3 Ways to Get Involved This Winter

Posted on By Communications Team

The Inclusion Awards may be over for another year, but things are far from quiet at the DDRC! Here are 3 great ways to get involved in the coming months:

 

1. Come to our Christmas Craft Sale

For the third year in a row, we are opening up the doors of the DDRC gym for bakers, jewelers, crafters, and vendors of all kinds! This is a great opportunity to get started on your Christmas shopping, or even pick up a little something for yourself!

Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: DDRC Gym (4646 Sarcee Road SW)

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2. Volunteer at our Casino Fundraiser

The casino is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of many generous volunteers. Currently, there are still a number of important volunteer shifts to be filled. E-mail [email protected] if you are able to fill any of these much needed vacancies:

Friday, November 21, 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 21, 7:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Friday, November 21, 11:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Saturday, November 22, 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 22, 7:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Saturday, November 22, 11:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Location: Cash Casino, 4040 Blackfoot Trail SE

Canada Online Gambling


3. Drop by our Holiday Open House

Celebrate the season with tasty treats, fun activities, and a visit from Santa! This year’s theme is “Celebrations Around the World,” so come on out and tell us how you celebrate the holidays! As with like the Christmas Craft Fair, this free event is open to everyone!

Date: Thursday, December 4
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: DDRC Gym (4646 Sarcee Road SW)

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Why are people joining Team DDRC?

Posted on By Communications Team

It can be hard to find motivation on Mondays. That’s why, for the past three months, the DDRC Fundraising Committee has been publishing weekly “Motivation Monday” videos on the agency’s intranet site, featuring short interviews with individuals who will be participating in the 2014 Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge with Team DDRC. However, we don’t want to keep all of this inspiration to ourselves — we’ve decided to share it with you!

Here’s what past and present Team DDRC supporters are saying about the event:

“I dmarathon alexid my very first 5K [last year]. It was amazing! Actually the whole experience was amazing – the race, the team spirit, the cause. Turns out I actually like running, so I’ve continued running and it’s been a very good thing.”
– Alex Gonzalez, Graphics Creator & IT Support

 

marathon marg

 

“I think everyone should participate because it supports the agency and what we do. That’s why we’re all here, we love the DDRC!”
–Marg Tomlin, IT Manager

 

marathon brooklyn

“Even if you’re just walking the 5K, crossing that finish line feels great. There’s a lot of people, and a lot of screaming, and it’s a big energy rush finishing!”
–Brooklyn Bruce, DDRC Disability Services Support

 

 

marathon caitlin

 

“Anyone can do it — even if you’re nervous or scared! It’s not about being the fastest person there or doing the greatest distance. It’s just about getting together and supporting the DDRC. It’s really fun! And if you’re not comfortable participating in one of the races, sponsoring an athlete is a great way to be a part of Team DDRC!”
–Caitlin Brown, Communications and Development Coordinator

marathon carole

 

“It was great watching everybody run across the finish line, and even the ones that walked across!”
–Carole Mulgrew, DDRC Receptionist

 

 

marathon kate

 

“It was a lot of fun! It was a great group of people and the weather was awesome. It was a really fun day! Do it for yourself and for your own enjoyment.”
–Kate Kerr, Director of Communications and Development

 

 

“It’s a lot of fumarathon cassandran and it’s for a great cause!”
–Cassandra Therens, Northeast Team Leader

 

 

marathon kara

 

“It was great to go out and cheer on the rest of the DDRC members. When I first started [training for the 5K in 2013] I wasn’t a runner, and I’m still not a runner. You just have to go at your own pace. If you need to run and walk, or even just walk, do what you’re comfortable with and just have fun with it.”
–Kara Garner-Welsh, Volunteer and Development Manager

To register for the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon, click here
Not able to run or walk on June 1st? Come cheer us on at the Stampede Grounds!
Want to sponsor one of our great athletes? Visit our team page.

Life in the Fast Lane

Posted on By Communications Team

Life in the fast lane is exactly how you could describe the busy schedule of South Team and ILS client Leonka Kaluha. We caught up with Leonka in between activities at the YMCA to talk to her about the upcoming Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge, her supportive roommate Marilyn Ritchie, and everything in between.

One of Leonka’s most recent conquests was the Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge. Leonka explained the plunge saying, “The firefighter cuts a hole in the ice, and you jump in. All the money raised goes towards Special Olympics.” And afterwards? “Go in the hot tub,” laughs Leonka.

Now that the Plunge has passed, Leonka is setting her sights on the three upcoming runs she has signed up for: a Mother’s Day Run & Walk, the 2014 Calgary Transplant Trot in memory of a friend she lost to a double lung transplant, and the 5K portion of the 2014 Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge. The 2013 Charity Challenge marked a great accomplishment for Leonka, as it was her first time running it without a running partner. “I’ve always had a running partner, but last year I didn’t.”

Although Marilyn, Leonka’s supportive roommate, won’t be joining her in this year’s 5K she will be cheering from the stands. “She’s a big cheerleader. With Special Olympics 5 pin bowling we went to Nationals in 2010 and they [Marilyn and the other supporters] were called the Rowdy Rebels cause they cheered so loud,” says Leonka.

Besides being a renowned cheerleader, Marilyn is also known for her supportive nature when it comes to Leonka’s interests. “She’s fun to be around. We do fun things; go to movies, go shopping or go to Cross Iron Mills,” Leonka said of Marilyn. One of Leonka’s favourite memories with Marilyn is their trip to Disneyworld for her birthday. “I got a birthday button so all the staff when you walk by them wish you a happy birthday. Push the Talking Trash Can sang happy birthday to me and I got to ride the teacups with the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland!”

leonka and alex
Leonka (right) with Alex Gonzalez (left, DDRC Graphics Creator and IT Support) getting ready to run 5K in the 2013 Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge.

What’s Your Resolution for 2014?

Posted on By Communications Team

January 1st can be an exciting time to make changes, break habits, or try something new. However, according to Forbes Magazine, only 8% percent of people who make New Year’s Resolutions are successful in achieving them. This year, the DDRC has some ideas to help you make a resolution you can keep.

Get in shape: If personal health is your focus for 2014, challenge yourself by joining Team DDRC in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon Charity Challenge. Walkers and runners can register for a variety of distances, anywhere from 5 to 50 kilometers! As a part of Team DDRC, you even have the option of taking your resolution to the next level by fundraising for the agency. For more information e-mail [email protected], or click here to register!

Volunteer: If you are looking for a way to use your spare time more effectively while giving back to the community, the DDRC has volunteer opportunities for you! Currently, we are seeking a facilitator for the everyone belongs™ Toastmasters Club. As the club’s past president, Marilyn Wilson, said “the more you do it, the better you will be.” For more information, click here.

Learn Something New: Are you a part of a group, class, or organization that could benefit from a disability awareness presentation? We have spoken to groups of all ages, covering a variety of topics that relate to living with a developmental disability. For more information, or to schedule a presentation with your group, e-mail [email protected].

Be a part of the 8%, and make a resolution you can keep!

Team DDRC runners feeling great after completing the 5k!
Team DDRC runners feeling great after completing the 5k!
Club members at the official charter party.
Toastmaters club members at the official charter party.

 

Vote now for our Saturday Children’s Learning Program!

Posted on By Communications Team

We are seeking a grant to launch our Saturday Children’s Learning Program with the objective of helping children with developmental disabilities improve their day-to-day lives.  There are many children who have developmental disabilities that require assistance, and families that lack the resources or networks to provide the best opportunities for their children.  Our program is one of supported play to foster learning and focuses on the needs of children, aligning program goals with goals determined between Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and families.

Vote here to help create a new resource for children and families with the assistance of the Field Law Community Fund Program.