The 20th Annual Inclusion Awards!

Posted on By Communications Team

On September 24th, the DDRC celebrated the 20th 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 2015 was the 1920s, and everyone “put on the ritz” by 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:

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

It’s never too early to save the date – mark your calendars for the 21st annual Inclusion Awards on September 22nd, 2016. We’ll see everyone there!

Dare to DEAM

Posted on By Communications Team

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October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (or DEAM), and we’re working with the Calgary Employment First Network (CEFN) to make sure Calgarians know all about it!

The CEFN is hosting three great events this month to celebrate inclusive employment:

Friday, October 2: DEAM Kickoff Ceremony

What: Businesses and organizations that champion inclusive employment will share information about what they do. Be sure to stick around for the many presentations from local dignitaries. All are welcome!
When: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Olympic Plaza; 228 8 Avenue SE
Cost: Free

Thursday, October 8: Workplace Diversity Strategies Seminar

What: This unique seminar is ideal for Calgary HR Professionals, Managers, and business owners.   ‘Workplace Diversity Strategies: Utilizing Universal Design to Build an Inclusive Organization’ will provide Calgary Employers with insights, information and tools to build their capacity to engage in inclusive recruitment and create inclusive workplaces.
When: 9:00 – 11:00 am
Where: Calgary Chamber of Commerce; 237 8 Avenue SE
Cost: $30.00. Click here to register online.

Friday, October 23: CEFN Cash Mob

What: The CEFN will cash mob local employer Save-On-Foods to celebrate and reward their inclusive employment practices. CEFN members will greet customers entering the store and provide information to showcase this employer’s achievements with inclusive employment. Customers will be encouraged to spend a little extra that day to show their support and reward this inclusive employer!
When: 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Where: Save-On-Foods; #100 – 8855 MacLeod Trail SW
Cost: Free, however guests are encouraged to make a purchase.

Looking for more information? Visit the CEFN website, or check out this official proclamation from Mayor Nenshi!

2015 Inclusion Award Winners

Posted on By Communications Team

Congratulations to our 2015 Inclusion Award winners!

Award of Excellence – Arts and Culture: Tanice McMinis
Award of Excellence – Career and Community: Kate Kelly
Award of Excellence – Career and Community: Rhonda Kottusch
Outstanding Self-Advocate Award: Scott Anderson-Bazinet
Inclusive Education Award: Carol McCullough
Inclusive Employer Award: Bonnie Makarchuk of WINS
Inclusive Community Award: Rutland Park
Volunteer Spirit Award: Richard Stringer
Special Achievement Award: Mikal Almedom
Leadership Award: Mahdad Davary
Team Spirit Award: Communications and Development
Agency Spirit Award: Marilyn Ritchie
everyone belongs™ Award: Josephine Flancia

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

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OHS Week at the DDRC

Posted on By Communications Team

August 10th marked the beginning of Occupational Health and Safety Week at the DDRC! This was a great opportunity for us to educate clients and employees about important safety and health issues.

Each day of the week featured a theme, and a variety of workshops and activities were offered to help highlight the themes. We were lucky enough to have guest speakers from the Calgary Fire Department and YMCA come to talk to us, and we had many employees share their expertise on particular topics.

Here are some of our favourite moments from the week:

Inclusion Awards FAQ 2015

Posted on By Communications Team

The 20th annual Inclusion Awards ceremony is just over a month away, but it’s never to early to start getting prepared! In order to ensure that the evening runs as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions. Feel free to ask any other event-related questions in the comments box at the end!Untitled-1

When is the event?

The 20th annual Inclusion Awards will be held on Thursday, September 24.

What time does it start?

Guests are invited to arrive any time after 5:30 to enjoy our live entertainment. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m.; for this reason, we ask that you arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

How long is the event?

The event runs an average of two and a half to three hours.

What should I wear?

The dress-code for this event is business-casual. Please, no jeans.

What is the theme this year?

This year’s theme is the 1920s!

Will there be food?

Yes! Guests are treated to a delicious three course meal.

What if I have an allergy?

If you have a food allergy, please notify us as soon as possible via e-mail.

Will there be alcohol?

Yes. There will be a cash bar if you desire a beverage with alcohol. Water, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided free of charge.

Are kids allowed?

The event is open to guests of all-ages, provided that they have reserved a ticket online.

I was nominated for an award. Do I have to do anything special?

We ask that all nominees (and their guests) choose a seat in the first three rows, to ensure quick access to the stage if they are chosen as an award winner.

Will there be a photo booth again this year?

Yes! We are pleased to provide a fun 1920s-themed photo booth for the event! There will also be a 50/50 draw, silent auction, and door prizes.

How do I get to the Glenmore Inn?

The Glenmore Inn is easily accessible by car at 2720 Glenmore Trail SE. If you will be arriving by transit, routes 73 and 302 will also bring you to the hotel. Click here to see the Glenmore Inn on Google Maps.