Lifeline for Calgary Refugee Health Clinic

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Good morning !

Summer weather has officially arrived, and our readers have been making the most of it. Last week, we asked you to share your favourite summer activity. Outdoor sports and recreation narrowly edged out exploring local markets—but as one thoughtful reader reminded us, “these are all good activities.”

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary neighbourhoods could go up more quickly

• Legislation for gender in sport

• Alberta back to buying U.S.

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WORTH KNOWING

☀️ Today: High 23C, Low 11C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

QUICK POLL

Lifeline for Calgary Refugee Health Clinic

The Calgary Refugee Health Clinic will remain open for at least two more years, following a $550,000 commitment from the Calgary Health Foundation. The funding comes just months after the clinic warned it would be forced to close without new financial support. The donation, made possible by corporate and community donors, was described by Foundation president and CEO Paul Rossmann as a crucial investment in ensuring comprehensive care continues for Calgary’s refugee population.

Clinic leadership welcomed the news but emphasized that the funding, while stabilizing, is far from sufficient to restore its previous capacity. The clinic, once staffed by over 30 interdisciplinary professionals, now operates with just five team members. Medical director Dr. Rachel Talavlikar noted that although the gift ensures continued operations, more resources are needed to rebuild the clinic’s team-based model. “We have a long way to go,” she said, highlighting the importance of continued fundraising efforts.

The Calgary Refugee Health Clinic currently supports over 2,500 active patients and delivers approximately 25,000 appointments annually. It provides a wide range of medical and allied health services, from vaccinations and chronic disease treatment to cognitive assessments and resettlement support.

Need to know

🏠 Calgary city councillors are considering a faster approval process for new neighbourhood developments.

💭 The province has shared more information on how the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, legislation that oversees gender in sport, will be applied. Included is the use of birth records during the complaint process and a requirement to report complaints to the government.

👀 Alberta is back to buying alcohol and gambling machines from the U.S. after pausing purchases in the face of U.S. tariffs.

🔥 The County of Grande Prairie expanded the evacuation order and alert after a B.C. fire crossed the border.

💔 A 20-year-old man has died following a motorcycle crash on Crowchild Trail.

⭐️ Despite her young age, three-year-old Calgarian Aura Chhabra has become a published author.

🐎 Alberta Theatre Projects Season Tickets are on sale now: featuring the Old Trout Puppet Workshop in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!*

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SPONSORED BY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA

Mentorship that makes a difference

Mike de Bokx had a full plate; he’s a father of five, a senior manager, and a longtime volunteer. But even with a packed schedule, he made time to mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area (BBBS Calgary). 

Over several years, Mike supported seven kids through the in-school mentoring program, giving them someone to talk to, laugh with, and look up to. 

One mentee started out shy and unsure of himself. By their second year, he had close friends and his confidence had grown. 

What stood out to Mike was the support he received as a mentor. With games, activities, and guidance from BBBS Calgary staff, he never felt alone. 

For Mike, the reward was seeing a young person grow and knowing he had a hand in that journey. 

Mike made a difference, just one hour at a time. Learn how you can too!

Wheels in motion: Alberta cyclists unite for MS awareness

Cyclists and supporters from across Alberta will gather June 21–22 for the annual MS Bike – Airdrie to Olds ride, one of Canada’s largest fundraising events in support of people living with multiple sclerosis. Hosted by MS Canada, this two-day event is expected to draw hundreds of riders to the scenic route between Airdrie and Olds, with a fundraising goal of $700,000—nearly half of which has already been raised.

The ride offers more than a physical challenge. Known for its community spirit and signature rest stops—complete with fresh baked bread and “death hill”—the weekend also includes live music, games, and a celebratory meal for riders. Family-friendly festivities at the finish line, including a BBQ and face painting, make this event as much about community as it is about the cause. With approximately 90,000 Canadians living with MS, the funds raised support vital programs, peer networks, and research to advance understanding and treatment of the disease.

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Where to eat and drink

🍴 Korilla Korean BBQ: Pop into Korilla for an elevated dining experience with premium meats grilled tableside in a sleek, modern setting. Guests can also enjoy rooftop patio seating and private karaoke rooms, blending authentic Korean flavours with lively entertainment.

🍴 Bar Rocca: This small, cozy wine bar in Calgary’s Marda Loop has 12 indoor seats and more than 20 heated patio spots available year-round. The space offers a curated selection of wines, cocktails, and snacks in a casual, intimate setting.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Paint Nite: Join two hours of guided painting fun with MrPaintyPants. All materials and step-by-step instructions are included, making it perfect for all skill levels—plus you can enjoy house-brewed beers, global selections, tasty food, and a friendly atmosphere.

🎟️ Sled Island Music & Arts Festival: Every June, this five-day festival creates a buzzing hub of music and art, with over 200 bands, comedians, filmmakers, and visual artists taking over 30+ venues. For 2025, the festival runs June 18–22 and features guest curators Otoboke Beaver, bringing their high-energy flair to a lineup known for bold, unexpected programming.

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

That’s it!

Thanks for reading today. If you found something interesting, please forward this email to another Calgarian and tell them to sign up!

And before you go, we’d love to know…

We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!