News

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Events in September

We know you’re enjoying the summer, but we’re looking forward to September. Why? Because of two excellent reasons: Our 4th annual everyone belongs™ Movie in the Park, and our 21st annual Inclusion Awards!

Our annual Movie in the Park at the RPCA Hall.
Our annual Movie in the Park at the RPCA Hall.

On Friday, September 9, you’re invited to the everyone belongs™ Movie in the Park! This free, family-friendly event will be hosted at the Rutland Park Community Association, in the field beside the skating rink. Each year, we feature a short film from the Picture This… Film Festival, and then a full-length favourite that the whole family will be sure to love.

Guests get to dress up at our Inclusion Awards photo booth.
Guests get to dress up at our Inclusion Awards photo booth.

On Thursday, September 22 you’re also invited to our Inclusion Awards gala at the Glenmore Inn! In addition to honouring Calgarians who have gone above and beyond in promoting community inclusion and advocacy, this free event features an evening of entertainment, a silent auction, a delicious dinner, and more.

Keep your eyes on our Facebook page for more details on both of these events as the dates get closer!

A Great Day of Golf

On June 20, 2016, the DDRC and the Earl Grey Golf Club hosted the 36th annual Vipond Charity Golf Classic. Since 1981, this tournament has raised more than two million dollars in support of the DDRC’s clients and services. The proceeds from this event go toward funding various DDRC programs and projects, and help improve the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities.

We could not have asked for better weather as we kicked off the tournament with a delicious lunch enjoyed by the players and our volunteers. We had nothing but blue skies and sunshine as the teams made their way through the course. The day ended with a fantastic dinner, where we announced the winning team who will be representing the Earl Grey Golf Club at the Vipond Finals in Vancouver this summer.

We want to thank the Earl Grey Golf Club, the Earl Grey Vipond Committee, the players, and all of the volunteers who helped make this golf tournament a success. Take a look at some of our favourite photos from the event:

 

Meet our Team Leaders: Denise Aquino

Denise Aquino, South Team Leader
Denise Aquino, South Team Leader

We’re pleased to introduce you to our newest Team Leader, Denise Aquino, who is in charge of our South Team. The South Team is one of our four community-based teams for Career and Leisure Services (CLS), which provides part-time and full-time support to adults with developmental disabilities in their communities.

 

How long have you been with the DDRC?
Three months, almost!

What made you want to work here?
DDRC has good policies and processes in place that align with my professional values and practice. The organization is forward thinking, efficient, vibrant, creative, and Level 2 ACDS CET accredited!

What’s the best part about being a Team Leader?
Working together with Community Resource Workers to develop tools that can positively impact the quality of service we provide to our clients.

Can you tell us about a recent South Team success?
We recently formed a bowling group, which every client on our team seems to want to be a part of! Also, the employer of one of our clients has committed to doing a “staff picks table” on a quarterly basis where our client gets to choose and gather items and books from their store, and engage with customers about these featured items. This means a lot to the work that we do because it shows how the community sees the talents, interests, and strengths of our clients.

What is your favourite thing about summer?
Longer sunlight hours which means being able to do multi-pitch trad [a type of rock climbing] or sport rock climbing routs in the mountains the whole day. Also, it does not feel too cold while flying single engine airplanes [one of Denise’s hobbies].

 

Vipond Charity Golf Classic: Registration Deadline Extended

Vipond Golf 2015The registration deadline for the 36th annual Vipond Charity Golf Classic has been extended to fill the last few spots. Don’t miss out on a great golf tournament for a great cause on June 20.

The entry fee is $300 per person, or $1,100 for a team of four. Registration forms are available at www.ddrc.ca/vipond, or you can contact us by email at [email protected] to learn more about the Vipond Earl Grey Charity Golf Classic. More information on the tournament is available in our April article.

We hope to see you on the course this year!

Volunteers Needed: Casino Fundraiser

Volunteers-NeededIt’s almost time for our casino fundraiser! Come lend a hand at one of our biggest fundraising events of the year on June 27 and June 28. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of volunteers like you to provide top-quality programs, resources, and services to our clients.

This year, our casino fundraiser will be hosted at Cash Casino on Blackfoot Trail SE. For more information, or to sign up, email the DDRC’s Volunteer and Development Coordinator Austin Clem, or call him at 403.240.7314.