Jody Wiancko, Community Engagement and Fund Development Coordinator for CMHA of Central Region, in the rdnewsNOW office to speak more about the first annual New Year's Eve Family Gala in Red Deer this year. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti

Three, two, one...

New Year’s Eve Family Gala comes to Red Deer with early countdown

Dec 16, 2022 | 2:08 PM

To Red Deerians who are antsy for the New Year, why not start it early? It’s midnight somewhere!

That’s the mentality at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Central Region who will be hosting their first annual New Year’s Eve Family Gala this year on Dec. 31, with a countdown at 9 p.m. for the whole family to enjoy.

“Nine o’clock, we do our countdown, which is right on with Nova Scotia’s time. We’re doing that early so that kids can be a part of it. It’ll be an experience that everybody can partake in,” said Jody Wiancko, Community Engagement and Fund Development Coordinator for CMHA of Central Region.

From 6 – 9:30 p.m. at the Millennium Centre (4909 49 St), provided through an in-kind donation, the party will consist of an ice-cream sundae bar, intention jar crafts for a new tradition to start the year off right, a family photo shoot option, games, music, dancing, kids play area, a 50/50 ticket draw and silent auction of donated items. Although three hours early, she says the countdown will feel authentic with a classic drop of balloons and streamers.

The family-friendly event was motivated from Wiancko’s personal experience as a single mom, unable to find babysitters for the evening coupled with the desire to want to celebrate the moment with her children.

Last seen March 31

Missing: Eugenie Headman, 66, of Maskwacis

18h ago

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

Apr 02, 2026

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

Apr 02, 2026

“I remember New Year’s was always very difficult because you try and stay up until midnight and try to do something with your kids and there was nothing to do,” she said.

She added there were no indoor events inclusive for seniors, individuals solo for the holiday or those wanting a sober New Year, inspiring the CMHA gala to be alcohol-free.

“We just wanted to fill that gap and have people have the option of doing something together as a family unit because starting a new year is great to do with your family or whomever. It doesn’t have to be revolved around alcohol; it can be a sober, fun event,” she said.

All proceeds from ticket sales go towards new and ongoing CMHA programs.

“We want to be able to serve all the people that deserve to be served. Our mandate is ‘Mental Health for All’; we want to meet that. We want to make sure that there is something for everyone if they need it,” she said.

Some new programs include Building Better Boundaries, Coping with Anxiety, Seniors Coping with Change, and a Pet Grief & Loss support group. As well, Wiancko says some of the proceeds will go towards their System Navigator position, funded solely by donations, which she says has been in high demand. The Navigator helps individuals properly fill out complex government applications for supports such as Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Canadian Pension Plan (CPP), provincial Income Support, and more.

“You’re not alone and there are supports out there that can help you. If you feel alone, don’t give up,” she said.

“For lots of people, Christmas is very fun but for a lot of people this Christmas, and these holidays, are very hard. Just stay connected with your people and if you need support, seek it. There’s nothing wrong with needing help; that’s just part of life.”

Tickets can be bought on Eventbrite at roughly $42 for an adult or $63 for a group of four, with each additional child for an extra $9.

New Year’s Eve Family Gala flyer (CMHA)