Fifty youths who are new to Canada and Red Deer will learn that most Canadian of winter skills — skating — next week.
The Central Alberta Refugee Effort (CARE) has organized three afternoons of free skating lessons and a chance to try hockey for young newcomers from Dec. 28-30.
The lessons will all be held from 1-4 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 28, they will be at the G.H. Dawe arena, on Thursday, Dec. 29, at Bower Ponds and on Friday, Dec. 30, at the Westpark outdoor rink.
A few more volunteers are needed to help out with this skating event, said organizer Rachel Pinno — although many community members have already signed up to assist the kids with basic skating and hockey skills.
Skates are being provided free of charge for the lessons, and members of Red Deer Pond Hockey will be offering youths a chance to try hockey with a game of shinny on Dec. 30.
The Learn to Skate event was started in 2012 after a young newcomer expressed a strong desire to learn to skate. CARE has been helping immigrants resettle in the city for more than 35 years.
Anyone interested in volunteering can call 403-304-3676.