Grub and Good Times – The 2014 Stampede Breakfast

Posted on By Communications Team

It was a beautiful morning in July. The aroma of fresh pancakes and coffee was irresistible to community members passing by the DDRC, and the sizzle of sausages on the griddle served as a welcoming howdy to all who attended the festivities. Nearly 800 guests, dressed to the nines in their finest cowboy boots and Stetsons, flooded our Sarcee Road parking lot to enjoy our rip-roarin’ Stampede Breakfast!

We had some fantastic entertainment and some very special guests show up this year to visit with our clients, employees, volunteers, and community breakfasters. These included Calgary-Currie MLA Christine Cusanelli, the 2014 Stampede Queen and Princesses (Danica Heath, Shannon Black and Stephanie Patterson), the 2014 Stampede Indian Princess (Carly Weasel Child), and Harry the Horse, who posed for photos and chatted with the crowd. We were also lucky enough to have members of the Stampede Promotion Committee making everyone feel welcome by greeting them as they came in, handing out wristbands, and branding our bravest breakfasters with a stamp!

In addition, our trusty friends Terry the Pony and his handler Diane Beaupre from Horses R Cool came by to delight guests of all ages! The line for a photo opportunity with Terry seemed never-ending, but who wouldn’t want to wait for a shot with such a handsome pony?

To everyone who came by to enjoy our Stampede Breakfast, please know that your presence was greatly appreciated. We can’t wait to see y’all again next year!

We want to say a special thank you to all of the businesses who helped out by donating something for the Stampede Breakfast:

  • Sarcee Plaza Starbucks
  • Marda Loop Booster Juice
  • Tree of Life

Don’t forget to check out photos of the event here!

Meet Our Team Leaders: Rochelle Hughes

Posted on By Communications Team

The Northwest Team is one of the DDRC’s community-based teams; Community Resource Workers support clients in their career and leisure pursuits. Team Leader Rochelle Hughes is the driving force behind this active group … here’s your chance to get to know her a bit better!

How long have you been with the DDRC?
Since October. So … ten months.

NW Team Leader, Rochelle Hughes
NW Team Leader, Rochelle Hughes

What made you want to work here?
I really wanted to work in a day program for adults with disabilities. The DDRC was hiring for a position that I was qualified for, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m glad that I did!

What’s the best part about being a Team Leader?
Probably the combination of being able to work both with the clients as well as in the office with the other administrative teams. It’s a good mix.

Can you share a recent client success story from the Northwest Team?
We had two clients go for interviews this week, so that was a big success!

What is your number one pet peeve?
When automatic toilets flush when you’re still sitting down. The “spray up”. I don’t think that anyone likes it, but nobody talks about it.

Meet our Team Leaders: Gil Allen

Posted on By Communications Team

On May 20th, 2014, Gil Allen took over the position of Team Leader for Comprehensive Care, and officially became the DDRC’s newest team leader. Although it’s only been a few weeks, he was happy to share his thoughts with us, as well why he decided to jump in to this new position!

Comp Care Team Leader Gil Allen
Comp Care Team Leader Gil Allen

How long have you been with the DDRC?
Just a couple months short of a year. I started last August as a CRW (Community Resource Worker) for the PACE Team, and officially took over as team leader for Comprehensive Care on May 20th of this year.

What made you want to work here?
A couple of different things. I went to school to study disability theory; I’m heavily interested in the academic side of it. From a more personal side, I have a very close cousin who is a client with the Calgary SCOPE Society, so I have been interested in disability services for most of my life.

Why did you want to become a Team Leader?
I wanted to have more of an impact for more people. As a CRW, I was only able to support two to four people at a time. As a team leader, I hope to be able to help a lot more.

Can you share a recent client success story for the Comprehensive Care?
Matching a client who has been long looking for a worker with someone. It really made his and his dad’s days.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would that be?
One food for the rest of my life… that’s hard. I’ll have to go with Saskatoon berries. I spent a couple of summers working on a Saskatoon berry farm and they were some of my favourite times, so the berries (on their own, in syrup, or in baked goods) remind me of that.

Nominations are Open!

Posted on By Communications Team

Do you know someone who strives to create an environment of inclusion? Maybe he or she a teacher pushing for more inclusive classrooms, a business owner who prioritizes diversity when hiring. No matter who they are, any Calgary resident can be nominated for an Inclusion Award!

Since 1996, the DDRC has been recognizing individuals for the contributions they make to create a more inclusive city. The awards are presented at a gala event in September, where the contributions of these outstanding Calgarians are celebrated. With so many people deserving of this recognition, chances are good that someone in your life would be a perfect candidate for nomination!

Nominations are being accepted from now until July 15th for any one of our 14 categories*:

  • Community: Inclusive Education Award
  • Community: Inclusive Employer Award
  • Community: Inclusive Community Award
  • Community: Corporate Spirit Award
  • Community: Volunteer Spirit Award
  • Community: Good Neighbour Award
  • Community: Special Achievement Award
  • People with Developmental Disabilities: Award of Excellence — Arts and Culture
  • People with Developmental Disabilities: Award of Excellence –Career and Community
  • People with Developmental Disabilities: Outstanding Self-Advocate Award
  • DDRC Employee: Leadership Award
  • DDRC Employee:Team Spirit Award
  • DDRC Employee:Agency Spirit Award
  • DDRC Employee:everyone belongs™ Award

*additional information on each category can be found on the nomination forms.

To view a list of all previous winners, click here.

Nomination forms are available here.

The nomination form is quick and easy, and can be submitted via e-mail or sent to the main office:

Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary
ATTN: Caitlin Brown
4631 Richardson Way SW
Calgary, AB
T3E 3R9

Check out some of the photos from last year’s event!

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Volunteers Needed!

Posted on By Communications Team

Are you looking for a way to give back to the community? There is no more rewarding way to lend a hand than by volunteering for an organization that you are passionate about. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our volunteers to continue being able to provide top-quality programs and services to our clients, and we are currently looking for volunteers for a number of upcoming events:

July 10 (8:00-11:00 am): It’s our annual Stampede Breakfast! We need people to prepare and serve pancakes and sausages, as well as to greet our hungry breakfasters!

August 29 – 31 (10:00 am – 6:00 pm): The DDRC will be running a consession stand at the 2014 Shaw Charity Classic at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club. We need volunteers to prepare and serve hot dogs, sandwiches, and drinks.

September 25 (6:00 – 9:00 pm): Volunteers are needed for a variety of small roles at the 19th annual Inclusion Awards!

November 21 – 22: It’s casino time! Come lend a hand at one of our biggest fundraising events of the year!

For more information, or to sign up, contact the DDRC’s Volunteer and Development Coordinator Austin Clem.

 

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Two of our great volunteers at the Vipond Charity Golf Classic with Volunteer and Development Coordinator Austin Clem (far right).