A Legacy of Leadership, Education, and Community Service We celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Rosalind Smith a trailblazing educator, leader, and community advocate whose influence reached far beyond the classroom. Raised by loving parents who nurtured her curiosity and generosity, Rosalind carried those values throughout her life. Her friendships and professional relationships […]
Jeanne Lehman: Championing Community and Honored with the Order of Canada In December 2024, Jeanne Lehman made history as the first Afro-francophone recipient of the prestigious Order of Canada in Alberta. This recognition celebrates her tireless dedication to fostering inclusivity, empowering women, and building stronger communities across Western Canada Originally from Cameroon, Jeanne immigrated to […]
How to Donate to Hurricane Melissa Relief and Receive Your Tax Receipt In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, communities are coming together to help families rebuild their homes, livelihoods, and hope. Through our partnership with the Afr0-Caribbean Food Bank, you can make a secure online donation that directly supports recovery efforts […]
When a hurricane hits, communities often lose homes, food supplies, clean water, and access to basic essentials. Donating to hurricane relief helps provide immediate support and long-term recovery for families affected. There are two main ways to help: Monetary DonationsGiving money allows relief organizations to respond quickly and purchase exactly what is needed on the […]
Recommended Non-Perishable Items (Based on ODPEM Guidelines) If you feel compelled to donate, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) recommends the following non-perishable items: Food Items: Canned goods (meats, fish, vegetables, fruits) Dried foods (rice, beans, pasta, oats) Powdered milk and infant formula Peanut butter and crackers Energy bars and granola bars […]
At just 18 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma cancer. But in many ways, my cancer journey began long before that. I was born with a congenital nevus — a large birthmark covering most of my left breast. From a young age, I knew there was a risk of cancer, but it […]
A Face to Remember Viola Desmond and Her Lasting Role in Canada’s Civil Rights Movement Some people make history in their lifetime. Others, like Viola Desmond, continue making headlines long after they are gone. In 1946, Desmond found herself at the center of a fight against racial segregation in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. That year, […]
Bridge to Work: Helping Newcomers Launch Careers in Child Care Finding work in your trained profession can be a challenge for newcomers to Canada. The YMCA of Northern Alberta’s Bridge to Work program is designed to close that gap for internationally trained teachers and child-care professionals who want to build their careers here. Bridge to […]
Born in Sherwood Park – pianist James Clarke is one of Alberta’s most exciting jazz artists. A graduate of MacEwan University’s Jazz Performance program and now in his second year at McGill University in Montréal, Clarke combines a deep classical foundation with a growing reputation on Canada’s jazz scene. Introduced to the piano at age […]
I’m Kelise Williams, founder of UpRow, and I firmly believe that ‘the journey is the prize.’ My transition from a daunting start in Canada, to creating an innovative platform epitomizes this belief. When my family moved from Trinidad and Tobago to Alberta in 2019, we spent our first night in a hotel lobby. This challenging […]