The Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence on the Red Deer Polytechnic campus. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Almost there!

Child Advocacy Centre hits fundraising milestone; enters sprint for final million in donations

Apr 5, 2024 | 4:16 PM

The new Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence (SKCOE), a project started by the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC), is nearly complete, according to the organization.

They confirmed the building, situated on the Main Campus of Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), has entered the final stage of completion. Along with construction milestones, the CACAC has also hit a major fundraising milestone, accumulating $11.65 million of the $12 million dollar public fundraising goal set last year.

“We stand on the cusp of something truly remarkable,” said CACAC CEO Mark Jones. “We’re witnessing what happens when a community comes together in support of vulnerable children and youths in central Alberta. We’re asking the public to help us through this final sprint to the finish line. Become a Champion of Courage – donate today to help us create lasting change.”

The SKCOE is currently home to the CACAC, the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, and the newly-named MNP Move Your Mood Studio. Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) Mental Health Outpatient Clinic is set to move in soon to the recently-named Lindsey More Youth Mental Health and Addiction hub on the second floor, and AHS’ Step Up Step Down program will move in on floor one, tripling their capacity.

The SKCOE boasts more than forty mental health therapy rooms, and officials say the connection with RDP allows for greater research and development.

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“This facility is going to make a huge impact on generations of Albertans,” said Jones. “Thanks to this generous community, we have been able to get to where we are today. With one last push, we can cross the finish line. Every donation made, even five dollars, pushes us closer to being able to build a future of hope for those who require not just our services at the CACAC, but the varied services from all of our partners in the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence.”

CACAC has also announced that they plan to do a public Grand Opening event some time in May, and encourages people to keep an eye on their website and social media platforms to keep up to date.

To learn more about the Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence, and to donate, visit their website.

READ: Tragedy into triumph: Namings honour heart and soul of new Centre of Excellence

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