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Alberta Coordinator of the Indigenous Swimming and Water Safety Program for the Canadian Red Cross, Justice Vandale-Niccolls discusses water safety, representation and cultural connection.

As COVID-19 infection numbers began to rise earlier this year, it quickly became evident how serious the situation was as workplaces and schools were forced to shut their doors. No one could have predicted the challenges and emotional hardships faced by teachers, parents and guardians, and children. Now, as everyone prepares for a new school year, new challenges have surfaced, leading to uncertainty about what lies ahead.
 

Even when we take steps to prevent injuries, we know sometimes things just happen. With children enjoying the outdoors, there are some summertime-specific injuries to be aware of, and what you can do when they happen.

A flotilla of rafts bearing rainbow flags on the Bow River, a hotel balcony drag show and a Pride History walk and brunch… These are just some of the events that are brightening Calgary streets this summer as part of the city’s annual Pride Week. But of course, with a global pandemic in full swing, this year’s festival is looking a little different. Calgary Pride has been hard at work for months adapting much of the programming for online delivery.

The summer holidays are drawing to a close. Routine and a stricter schedule await the entire family, and especially your child. Returning to school doesn’t necessarily have to be stressful, particularly during the pandemic. Here are some tips to help you get through this important transition smoothly.

For more than 20 years, the Fort McKay Wellness Center, a non-profit organization in Fort McKay, Alberta, has been helping children and youth in Indigenous communities and from low-income families. When COVID-19 became a global pandemic, the Center was forced to close its doors. Despite these challenges, they managed to keep in contact with the community through a variety of creative ways.

With summer in full swing, we are all looking for ways to beat the heat while having fun, and what better way than to go for a swim? This year there has been a rise in new backyard pool owners, and whether it’s inflatable or above ground we want to help you ‘S.P.L.A.S.H.’ into summer fun while keeping your family safe!

DIG is one of hundreds of non-profit organizations across the country that has received funding from the Canadian Red Cross through the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund.
This grant has allowed DIG to not only keep its gardens growing during COVID-19, but to expand operations, providing an opportunity for those facing food insecurity to access sustainable, local food during the pandemic.