Distress Centre Calgary urges community support as demand for crisis services climbs

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Good morning !

Distress Centre Calgary is calling on the community to support its crisis services this holiday season, with donations matched up to $100,000 until December 31. From education debates to environmental policy and festive performances, here's what's happening around Calgary this week.

👀 In today's edition:

• Parents worry new special education standards could segregate students

• Alberta's new wetlands rules frustrate environmental advocates

• Drop-In Centre captures homelessness reality in new short film

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Distress Centre Calgary urges community support as demand for crisis services climbs

In a season that can heighten loneliness and stress, Distress Centre Calgary is reminding the community that technology can't replace human compassion in moments of crisis.

The centre launched its Keep Human Connection Alive campaign this month to ensure every call, text, and chat for help is met with a real person who can listen and respond with empathy. Donations made by December 31 will be matched up to $100,000, doubling the impact for thousands reaching out this winter.

"Technology can be efficient, but it can't sense when someone is scared, lonely, or ready to give up," said Robyn Romano, CEO of Distress Centre Calgary. "In a crisis, it's a human being—not a bot—who can listen deeply, recognize nuance, and help someone find safety and hope again."

Last year alone, Distress Centre Calgary responded to more than 164,000 requests for support across all programs. That demand continues rising as more people face isolation, mental health struggles, housing instability, and economic pressures.

The centre's volunteers and trained responders provide free, confidential crisis support 24 hours a day through services including Distress Centre's crisis lines, ConnecTeen youth peer support, 211 Alberta information and navigation, and the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline.

"Every conversation is a chance to remind someone they are not alone," Romano said. "That level of empathy and presence is something no algorithm can replicate."

Need to know

🎥 Calgary Drop-In Centre released a short film titled "I Want to Come Home" capturing the daily reality for unhoused Calgarians as part of its $2 million holiday fundraising campaign, with the organization housing 50 people monthly while seeing 150 new shelter users each month.

🚨 Calgary police are investigating a suspicious death in Deer Run after a man in his 70s died from severe injuries Sunday night in what appears to be a domestic situation, with a man in his 30s arrested downtown early Monday morning.

🕎 Alberta's Jewish community came together following a mass shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia that killed at least 15 people, with Calgary police increasing patrols around synagogues and local Hanukkah events as menorah lightings took place at legislatures.

📚 Alberta parents fear new special education standards could mean segregation as the government rewrites critical 2003 guidelines, with families sharing stories of children regressing academically after moving to specialized programs and calling for enforceable standards with parental input.

💧 Alberta released new wetlands rules allowing farmers to conduct low-impact activities like cultivating and spraying on temporary and seasonal wetlands holding water less than 17 weeks per year without Water Act approval, sparking frustration from environmental groups who call it another cut to conservation efforts.

🚋 A suspected impaired driver caused CTrain delays Monday morning after police conducted a traffic stop at 5 Avenue and 9 Street SW that prevented crossing arms from lowering, temporarily halting Red Line service between Sunnyside and downtown.

🦶 Foot care nurses from Nursing Soles Inc volunteer at the Mustard Seed every two weeks providing pain relief to Calgary's vulnerable population, treating clients who often walk up to 50 kilometres daily and wear the same shoes for weeks, causing painful conditions like ingrown toenails and fungal infections.

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Calgary Phil partners with High Performance Rodeo for two anniversary concerts

The Calgary Philharmonic is teaming up with One Yellow Rabbit for two concert productions at the 40th annual High Performance Rodeo this January.

It Takes Two: A Symphonic Collaboration on January 23-24 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall features Calgary-raised cellist Luka Coetzee, who was recently featured in CBC's "30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30." The Germany-based rising star joins guest conductor Fawzi Haimor for Sergei Prokofiev's Sinfonia concertante, alongside side-by-side performances with the Calgary Youth Orchestra.

"It gives our young musicians the chance to work with the pros," said Haimor, who makes his Calgary Phil debut with the production. "For me, it's real joy to be part of that collaboration."

On January 30, multidisciplinary artist Vivek Shraya makes her orchestral debut celebrating ten years of being trans with her Polaris Prize-nominated album Part-Time Woman, readings from her bestselling books, and covers of songs by female pop stars including Shania Twain, Christina Aguilera, and TLC that shaped her sense of girlhood.

"In dreaming up this show, I was inspired by the popular 90s music compilation 'Women & Songs,'" the Alberta-born artist said. "But this is my take, this is 'Part-Time Women & Songs.'"

The High Performance Rodeo runs from January 13-31 with over 30 productions across Calgary, celebrating four decades of showcasing daring and innovative performance artists.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Fenoma Kitchen: This authentic Italian spot at 1420 40 Ave NE specializes in schiacciata sandwiches made with certified Italian ingredients, offering delivery and pick-up Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, plus catering services, with featured items including Mortadella e Burrata and Parma Queen.

🍴 Glamorgan Bakery: This local bakery offers custom cakes for special occasions, Christmas baking, and ready-made treats with personalized messages, partnering with Sweet N Fresh for local delivery service (free for seniors), and is closed Sundays and Mondays with early ordering recommended as popular items often sell out.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ A Very Full Circle Holiday Show: Full Circle Theatre presents a double feature of festive entertainment from December 17-20 at West Village Theatre, featuring Holding, a brand-new rom-com, and Riverona Actually, a lost holiday special packed with fan-favourite characters and Riverona-style mischief and holiday shenanigans.

🎟️ Stampede Spirit meets Holiday Cheer: Calgary Stampede transforms the BMO Centre Great Lawn and Outdoor Plaza into a winter wonderland on December 20-21 with free festive fun including dazzling lights, hot cocoa, live entertainment, activities, and treats for all ages where cowboy boots meet snow boots for a merry Western Christmas.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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