The Outreach Centre is calling on the community for urgent support after facing a challenging holiday season marked by a decline in donations and unexpected expenses.
This past holiday season, the postal strike impacted the Centre’s ability to solicit and accept donations.
Direct mail campaigns had to be cancelled, and individuals who wished to mail in their donations were unable to do so. Demand for services grew, with an almost 15% increase in the number of families served through the Adopt a Family program. This program provides essential support to families in need, and the increased demand highlights the struggles faced by many families in the community.
Adding to these challenges, one of the boilers at The Outreach Centre’s second-stage shelter, Julietta’s Place, broke down, requiring quick action to keep residents warm and safe during the holiday season. After an inspection, it was determined that both boilers need to be replaced, a cost totalling $35,000.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support, which allowed us to serve 814 individuals through our Adopt-a-Family program this past holiday season,” said Ian Wheeliker, Executive Director at The Outreach Centre. “With increased demand and unexpected challenges like the boiler replacement, we’re calling on our community to help us continue providing essential support to families in need.”
Here’s how to make a donation to The Outreach Centre:
• online: theoutreachcentre.org/donate
• email: info@theoutreachcentre.org
• phone: 403.347.2480
• mail: 4101- 54 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4R 3G7
• in-person: 4101 – 54 Avenue, Red Deer
As announced by the federal government, those wishing to make a donation eligible for tax support in the 2024 tax year have until February 28, 2025 to do so.
The Outreach Centre helps people overcome the effects of domestic violence, suicide, homelessness and poverty through effective partnerships, education and programming.
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