Communities in Mind

What is the Communities in Mind campaign?

Central Alberta Co-op, along with five other Co-ops, is proud to participate in the Communities in Mind campaign in collaboration with the Alberta Mental Health Foundation.

By joining this important initiative, we aim to help shine a light on mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote resources that can make a difference in people’s lives. We recognize that mental health affects everyone, and we are committed to doing our part in supporting those who are battling mental health challenges. This collaboration is a step towards building stronger, more resilient communities by providing both support and awareness for those in need.

What you can expect from this campaign?

Here’s what you can expect from the Communities in Mind campaign running from February 10 to 28, 2025:

All Central Alberta Co-op locations will be collecting till donations to support local mental health initiatives. When you donate, you’ll receive a heart to write a message of support for mental health, which we will proudly display in our stores.

We’re partnering with the Alberta Mental Health Foundation to ensure that all funds raised in our locations directly support mental health programs and initiatives in our community.

Who are the initiatives we have helped support through this campaign?

Move Your Mood (MYM)
MYM at the Sheldon Kennedy Centre will support mental health for children and youth through play, physical activity, and mindfulness. Funding will provide equipment for these activities, with help from Red Deer Polytechnic students.

Opioid Dependency Program (ODP)
ODP in Red Deer will offer creative group programming for clients facing mental health and substance use challenges, improving resilience through activities like art therapy and life skills training. Funding will support materials, travel, and incentives.

Unit 39 Sensory & Art Supplies
Funding will provide sensory items, art supplies, and a food allowance to help patients develop coping strategies and mental health skills. Results will be tracked and shared with staff.

Transform through Nature
This program offers outdoor activities for youth (13-17) to reduce anxiety and depression, supporting mental health recovery at a live-in facility for at-risk youth.

An Influential Generation (AIG)
AIG will train high school students to educate middle schoolers about the harms of vaping, aiming to reduce addiction.