Second annual Winter Wonderland Public Skate

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA FAMILY SERVICES

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Algoma Family Services (AFS) will host the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Public Skate at the Essar Centre on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 12 to 2 p.m.

Admission is free for all ages.

During this exciting event, AFS along with other community organizations will have information booths on services and programs set up around the Essar Centre.

The event is intended to raise the public’s awareness of the walk in counseling service, as well as health and community services available in Algoma to promote mental health and wellness.

“The Walk-In Counselling service is a great example of our commitment as community mental health service providers to ensure the right services at the right time. Response to the program has been tremendous, and we are most pleased the John Howard Society and the Sault Area Hospital have joined us in the provision of this service," said Ali Juma, CEO Algoma Family Services.

"There is no better way for us to promote this service than to engage families directly through our second annual Winter Wonderland Public Skate. Last year we had over 260 people come out to the skate at the Essar Centre! We look forward to families coming out and enjoying some great family time. We thank all our community service partners that will join us on the 14th to help educate the public on the range of services for families in Algoma.”

The Walk-in Counselling Service Consortium will also be hosting a Winter Wonderland Public Skate in Elliot Lake, Blind River and Wawa, on Jan. 14.

The public skate in Elliot Lake will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at Centennial Arena, in Blind River at the Blind River Memorial Community Centre from 4 to 6 p.m. and in Wawa at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 6 to 8 p.m. All community members and surrounding communities are welcomed to attend these events.

If any community partners in Sault Ste. Marie would like to participate in this event, please contact Kayla Primm at 705-945-5050 ext. 2671 by 12 p.m. on Jan. 13.

The public skate events are sponsored by the Walk-In Counselling Service Consortium of Algoma Family Services, Algoma Public Health, Canadian Mental Health Association, John Howard Society and the Sault Area Hospital.

The Walk-In Counselling Service is a brief counselling service that provides immediate access for children, youth, adults, couples and families. There is no need to make an appointment, as it is a first come, first serve service.

The Walk-In Counselling Service takes place every Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last session at 5:30 p.m.) at the Canadian Mental Health Association 386 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie.

For more information about these events, please contact Kayla Primm at 705-945-5050 or visit our website at www.algomafamilyservices.org.

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