Alberta Blue Cross

You've heard of "Mean Tweets." But have you heard of "Compliment Texts"? The 2024 theme for Mental Health Week is #CompassionConnects. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, compassion has the capacity to heal. Alberta Blue Cross employees embraced the challenge and sent their colleagues notes of encouragement and kindness. Even the smallest compliment can make the biggest difference in someone's day. Pay it forward, today and every day! Join us May 6 to 12 to explore how compassion connects us all: https://lnkd.in/egekvn9J Canadian Mental Health Association

Pride Month is here! This is a time for people from across the gender and sexuality spectrum to come together and celebrate love, acceptance and the pursuit of equality. It is also a time to acknowledge the hardships the 2SLGBTQ+ community has endured and the progress that still needs to be made. While the 2SLGBTQ+ community takes centre stage during this time, it is crucial for people outside the community to recognize their role as allies.

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time for all Canadians to reflect on the unique histories, sacrifices, cultures, contributions and strengths of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples. It’s also a time to celebrate Indigenous history in the spirit of pride and preservation, because only by understanding our past can we hope to create a brighter future. This month, we encourage you to wear an orange T-shirt, which represents the acknowledgement of the past and the hope for the future. It honours the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrates resilience and affirms that every child matters. The orange T-shirt is also worn on September 30—National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Menstrual Hygiene Day raises awareness to help continue to normalize menstruation as a normal everyday part of life for people born with uteruses. To recognize this day, we have signed the period pledge and offer free menstruation products to our employees. According to the 2023 public opinion research survey conducted by Environics Research on behalf of Women and Gender Equality Canada, almost one-quarter of people who menstruate in Canada report struggling to afford menstrual products for themselves or their children. Learn more or take the pledge: https://ow.ly/WlTC50RWTJe #MenstrualHygieneDay

The International Children’s Festival is back with many free activities for the whole family from May 30 to June 2. We’re proud to be returning this year, sponsoring the Open Art Studio where we can’t wait to see the creativity of festival goers. Make sure to stop by the Open Art Studio and our tent in front of St. Albert Place to say hi to Big Blue and our street team. Click the link to learn more: https://ow.ly/nRoo50RYAWB #ChildFest2024 #CityOfStAlbert

In honour of Alberta Seniors’ Week, listen to Wendy's story of courage as she takes on the challenge of staying active through aging.

Festival season is our favourite season and we’re excited to kick it off at the Airdrie Children’s Festival at Nose Creek Regional Park. This free festival aims to enrich the lives of children and celebrate differences of all kinds. Stop by the Alberta Blue Cross tent to say hi to Big Blue and win some cool prizes. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gRxTfwn4

Meet Sundas Shamshad, one of our 2023 Faces of Wellness finalists. After fighting breast cancer at a young age, Sundas noticed her city was missing resources and supports for people like her. She founded the only cancer support group in Fort McMurray—Sisters in Cancer. This support group offers peer-to-peer programs, alongside financial and mental health aids, for cancer patients. Sundas is also an advisory board member for EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living well (EXCEL). Her work helps support cancer patients and survivors through mental, physical and emotional aids. Learn more about Sundas’ story: https://lnkd.in/eD8tt-zT

Thanks to CTV News for having our director of Community Impact, Narissa Kanji, talk about the Built Together grant program. Does your community need a new basketball court, skate park or playground? Applications for Built Together 2024 are NOW OPEN.   You can apply here: https://lnkd.in/dQG2QWk7

Moose Hide Campaign Day is May 16. This Indigenous-led, grassroots movement engages men and boys in ending gender-based violence. Moose Hide Campaign Day unites people across Canada in a day of ceremony and reconciliation for a cause that disproportionately affects women and children. Those who want to support the Moose Hide Campaign can wear a moose hide pin. For more information or to order pins, visit https://lnkd.in/gthvhhYK