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Canadian tradition

Newcomers to Red Deer invited to “Learn to Skate” in January

Dec 7, 2019 | 9:00 AM

There are few things more Canadian than skating on a frozen sheet of water, laughing with friends, playing a game of shinny, and warming up with a mug of hot chocolate. That experience is worth sharing, especially with youth who are new to Canada! That is why Central Alberta Refugee Effort and the City of Red Deer have once again teamed up to organize three days of skating for over 50 newcomer youth.

This year marks our Seventh year of the ‘Learn to Skate’ program. The program is offered free of charge to immigrant youth and all equipment is provided for them. In addition to learning basic skating skills, students will also have an opportunity to try hockey.

C.A.R.E would like to thank everyone who has helped make this event possible: The City of Red Deer, RCMP, Red Deer Pond Hockey, St. John Ambulance, Riverside Meadows Community Association, Lindsay Thurber High School & many more community volunteers.

About the ‘Learn to Skate’ event

The ‘Learn to Skate’ event was started in 2012 at the request of a newcomer student who really wanted to learn how to skate. Many immigrant youth feel too embarrassed to attempt skating with their Canadian peers and this program gives them the space and time to practice with other youth who are also only beginning to learn. Each year the youth express how thankful they are to have been given the opportunity and how much fun they had.

About the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E)

C.A.R.E is an immigrant settlement agency based in Red Deer, Alberta. For over 35 years. C.A.R.E has supported the successful settlement of all newcomers to Canada by providing a variety of services and programs. Our office is located at #202, 5000 Gaetz Ave, Red Deer and more information is available online at www.immigrant-centre.ca

‘Learn to Skate’ event plan

On January 2, our event program will include a beginner skating lesson and time to practice. (1-3 p.m. at Servus Arena)

On January 3, the youth will have the opportunity to practice skating outdoors at Bower Ponds (1-3 p.m.). Several volunteers will also be skating around and offering a helping hand.

On January 4, the youth will continue to practice skating and Red Deer Pond hockey will be teaching hockey basics and organizing a game of shinny for those who are interested (1-3 p.m. at the Riverside Meadows outdoor rink at 6021 57 Ave.)