Today would have been Lend An Ear 2020. A message from Roxanne Cote, Resource Development Manager: "Not having the Lend An Ear event is like missing a close friend’s birthday or anniversary. I will miss seeing you this year. I am very proud that our event has evolved over the years and I will miss seeing all...
Guest post: Roxanne Cote, Resource Development Manager at Distress Centre (DC), started at DC in 2008. She planned and executed the first Lend An Ear in 2011 (then under a different name) and has led the planning and execution every year since. Image: Roxanne Cote (right) with keynote speaker Tom Jackson at Lend An Ear 2015....
Since we can’t gather in person for Lend An Ear’s 10th Anniversary, we’re spending the month celebrating 10 years of Lend An Ear by remembering the laughter, tears and inspirational moments we’ve experienced since 2011. We’ll be sharing stories, videos and other content to lendanearyyc.com all month long, but things will really start rolling on September...
Image: Distress Centre staff if 2004. In 1998, Distress Centre was located just off of MacLeod Trail on 11th Avenue SW. A Board committee was formed to investigate moving as the existing lease was set to expire in 1999. A new central site was sought with accessibility to LRT and bus routes, staff and visitor parking,...
As the COVID-19 pandemic first unfolded, we remained hopeful that we would still be able to celebrate our 10th Anniversary of Lend An Ear on September 23rd, as well as our 50th Anniversary on May 13th. Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions have forced us to cancel both events. We are hoping to officially celebrate our 50th Anniversary sometime...
Bob Wilkie, a native Calgarian, fell in love with playing hockey as soon as his dad introduced him to the game as a child. He grew up near outdoor rinks and was able to practice frequently. Soon he began to dream of playing for the NHL. In 1987, at age 18, he realized that dream when...
Twice a year, Distress Centre holds an evening to show appreciation for the amazing volunteers that make it possible for us to do the work that we do. The theme of the night was storytelling. Crisis line and online services volunteers answer calls, chats and texts that come through to our contact centre, from distressed Calgarians...
In October 2004, Lee Horbachewski was without hope. She was suffering from untreated postpartum depression after the birth of her second daughter and was ready to take her life. She had a plan and the means to attempt suicide. In a moment of clarity, she pulled out the phone book and found the number for Distress...
Lend An Ear 2018 took place on September 20th, 2018. For our 8th annual fundraiser, we tried a new format, hosting an evening event instead of a breakfast. Crescent Point Energy donated the stunning venue. Peasant Cheese catered the evening. New Level Brewing donated delicious local beer for our guests to enjoy. Thank you to the speakers...
Distress Centre’s first ever Volunteer Impact Event took place on July 25th, 2018. Like Volunteer Appreciation Events in the past, the event focused on showing our gratitude for the dedication shown by our crisis line volunteers. The event differed from events in the past as the focus was on getting feedback and ideas from volunteers...
