| A new study on homelessness in Calgary says resources should be made available quickly to those least in need.
The study, the second part of a detailed look into homelessness by the Calgary Homeless Foundation, made a number of recommendations, including to provide quick support to those least in need – or those most likely to secure housing – including youth, the working poor and those without mental health problems.
In addition, the report says family shelter space is critical, as is long-term stable housing for low-income families, particular those with single mothers. The study also recognized that specialized, long-term services are needed to help homeless people with mental health problems secure housing.
Business in arts
Three Calgary companies won Business in the Arts awards announced on September 30, a rare achievement from a single city.
Calgary law firm Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer was named the winner of the award for most effective corporate program for its sponsorship of arts events and organizations such as the BD&P World Music Series, Alberta Ballet and the Youth Singers of Calgary. The award recognizes effective corporate support of the arts.
Epcor Utilities won the award for best arts/entrepreneur partnership for supporting the Centre for the Performing Arts.
In addition, a consortium of seven companies was recognized with two awards for their efforts to restructure the financial system of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra last year.
The awards were given out by the Council for Business and the Arts in Canada, and the National Post.
AIDS prayer flags
AIDS Calgary is using a Tibetan tradition to remind people that HIV and AIDS is still a health-care concern.
The awareness organization’s newest project calls for Albertans to purchase individualized prayer flags that will be flown in the wilderness. The flags are meant to remind people that HIV and AIDS impacts everybody, and they will be flown "where they will be allowed to disintegrate, spreading their message into the universe," says Sully Yankovich of AIDS Calgary.
More information about the initiative is available at the AIDS Calgary Web site (www.aidscalgary.org).
Dickson appointment
A former Alberta Liberal MLA from Calgary and tenacious defender of privacy and human rights has been named the new Saskatchewan privacy commissioner.
Gary Dickson, a Calgary lawyer who represented Calgary Buffalo as a Liberal MLA from 1992 until 2001, is well known for his work protecting privacy rights in Alberta.
Community events
· Conflict in Iraq: A three-day forum on the Conflict in Iraq, featuring speeches from Robert Chase, a post-conflict rehabilitation expert; Nancy Hayes, the former president of UNICEF Canada; and Kali Galanis, the deputy executive director of War Child Canada, will take place October 2 to 4 at the University of Calgary.
The forum is part of the Irma Parhad Summer Studentship program, and will examine international law, war’s impact on children and media coverage.
For more information visit www.ucalgary.ca/md/PARHAD/student-2003-forum.htm.
· Free clothing: Donated clothing will be made available to needy families and individuals at the Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Hall on October 4 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. |
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