Winter in Central Alberta has a way of reminding us what matters most: looking out for one another, showing up when it counts, and doing the kind of community-building that doesn’t always make headlines - but absolutely changes lives. That’s why the Red Deer District Chamber is proud to participate in SPARC Red Deer’s “Paint the Town Positive: Winter Warm Up” campaign, a community-wide effort to collect winter wear for local organizations supporting some of our most vulnerable neighbours. And because we’re the Chamber… we couldn’t resist turning it into a bit of a challenge.
 
From now until January 15, 2026, the Chamber will be collecting new mittens, toques, and socks (all sizes), which can be dropped off during business hours at the Red Deer District Chamber office (3017 50th Avenue). We’re also issuing a friendly competition to our partners and friends at BILD Central Alberta, Tourism Red Deer, and the Red Deer Construction Association - you’re officially on notice. Let’s see who can rally their members, teams, and networks to collect the most winter items. May the best member-based organization win. But here’s the truth: if we do this right, everybody wins.
 
Businesses only thrive when communities thrive. At the Chamber, we often talk about the conditions businesses need to succeed - strong infrastructure, business-friendly policy, a skilled workforce, and a community people want to invest in. Community well-being isn’t a “nice-to-have”; it’s foundational. When people lack access to basic winter wear, everyday life becomes harder and that ripples outward into workplaces, families, and the overall resilience of our local economy. When we strengthen the community, we strengthen the business environment.
 
SPARC is making this fun, too. Every group that submits a photo of their donations is entered to win a pizza party. After January 16, the Red Deer Youth Council will deliver all donated items to local organizations so community members can access winter wear as needed. Want to raise the stakes? Start your own challenge! One of the best parts of this initiative is the ripple effect, and we want to see this campaign succeed in the biggest way possible. Let’s keep the positivity (and the winter wear) moving across the city!
 
How your business or team can participate:
SPARC has made it easy:

1. Collect winter wear with your workplace, team, family, classroom, or organization (all sizes welcome).
2. Take a group photo with your donations.
3. Email your photo to sparc40@gmail.com by January 16.
4. Drop off items at Timberlands Library anytime up to January 16.