Hello Kincora,
Hope you are all doing good. If you have been following the news like me recently there was a distressing incident in Kincora. Kincora Community Association regrets this tragic event and sends its condolences and prayers to the surviving members of this lovely family. KCA in association with Kincora Residents Association has decided to donate to the planting tree initiative the family has set up in lieu of flowers (https://www.evanjstrong.com/obituary/Stanislaw-Wardzala).
Here is the link to Gofundme page that has been set up for the family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-kazio-kalinka-katsper-during-this-time. Please do the needful as you see fit.
I would like to remind everyone to please take this moment and pay real attention to your mental and physical health. One of the things I have done time and again in life is that whenever I have felt low is to volunteer in whatever capacity I could. Joining the KCA was also done in such a moment where I suddenly felt very lonely in life. KCA members and the events and activities we bring to Kincora drove away the loneliness. The people I have met in this journey be it the public representatives or the volunteers, have only added to a positive feeling. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to step out of our own lives to look at something else, a few moments of distraction. At the end of this message, you fill find links to some useful resources which might come handy to you or those you know.
On a different note, KCA will be hosting its Annual Winter Festival on February 23, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. As always there will be wagon rides, hot chocolate, a skating rink, some warm fires, and so much more. The Winter Festival is weather dependent as you know and is subject to change. Please check our website and Facebook page to make sure you have the right time and date of the event. Our Easter Egg Hunt will be on April 5, 2:00 to 4:00 pm. Neighbour Day will be organized by the Symons Valley Church on June 21, 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
The KCA Annual General Meeting will be on April 29, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. We are short of two board members, someone who can be our Communications Director and another who can help us with events and memberships. If you or anyone you know is interested, please do plan to attend the AGM.
Although the Colours Festival – Holi event (May 3, 2:00 to 4:00 pm) has been hosted twice now, I am afraid the attendance numbers haven’t been promising. I urge all of you to take time to participate in this fun festival where you get to throw colours, dance, and enjoy good food with your friends, family, and neighbours.
See you soon at the Winter Festival,
Mallika Velamuri
President, KCA
Useful Resources
• If you require emergency supports to meet basic needs, income support is available 24/7. Income Support Contact Centre: 1-866-644-5135
For anyone facing family violence, bullying or abuse, the following resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
• Find Family Violence Resources and Services (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/stop-family-violence/services.html)
• Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818
• Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-KIDS (5437)
• Bullying Helpline: 1-888-456-2323
• Crisis Support: Distress Centre Calgary: 403-266-4357
Help is also available 24/7 for anyone struggling with mental health challenges. Life can be stressful, but it is important to remember that you are not alone:
• Help in Tough Times | Alberta Health Services (https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/Page16759.aspx)
• Alberta Health Link (811) – 24/7 health advice, phone lines answered by registered nurses.
• Hope for Wellness Help Line – Indigenous mental health support 1-855-242-3310
You can also visit alberta.ca for a full list of all available government services or call 3-1-1 to help find the right community and social services supports.
Click here to the Kincora Community News home page for the latest Kincora community updates.
