programs. Learners are also shown how computer skills can help them with employment – searching for a job, writing a cover letter and résumé, applying for a job by email, and more.

Bow Valley College’s Bernice Gowan believes that clients will benefit from being part of an organization that is “literacy friendly.”

“Literacy is about belonging. It’s important at home, at work, and in the community,” Gowan said.

CEO Helen Cowie and Bow Valley College employees listen to Keith Seel (Dean of the Centre for Excellence in Foundational Learning).

DDRC employees learn more about the new course.

Delicious cupcakes sporting DDRC and BVC logos for the celebration.

DDRC facilitators Ryan and Andrea, and BVC's Bernice Gowan celebrate the launch with sparkling juice. — DDRC facilitators Ryan and Andrea, and BVC’s Bernice Gowan celebrate the launch with sparkling apple juice.

2016 Inclusion Award Winners

Posted on October 13, 2016October 7, 2016 By Communications Team

Congratulations to this year’s award winners!

Award of Excellence – Arts and Culture	Alexander Gorski
Award of Excellence – Career and Community	Joey Duong
Award of Excellence – Career and Community	Kieran Corrigan
Outstanding Self-Advocate Award	Kais Mussa
Inclusive Education Award	Dr. Gordon Higgins School
Inclusive Employer Award	Gibson Energy Inc.
Inclusive Community Award	Inside Out Theatre
Volunteer Spirit Award	James Walters
Special Achievement Award	Darrell Howard
Leadership Award	Neemi Kassam
Team Spirit Award	Client Services Coordinators
Agency Spirit Award	Shannon Mills
everyone belongs™ Award	Jessica Boulter

Thank you for the work that you do to make Calgary a more inclusive city!

Awards.

Highlights from the 2016 Inclusion Awards

Posted on October 13, 2016October 13, 2016 By Communications Team

On September 22nd, the DDRC celebrated the 21st annual Inclusion Awards! The event was a huge success with approximately 400 people in attendance. Throughout the evening, we recognized 13 deserving individuals with awards for their outstanding contributions to making Calgary a city where everyone belongs™.

The theme for 2016 was “by the sea,” and everyone looked ready to set sail after donning some of the fun costumes at our photo booth. If you had a shot taken at the photo booth, you can e-mail us for information on how to download your free picture.

We would like to provide a heartfelt thanks to:

Kristy Reimer Photography for capturing the evening;
Lori Gibbs for bringing the event to life as our host;
The Nova Scotiables for getting everyone’s toes tapping;
Celtic Roots Highland Dancers for the delightful performance;
The Glenmore Inn and Convention Centre and all of their wonderful staff for making sure everything ran smoothly;
Our generous donors and sponsors;
Our selfless volunteers; and
All of our guests, nominees, and award winners.

Here are some moments from the evening:

A representative of Gibson Energy looks at the nomination plaques. — A representative of Gibson Energy admires the nomination plaques.

A crowd gathers around the silent auction tables.

Lori Gibbs, host, starts the evening off.

Employees reaching their 5th year at the DDRC receive a gift from CEO Helen.

Tom Shindruk of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Foundation board addresses the audience.

A teacher from Dr. Gordan Higgins School (winner) with Sabrina (presenter).

Representatives of Inside Out Theatre (winner) with Michelle (presenter).

Leonka (presenter) and Darrell Howard (winner).

Martin (presenter) with former and current members of the Client Services Coordinator team (winner).

Community Access Manager Neemi speaks after winning an award.

PACE Team Leader Shannon accepts an award.

Host Lori Gibbs and Shaneef briefly reenact a scene from Titanic.

Community Resource Worker Jessica makes her way to the stage after being called for the everyone belongs award.

We appreciate each and every one of you. The Inclusion Awards couldn’t have happened without all of your support!