URSA received the Community Hero Award from the service club in recognition of our work in the community. We are truly honored by the award and are excited to continue working closely with the Kinsmen on upcoming URSA projects.

Our plot of land was chosen and donated by Hopewell Residential in November 2012 with groundbreaking and construction starting on May 13, 2014. Development continued until July 2015 when we celebrated our possession day on July 10, 2015.

The home is now full with five permanent clients and one space for adult respite. Thank you to all who supported and continue to support URSA and our new Copperfield home!

On May 27th, the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel planted new flowers and did yard work for two group homes, as well as painted the foyers of two other group homes. Everything was left colourful and fresh for URSA clients and staff. Thank you for supporting us and making our spaces extra summer-y.

On May 9th, as part of their company’s “Day of Caring”, ADT Security Services chose to volunteer their time at two of our group homes. Taking care of wallpaper removal, prep and the painting of living rooms and client bedrooms, they worked long hours but with a lot of enthusiasm and effort, did a great job! Thank you to the two teams of volunteers!

On April 20th and 21^st, the SCLS team vacuumed, scrubbed and polished several vehicles, making them look as good as new! All money raised will go towards the SLCS’ Brain Art program.

On April 10th, 2015, The Calgary Marriott Downtown participated in an URSA “While You were Out”  when their volunteers came to one of our group homes to patch, paint and personalize some of the spaces used by clients and staff. They worked fast and did a beautiful job. URSA thanks the Marriott for sharing in this wonderful experience!

For the entire month of March, Lowe’s (Sunridge) raised money on behalf of URSA as part of their Lowe’s Canada Heroes campaign which supports local community improvement projects. Through the sale of paper pagodas and money collected at the cashier tills, which were then matched by the corporation, $5,200 was raised. We want to send a huge thank you to Lowe’s Canada and specifically to the Calgary Sunridge team! Next steps will include a “While You were Out” day to improve an existing group home for URSA clients and staff.

Nothing like a fresh coat of paint to brighten a room, lift a mood or bring a smile to someone’s face. On November 5, 2014, the Talisman Centre offered up several volunteers to help paint the walls of Camp URSA, as well as re-do some client rooms at our Retreat Centre! URSA would like to say a big thanks to Talisman for their time and energy. Your efforts make a difference to our clients and camp patrons!

We have won the PDD Community Leadership Award for the Calgary Region! We will be heading to Edmonton for the Provincial awards in September!