The Pulse
June 11, 2026

A professional game master is on a quest to work with more non-profits after a successful fundraiser helped people with autism find joy in collective storytelling.

"With tabletop role-playing games, you really do have a lot of engagement, but aside from selling people entertainment, me and the non-profits have seen that it's a viable way of combining games and doing good," said Kevin Douangmany, the owner and game master of The Resplendent Cave.

Douangmany sees what he does as a mix of hospitality and entertainment. He organizes and hosts tabletop role-playing games (henceforth referred to as TTRPGs) for enthusiasts, corporate clients, large events such as the Edmonton Expo, day camps, and now non-profits, which have started to take notice of his work.

He ran a sold-out Dungeons and Dragons fundraiser for the Centre for Autism Services Alberta on May 30, bringing in more than $2,000 for the charity. Douangmany said he and his team underwent training with the centre ahead of the fundraiser, and the entire experience made him want to do more such events.

"The experience was magical, seeing people feel comfortable bringing their family members who are living with autism, who are living with autism themselves, knowing that they had the support staff and the support of all the players and the volunteers and game masters," he told Taproot. "It was innovative, I would also say, because it's the first time that we piloted this thing. (We learned) tabletop role-playing games also have a place in delivering social and mental health services. They allow people to role-play a situation with lessened consequences."

Douangmany knows what it's like to come into one's own in role-playing environments, having dabbled as a game master at Table Top Cafe before going pro.

"Through that, it just kind of built my confidence in running sessions in a public setting for different types of players," he said. "There'd be new players, there'd be players that have been playing since the first edition (of a game), there'd be kids, there'd be adults — and that just made me more comfortable in a customer service role in that kind of environment."

He'll bring that confidence to Game Con Canada, the nation's largest gaming expo, on June 20 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. He will serve as game master for the Cosmere Roleplaying Game, which is based on the lucrative intellectual property of fantasy giant Brandon Sanderson.

• The City of Edmonton announced a revamped economic development strategy for 2026 to 2030, aiming to transition from a regulatory role to a growth partnership. This strategy will bolster local business support, enhance global investment, and highlight Edmonton's affordability and innovative leadership. Key elements include reducing business-related red tape, marketing Edmonton's business advantages, and driving investments through initiatives like tax incentives for commercial growth.
• The Chinese Benevolent Association has withdrawn from Edmonton's Chinatown Gate project, citing misalignment with community priorities and concerns over the $8.7 million cost. The original gate was removed in 2017 for LRT construction, and a new one is planned for 97 Street. The association said the funds could better support local needs, such as safety and business recovery, and that its input has been "sidelined." Mayor Andrew Knack noted that prior consultations have taken place with various community groups, including the association.
• The Bissell Centre has opened the Den of Willows in Edmonton's Delton neighbourhood to support people living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The facility helps residents in recovery from addiction and chronic homelessness, offering 24/7 support for life skills, employment readiness, and cultural connections. It is funded by an anonymous donor and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addiction, and houses five residents.
• June 14 to 20 marks Waste Collector Appreciation Week in Edmonton. Residents are encouraged to express gratitude to waste collectors, who play a critical role in maintaining safety and cleanliness by collecting waste, managing hazardous materials, and processing waste at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. The City suggested leaving notes of appreciation, writing messages, or tagging @CityOfEdmonton in social media posts.
• The NHL Players' Association (NHLPA) requested an investigation into Mike Babcock's resignation from the Columbus Blue Jackets before the Edmonton Oilers can officially hire him as head coach. The NHL had planned to investigate the situation in 2023 but did not proceed after Babcock resigned. The NHLPA is insisting on an investigation before Babcock's eligibility with Edmonton. Although the NHL declined to comment, an investigation is expected.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• MNP Workshop Series: Cash Flow Management starting at 12pm at Edmonton Unlimited
• Biodiversity event with Nature Alberta starting at 5:30pm at Rundle Park
• Unpacking Multiplexes Edmonton starting at 6pm at Fringe Theatre Arts Barns
• Film Screening: Animal Nation – Bison starting at 6pm at Royal Alberta Museum
• Art Experience: Felted Wool Beaver starting at 6pm at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse
• State of Morinville 2026 with Mayor Boersma starting at 6:30pm at Morinville Cultural Centre
• Speed Dating Tonight! starting at 7pm at Citadel Theatre
• Edmonton Riverhawks vs Victoria HarbourCats starting at 7pm at Re/Max Field
• Sport, Identity & Inclusion with Mark Tewksbury starting at 7pm at Edmonton Public Library (Stanley A. Milner)
• Strathcona County Awards of Excellence starting at 7pm at Festival Place
• Smooth Sips starting at 7pm at Frank's Community Pub
• Fully Committed starting at 7:30pm at Varscona Theatre

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• June 13: Bikes & Beverages at Re/Max Field
• June 18: Nightbird Alley at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse
• June 20-July 1: The Works Art & Design Festival at Churchill Square

Visit the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.

Test your crossword prowess and deploy a little of your Edmonton knowledge. Complete the puzzle.

Learn more about 6-Across in this Taproot story.