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Current Activities:

ANGEL-CD Workshop
ANalysis Grid for Environments Linked to Chronic Disease
The workshop was held on April 24 and 25, 2007 to provide an opportunity for Medicine Hat and Area community members to come together to discuss the environmental influences on chronic disease in Medicine Hat and area. The priority areas that emerged from the workshop are:

1) P.L.A.Y. (Physical Leisure Activities for You)
This priority is not yet in the planning stages.

2) Increased access to fruit and vegetables at affordable prices
Following the ANGEL CD workshop, a group associated with the Community Food Connections Association had a similar workshop, and this issue was again identified as a priority. Early planning and committee development is underway to look at a way of increasing access to produce.

3) Increased program capacity (physical space to house program initiatives)
A steering committee has been formed and is hosting a strategic planning workshop for the planning and building of the Champion's Community Centre. The idea behind the plan is to have a centre where not-for-profit organizations can co-locate, and share resources while working collaboratively on projects. The workshop is November 7, 2007. Action planning will follow.

4) Trails and alternate transportation
A small group ofpartners have assembled to work on the development of a strategic plan to identify priorities in this region. Tentatively, a one day workshop on Active Transportation is planned for November 22, 2007.

If you would like to participate or would like more inofrmaiton on these topics, please contact Molly.

Active and Alternate Transportation
This project began two years ago with a small group of interested partners. At that time, the goal was to identify others who had previously been working on issues related to active transportation. The group included Palliser Health Region Health Promotion, Be Fit for Life, Healthy Alberta Communities and the Canadian Cancer Society. In April 2007, Active and Alternate Transportation was identified as a community priority at the ANGEL-CD workshop. Following that, the group was joined by the City of Medicine Hat Community Worker.

Over the past year, this group has continued to meet, and has undertaken a strategic planning session with support from Alberta Community Development to help identify goals. Go for Green facilitated a workshop in November 2007 with a focus on Active Transportation. Approximately 25 people participated in the workshop and many ‘next steps’ were identified.

Currently, organizations are being surveyed to find out what past efforts have been made and what future goals should be considered to support alternate transportation. This survey is community-based and includes sports groups, seniors, naturalists and people interested in alternate forms of transportation for a variety of reasons including environmental, disability or other.  Following the survey, a summary report will be completed and a meeting will be held to set goals and priorities for this project. For more information please contact Molly at (403) 952-5931.

Community Gardens
A community garden provides beautification, physical activity, social networking opportunities as well as access to healthy foods. The Community Gardens project is a subcommittee of the Community Food Connections Association and operates with involvement of the City of Medicine Hat, Palliser Health Region and many others. There are currently two gardening sites, one in Medicine Hat which began in 2006 and one in Redcliff which began in 2007. The City of Medicine Hat has donated a third site which is expected to begin in spring 2009. Some plots are tended by individuals and harvested for their own use. Other plots are designated as community plots from which the produce is given to local non-profit organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Women’s shelter and the Salvation Army.

Mayor’s Walk:
The Mayor’s Walk happens during Redcliff Days and is a fundraising event for non-profit organizations. Recreation for Life, the Town of Redcliff and volunteers make this event possible. This year we are looking for a community organization such as local sports club or youth group to assist in hosting the event. Last year the money that was raised was donated to the Lions Club who, in turn, donated it to other organizations in the community.

The third annual Mayor’s Walk is June 14th, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Mayor Rob Hazelaar will lead the walk along with the local Council members. If you would like to participate as a runner or walker, or if your group is interested in getting involved as a unique fund raising opportunity, contact Molly at (403) 952-5931 or Mavis Martin at (403) 548-3232. Registration forms are available from the Town of Redcliff.

Food Talk
The Food Talk project started as a community capacity building project, addressing food security. It started in April 2006, and has included 2 workshops and a community assessment to determine the perception of local food needs. Several gatherings have been held to encourage involvement and to look at ways to address the needs expressed. The community assessment and asset mapping phase was completed in September 2007, and was followed by the creation of 2 committees. One committee is creating a food charter, with the goal to ensure that all people in Medicine Hat have adequate food. The second committee is exploring increased access and the use of local produce.

Good Food Box Club
This project is part of the Community Food Connection Association and is a grocery buying club. There is a yearly membership fee of $6 for volunteers and $26 for non-volunteers. The boxes of fresh produce are available on the third Wednesday of each month for $5, $10 or $15, depending on the size. Boxes need to be paid for by the first of the month and are available for pickup at the following depots in Medicine Hat: Strathcona Centre, Medicine Hat College Library, St. Patrick’s School, McCoy High School, Community Health Services, REDI Enterprises and also at the Redcliff Library and the Ralston Prairie Rose Club.  The role of HAC with the Good Food Box Club was assisting in the set-up of a depot in Redcliff. The need for a depot was identified at a Redcliff Improvement Partnership meeting, an idea that came from the citizens of Redcliff. 

Please contact Brenda at (403) 502-6096 if you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member.

Champions Community Center
This Center is in the planning phase and will provide a unique opportunity for resource collaboration and allow agencies and clients easier access to community services. The Centre will also include a safe and affordable housing component and provide an entrepreneurship program to build skills of participants. A business plan for the Centre is almost complete with development of a physical space to house programs and services to follow. The Centre hopes to open by summer 2009.