Our Purpose
Hope. Support. Change.
Our Vision
EDAUC stands for Eating Disorder Awareness UCalgary and is a SU-registered student group aimed at providing and supporting faculty, staff, and students with the proper tools and information on either personally dealing with an eating disorder or helping someone else deal with an ED. We aim to become a resource for students at the University of Calgary and spread awareness about eating disorders, eating disturbances, and related dysfunctional behaviours. EDAUC wants to remove the stigma of the ED and diet culture and promote a healthy lifestyle and healthy living.
ABOUT EDAUC: OUR GOALS
Raise Awareness: Educate the University of Calgary community about eating disorders, disordered eating, and related unhealthy behaviors through accessible, evidence-based information.
Combat Stigma: Challenge misconceptions and reduce the stigma surrounding eating disorders and diet culture.
Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage balanced, sustainable approaches to health and wellness that support both physical and mental well-being.
Provide Peer Support: Create safe, peer-led spaces where students can share experiences, find connection, and access non-clinical support.
Empower Helpers: Equip students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and tools to support peers who may be struggling with eating-related issues.
Build a Campus Resource: Serve as a student-led hub for eating disorder education and peer support at the University of Calgary and beyond.
MEET OUR TEAM
Meet the passionate individuals behind Eating Disorder Awareness UCalgary. Our team is committed to raising awareness and providing support to those affected by eating disorders.
Founder/ Co - President
Lisa Wei
She/Her
VP Peer Mentor
Danica Vangsgaard
She/Her
Founder/Co - President
Sarveen Rao
She/Her
VP Internal Operations
Lexi Bao
She/Her
VP Finance
Mike Thai
He/Him
VP External Operations
Name
Pronouns
VP Marketing
Alex Lepa
They/Them/He/Him
VP Events
Name
Pronouns
See Coordinators
​See Junior Execs
JOIN THE TEAM
Passionate about mental health advocacy? Join the Eating Disorder Awareness UCalgary team and be part of the change! Whether you're interested in becoming a general member or applying for a executive position, we invite you to get involved in promoting eating disorder awareness on campus. Apply now and make a difference.
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Apply Now!
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Let’s work together to break the stigma and build a more supportive UCalgary community.
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WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS?
Want to Learn more about Eating Disorders?
1 / Video Modules
CLICK HERE to watch informative video modules on Eating Disorders provided by our peer mentor.
2 / Informative Slides
CLICK HERE to read more about signs, risk factors, and treatments about Eating Disorders.
3 / Additional YouTube Video Resources
CLICK HERE to watch videos about Eating Disorders provided by professionals on YouTube.
OUR PAST EVENTS 2025
September
Sip and Chat: Fun event with games and snacks reaching members of the EDAUC team and UofC community (bringing campus closer together)
Clubs Week: Engagement from over 300 students participating in the “What do you love about yourself” sticky note activity (art piece)
October
NEDIC Webinar: Educational webinar brought by NEDIC to educate students on how to spot the signs and support people affected with ED’s with over 30 students attending (Emilee Donahue)
EDAUC pamphlets designed to be handed out at all events (Fundraisers, guest speaker talks)
Provided these pamphlets to NSO, women’s resource centre and the food hub
November
School Outreach: Reached over 600 students ranging from elementary to high school (Gr. 2 - Gr. 11) Interactive age-appropriate curriculum with games, discussion circles, and provided resources (slips of paper with contact info to reach NEDIC) for students, actionable steps to care for mental healthHanded out educational pamphlets to teachers to further raise awarenessProvided teachers with access to our free online modules through our website
December
Sip and Chat (vision board making): Hosted a fun end-of year event with over 20 participants across campus to join us in games, discussions, and a creative vision board making activity with magazine cut-outsHosted a fundraiser on the UofC Foothills Campus to gather funds for our upcoming fashion show; fostered connections with local bakeries and businesses, reached the local uofc students/staff to promote ED awareness by engaging in discussion, handing out our EDAUC pamphlets with more information about common EDs
2026 EVENTS
January
Fundraisers and Club’s week: Connected with local businesses to gather prizes for our fashion showConnected with over 50 students while promoting our club and helping them understand where to go for support and resources
February
Fashion Show: plan to have 20 models walking in our fashion show to promote body diversity, inclusivity, and representation of different cultures, body types, self-expressions and styles. Focusing on the story behind each outfit (what inspired them to wear the outfit, how it shows their individuality and who they are, what the clothing items mean to them-cultural significance, sentimental, etc). Plan to engage 200 students and staffInvited Dr. Gina Dimitropoulos’s student Manya Singh (ED researcher at UofC) to speak at our eventHosted different booths (ex: Queers on Campus, UCRC, etc) promoting mental health, recovery, and diversityCollaborated with Schulich Soundstage to encourage artistic expression on campus
EDAW: Social media campaignPop ups: spin wheel with trivia question and prizes to engage students walking by (myths vs facts about EDs, what can be helpful in supporting someone who struggling)
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
SUPPORT RESOURCES
Please note that the EDAUC Peer Support Team is not a crisis line or professional counseling service. While we are here to provide a safe, supportive space for listening and connection, we are not equipped to offer emergency or clinical mental health care. If you would like to talk to an EDAUC peer mentor, you are welcome to reach out through Instagram @edaucalgary, or through our email edaucalgary@gmail.com.
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If you are in immediate crisis, please reach out to the following resources for 24/7 support:
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Distress Centre Calgary – Call or text: 403-266-HELP (4357)
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In immediate danger or requiring urgent medical assistance, call 9-1-1
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Thinking about suicide or supporting someone who is – Call or text 9-8-8 (Available 24/7 across Canada)
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Our team is here to listen, validate your experiences, and connect you with helpful resources when appropriate, but we encourage anyone in crisis to seek professional help as a first step.
MORE RESOURCES
National Eating Disorder Information Centre
A Canada-wide helpline, resrouces, and referrals for individuals and caregivers.
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Website: www.nedic.ca
Helpline: 1-866-NEDIC-20 (1-866-633-4220)
Chat available online
Caleo Health Disorders Eating Program
Multidisciplinary private outpatient program for eating disorders.
Website: www.caleohealth.ca
Phone: 403-452-0999
The Looking Glass Foundation
Support Programs including online peer support, recovery groups, and residential care.
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Website: www.lookingglassbc.com
Email: info@lookingglassbc.com
Body Brave
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Free virtual treatment, peer support, and workshops led by professionals with lived experience.
Website: www.bodybrave.ca
Email: hello@bodybrave.ca
Silver Linings Foundation
Support groups, education, and counselling navigation in Alberta.
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Website: www.silverliningsfoundation.ca
Sheena's Place
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Support groups for individuals aged 17+ with eating disorders; virtual programs available.
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Website: www.sheenasplace.org
Phone: 416-927-8900
Alberta Health Services Eating Disorder Program
Assessment and treatment for individuals with eating disorders, including inpatient and outpatient services.
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Website: www.albertahealthservices.ca
Call 811 for Health Link Alberta
Eating Disorders Nova Scotia
Peer support, virtual groups, and one-on-one coaching. Available to anyone in Canada.
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​Website: www.eatingdisordersns.ca
Email: info@eatingdisordersns.ca
Wood's Homes Eating Disorder Program
Community-based treatment for youth ages 11–17 with eating disorders.
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Website: www.woodshomes.ca
Phone: 403-299-9696
Jessie's Legacy
Family Services of the North Shore
Education and prevention programs for body image and eating disorders.
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Website: www.jessieslegacy.com
Phone: 1-877-825-9771