CommunityWise

Resource Centre #101 223 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2R 0G9 contact@communitywise.net 403-261-9660

For Immediate Release

Historic restoration benefits non-profit community groups an open house and celebration

Beginning at noon on October 2nd one of the most treasured community resources in the city, the old YWCA building, will show off its newly restored historic front porch. Politicians, community leaders, and the general public are invited to join in the celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony, cake, and tours from 12:00 to 1:00 pm at 223 12th Avenue SW. 12:00 Tour of building and three level balcony 12:30 Ribbon cutting and cake The restoration work was made possible by the dedication of staff and board of the CommunityWise Resource Centre, with support from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation and the expertise of both Historic Preservation Services and Simpson Roberts Architecture. Restoration of the original three- level balcony highlights the dignified presence of this brick and sandstone building in the heart of the Beltline neighbourhood. Once a vital residence for young women, the building, which celebrated its centennial in 2011, is now a beautiful heritage venue that provides offices; meeting rooms; activity spaces; and indoor and outdoor common spaces for over sixty non-profit community groups. This diverse set of organizations is comprised of youth serving groups; aboriginal, immigrant, and ethno-cultural groups; independent arts organizations; environmental advocacy groups; and organizations serving the LGBTQ community, among others. The completion of the front porch restoration project is significant to the many communities accessing the building, the Beltline neighbourhood, and the City of Calgary as a reminder of the importance of heritage buildings and the stories they tell us about our collective past. The event will also celebrate the COMMUNITYWISE RESOURCE CENTRE, formerly known as The Old Y Centre. COMMUNITYWISE has rebranded to distinguish itself as a unique, community-driven, collaborative space for multi-sector groups to pursue their individual activities in the context of community development and social change. Media representatives are invited to attend, with expected politicians and community leaders -30-

 CommunityWise Resource Centre #101 223 12 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2R 0G9 contact@communitywise.net 403-261-9660

For Media Inquiries

Sonia Edworthy Office 403-261-9660 sonia@communitywise.net Erin McFarlane Office 403-261-9660 Cell 403-200-9701 erin@communitywise.net Further details about October 2nd The lunchtime ribbon cutting celebration is just one component of a packed day of activities at the CommunityWise Resource Centre on October 2nd. In the morning, CommunityWise will act as a tour stop for the Social Enterprise World Forum 2013. Later on, beginning at 6pm, CommunityWise will hold the evening portion of its INTERFACE event. There will be special art and culture installations from member organizations, and short talks and presentations on what INTERFACE can mean for us all, be it through community development projects or in our everyday lives. INTERFACE is also a fundraiser for CommunityWise to help to continue to support programming activities and facility repairs. INTERFACE is a point of interconnection between inside/outside, public/private, historic/modern, personal/professional; the place or area at which different things meet and communicate with or affect each other. Evening Event Schedule 6:00-10:00 - Refreshments, music, tours, and presentations (Presentations will begin at 7:00pm) Tickets are all general admittance and are pay-what-you-can. $5, $10, or $20 online or at the door, capacity permitting. https://communitywiseinterfaceevening.eventbrite.ca/