The Vital Youth and Young Adults Grande Prairie project was met with overwhelming support from youth and community members alike. 

Focused on creating a snapshot of the experiences and perspectives of young people living, working or going to school in Grande Prairie, youth commented on everything from health & wellness, the arts scene, and employment to transportation, education and spaces for young people.

The project concluded with a Vital Youth and Young Adults Café on March 1st that brought youth and community leaders together to identify priority areas and be a catalyst for future opportunities.

It was very well attended with political representatives at the city, county, provincial and national level stopping by to take in the results of the project and talk with some of the youth attendees.

Also, youth who attended the cafe created the GP Vital group with the purpose of providing an on-going venue for youth to continue the conversations started at the cafe. 

The Vital Signs project included focus groups with youth and young adults, a survey of local 15-24 year olds, and research at federal, provincial and local levels to acquire data that provides a clear overview of the youth landscape. 

You can download a copy of the report by visiting our website.

It is has been said that one-quarter of all Canadian children in Grade 4 do not eat breakfast every day.  Many of the children in northern Alberta communities have long bus rides to school and might eat at home but are hungry by the time they arrive; others attend early-morning school activities, or some may forget their lunch.

Providing healthy snacks during school hours helps curb the hungry feeling and helps children concentrate better to get the most out of their school day.  

Working with three Central Peace Schools and the Central Peace Family and Community Support Services office in Spirit River, the Dine and Shine program was created to provide healthy snacks for kindergarten to grade six students.   240 children each school day receive a morning nutritious snack.  Teachers and staff are seeing positive results with a significant increase in the children's learning, resulting with local youth making their grades.

The Dine and Shine program is made possible through volunteers and community partnerships that includes a Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta Community Impact grant of $400.   

Smart and caring granting means knowing our communities' current needs. 

For 46 years Ron Clarke was a constant in the Wembley Fire Department and when he passed away suddenly in September 2012, everyone in his community including his fellow fire fighters felt an immediate loss.  

During his career with the fire department, Ron rarely missed a call or a meeting.  He consistently logged more hours for fire and medical calls, meetings and training than any other member of the department.  Following his decision to "slow down" Chief Clarke stepped into the Deputy Chief position which he held until his passing.

In his lifetime, Ron was awarded several honours and awards including the Alberta Emergency Services and the Fire Services Exemplary Service medals.  As well, in 2005 Ron was named "Fire Fighter of the Year" within the County of Grande Prairie No.1 by his peers who were located across seven fire departments. His dedication to his community and the Fire Department was like no other, the old saying "they don't make them like that anymore" couldn't be truer than it is when you are speaking about Ron. 

In honour of his life and to pay tribute to Ron's passion for fire fighting, colleagues at the Wembley Fire Department started the Ronald W. Clarke Fund.  This legacy fund will provide a post-secondary student award to students studying in medical response program's which include, firefighting, emergency medical services, paramedic, nursing and physician, and enforcement services to name  a few, with priority to students who have demonstrated service to others through volunteerism and/or helping others in need.   

The meeting starts at 5 pm and includes an opportunity to socialize with the Board of Directors and staff.

Please RSVP your attendance with Leah via e-mail or telephone at: (780) 538-2820