Neighbouring for Climate

One of RCL’s core values is to be a sustainable league. Right now, that looks like:

• designing a new hall with lots of energy saving features

• installing a new bike rack in the spring

• hosting workshops and presentations with sustainable themes

• partnering with local organizations to help residents build relevant skills

• planting native species in our garden boxes

• hosting a Community Garden in West Ritchie

• organizing Climate Connector meetups

In 2024, the City of Edmonton launched Neighbouring for Climate, a program designed to help bring neighbours together to take local action on climate change. The city and the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues have been encouraging leagues across the city to take a leadership role in the program. With RCL’s interest in sustainability, we thought it would be a natural fit, and organized our first “Climate Connectors” event in February 2025.

Neighbouring for Climate toolkit

The cards included in the toolkit describe a variety of climate-action ideas within 6 categories. Some examples are: grow your own food, create an emergency plan, conduct a home energy assessment.

The city includes other helpful resources like postcards, conversaton tips, posters and a guide book. But they are encouraging each community, street, or group of neighbours to work together to decide on the next steps that make the most sense for them.

The Ritchie Community League hopes to use this program as a tool to help:

• connect neighbours who are climate champions

• generate ideas for events or actions that can be taken on by our volunteers

• recruit volunteers who are excited to help out in their community

RITCHIE CLIMATE CONNECTORS

We started this project with a small workshop on February 9, 2025. Hosted by Lisa (Secretary) and Hanna (Director), we invited people from Ritchie and the surrounding communities to join us for an afternoon of learning and idea generation.

Everyone in the group got to read through the Neighbouring for Climate cards, chat with our neighbours about the reality of implementing ideas, and brainstorm ways we could start working on local solutions within the community league framework.

It was a fun afternoon with a group of folks from diverse backgrounds, ages, experiences. We generated a lot of great ideas, brainstormed solutions to potentials barriers, and set ourselves up for success as we move to the next stage of this program.

LOCAL IDEAS - LOCAL SOLUTIONS

Neighbouring for Climate offers suggestions and tips, but each community contributes different skills and assets. This has a huge impact on what types of adaptation strategies we can pursue, and how the league can offer us support. That’s where the local solutions part comes in.

Here are a few of the ideas our group generated at our first event:

• host a harvest party for neighbours to share food they grew in their gardens

• outreach to our neighbours

• organize a swap for household items and personal skills

• start a “Ritchie Classifieds”

• seed sharing event

Ritchie Community League’s plan for this program – and for our future sustainability goals – include:

• forming a sustainability committee

• hosting solutions-focused events for all of our residents

• connecting community leaders with each other

• joining with our neighbouring leagues to accomplish some larger projects to benefit all our residents

The ideas part has been “easy” so far, but we are on the lookout for folks who have the time and energy to put these ideas into action and to connect with each other to keep the momentum going.

Is that you?

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Ritchie Presents: Edmonton Native Plant Society on Thursday, March 20

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Please email secretary@ritchie-league.com with your ideas for future Climate Connector events, or if you would like to lend a hand getting some of these initiatives off the ground.

Building new skills at Ritchie Hall

WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS

These past few months at Ritchie Hall we have been building skills, learning new things, meeting neighbours, and increasing our resilience as a community!

We were excited to host Paths for People in January and learn about their history advocating for people-centered streets. There were a lot of  questions and comments from the audience, and we had a great discussion about some specific ideas and projects. 

Their big idea about the 76 Avenue bridge in Mill Creek Ravine generated a great discussion about how people use our streets right now and how they might want to use them in the future. There were so many thought-provoking questions and the Paths for People volunteers answered them with practiced ease and interest. Ultimately, it will be the city who decides what happens here, but we learned that there are a lot of ways to speak up and have our voices heard.

RCL Secretary Lisa with Paths for People volunteers (Brandon, Cheryl, Shannon, Tania)

Ritchie’s collage workshop hosted by Not Ladylike Community

Neighbourhood group “Not Ladylike Community” hosted an exciting collage workshop, where we all answered the question “who am I?” using colourful paper and old magazines! Everyone made a beautiful collage, and we overheard a lot of fun “getting to know you” conversations.

These workshops have proven to be an excellent place to get to know your neighbours, or made a new pal.

FEEDBACK

We heard you loud and clear, and are already implementing some of your feedback in our upcoming presentations!

• quiet activities for kids so parents can attend

• clear messaging online for easy registration

• more snack options

Thanks to all of the attendees who filled out their feedback form. If you attended a recent workshop or presentation and would still like to offer your feedback, please send it directly to secretary@ritchie-league.com.

COMING UP NEXT

We have almost filled our calendar for the spring sessions! Here’s a bit more information about what you can expect to see over the next two months.

FEBRUARY

While our workshop has now passed, we have a great presentation lined up for later in February, featuring an expert knowledge holder. Daniela Guerrero-Rodriguez is here all the way from BC (virtually) to help you tap into creativity that helps you respond in an emergency. You’ll leave with all the info and skills you’ll need to build your 72 hour emergency kit and stay cool in a future crisis. February 20.

MARCH

Do you have a young person in your life, say from the ages of 18 to 25, who is struggling to launch themself into the working world? Okama Brook from the African Caribbean Heritage Alliance is here to offer tips to create a standout cover letter, efficiently completing a job search online, and empower youth to take charge of their future. March 16.

Edmonton Native Plant Society has put together a lovely presentation for you filled with beautiful photos of native plants and their pollinators. Learn from an experienced Edmonton gardener about what types of native plants he’s been growing in his year - he has over 60 varieties! March 20.

APRIL

Explore your creative side with artist Elliot Rose’s Instapressionism. This workshop will take you through the basics of his technique, help you create an original piece of artwork, and empower you to continue your creativity at home. April 13.

Ritchie gardeners are going to be excited to see more plants on the schedule! Touch Grass Club and Waste Free Edmonton are coming to the hall in April to teach us about:

• how to create an environmentally friendly yard

• the best native plants for your needs

• the history of lawns

You’ll also have the opportunity to get some native seeds started for your garden! April 17.

Long-term volunteer opportunity

ONGOING VOLUNTEER POSITION TAKING APPLICATIONS NOW

Position Title: Grant and Business Donation Tracker

Project: Ritchie League's Hall Replacement Project

Time Commitment: ~3 hours per week

Duration: Ideally for a year to support fundraising

Position Overview:
The Hall Replacement Project is a transformative initiative aimed at creating a new community hub that will serve the vibrant and growing Ritchie neighborhood and adjacent neighbourhoods. This new hall will not only be a centerpiece for the community but also a beacon of art, accessibility, social connection, sustainability, and community pride. We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized volunteer to assist in tracking and managing grants and business donations, ensuring that the board meets deadlines, that sources are researched and that financial contributions are properly recorded.

About the Hall Replacement Project:
This project is more than just a building; it is a cornerstone for the future of the Ritchie community:

1. Art Hub: The new hall will serve as an art hub for emerging artists in Edmonton, providing a creative space for workshops and dance, music, and theatre performances.

2. Accessibility: Designed with full accessibility in mind, the hall (especially the kitchen) will support all members and residents, including those who will benefit from an inclusive space today and as they age into their senior years.

3. Social Gathering Space: The hall will be an incredibly social gathering space, adaptable for both large and small events, helping to keep the community connected, active, and healthy.

4. Sustainability: We are aiming to be the first net-zero public facility in Alberta- we want to lead the way! With sustainability at its core, the building will be designed for minimal heat and power costs and will serve as a safe haven during extreme heat or cold, poor air, and unpredictable events. 

5. Pride in the Community: This hall will be a space that the entire Ritchie community can be proud of, reflecting the spirit and values of the neighborhood.

Key Responsibilities:

• Research & Identification: Identify potential grants and business donors who may be interested in supporting the hall replacement project. With support of board members, identify and hire a campaign manager for fundraising and securing donors.

• Fund Tracking: Monitor and track the status of grant applications and donations, ensuring that deadlines are met for grants and follow-ups are conducted with donors, as needed.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of all grants and donations received, including donor details, amounts, and any specific conditions or stipulations attached to the funds.

• Communication: Liaise with the board regarding deadlines, needs, and reporting. Liaise with a hired campaign manager to assist with donors.

• Reporting: Prepare a report for executive meetings, at meetings or in writing, on the progress of grants and donations.

• Collaboration: Work closely with executive and finance teams to ensure proper allocation and utilization of funds.

Qualifications:

• You're a good human - we think that's always a good start.

• Organizational skills.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

• Proficiency in google office (email account and training provided).

• Ability to work independently and contribute to a team.

• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Awareness of grant writing and fundraising is an asset.

• Member in good standing of Ritchie Community League

Benefits:

• Contribute to a meaningful and impactful community project.

• Gain experience in grant tracking, fundraising, and business relations.

• Develop skills in project management and donor relations.

• Network with other community leaders.

• Receive recognition and references for your volunteer contribution.

How to Participate:

Please submit an email to president@ritchie-league.com by Friday, November 15.

If you’re interested, but have questions, consider attending a brainstorming meeting on Wednesday, November 13. Email if you'd like to join!

Join us in shaping the future of Ritchie by helping to secure the funds needed for a hall that will serve as the heart of our community!

BBQ Raffle

Win a TraegervPro 780 Wi-Fi enabled Wood Pellet Grill

*Valued at $1350

Tickets:

• 10 FOR $50.00

• 50 FOR $100.00

• 1 FOR $10.00

• 3 FOR $20.00

Ritchie Community League is excited to announce our new hall fundraiser! - Grab your tickets now and enter to win a Traeger Pro 780 wi-fi enable wood pellet grill BBQ!

Ritchie Community League exists to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all Ritchie residents through advocacy, activities, programs, and supporting each other with opportunities to get to know our neighbours and have a sense of belonging within the community. We are based in Edmonton, Alberta.

Funds raised by this raffle will support our long journey to build a new hall! This community need was identified many years ago through direct consultation with Ritchie residents.

The winner will be contacted to claim their prize.

Thank you for your support!

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Rules

1. Players must be 18 years of age or older, and use a major credit card, Visa Debit or MasterCard Debit.

2. Tickets will be available online and sold at a rate of:

1 FOR $10.00 * 3 FOR $20.00 * 10 FOR $50.00 * 50 FOR $100.00

3. Ticket sales will end on September 22, 2024 at 3:00pm with the draw taking place at the Ritchie Community League Hall 7727 98 STREET NORTHWEST, EDMONTON, AB, T6E 5C9 on September 22, 2024 at 6pm.

4. The winner will receive a Traeger Pro 780 wi-fi enable wood pellet grill BBQ *valued at $1349.99 retail

5. All ticket numbers will be emailed to ticket purchasers by the registered Electronic Raffle Supplier (ERS) (Rafflebox). A physical ticket will not be mailed out for this draw.

6. The winner will be determined by a random draw using a registered Electronic Raffle Supplier (ERS) Random Number Generator (RNG).

7. The winner will be contacted by phone and email. The winner has 7 days to claim their prize, a second draw from the same numbers will occur after 7 days if the prize goes unclaimed.

8. By playing you consent to having your name and winning numbers published.

PRIZE DESCRIPTION

TraegervPro 780 Wi-Fi enabled Wood Pellet Grill

All-natural hardwood pellets fuel the fire and add incredible flavor. Pick the temperature you want, then Set It & Forget It®. 

• 780 sq. inch grilling area - Enjoy enough grilling space to hold up to 24 burgers or 9 racks of ribs.

• WiFIRE® Controller - Adjust temperatures and monitor food on your smartphone with the WiFIRE® controller and Traeger App.

• Porcelain Grill Grates - These grates are non-stick and easy to clean no matter what you cook

• 18 lbs. hopper capacity - Enjoy hours of cooking without needing a refill thanks to this spacious hopper size.

• D2® Direct Drive - The D2® Direct Drive drivetrain features more power, precision and durability for better wood-fired flavor.

• Pro D2 Direct Drive improves searing and allows low and slow cooking with broader temp ranges

• TurboTemp allows ultra fast startup and rapid temperature changes

• Exterior storage hooks for extra grill rack

• Traeger's easy-to-use controls make wood-fired cooking simple. Just set your grill temperature like you would your oven and let your Traeger do the work for you.

• Consistency - Get consistent results thanks to consistent temperatures every single time. Traeger makes mastering your BBQ easy and reliable.

• Taste - Traeger grills are fueled by 100% all-natural hardwood pellets that infuse amazing wood-fired flavor into everything you cook.

• 6-in-1 Versatility - Traegers aren't just for grilling, you can smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ food too, from ribs to apple pie.

Traeger's all-natural hardwood pellets ensure you get only the highest-quality pure hardwood flavour, and nothing else. Whether you're grilling, smoking, roasting, baking, braising, or barbecuing your food, the Traeger hardwood pellets got you covered. Note: Pellets sold separately