The CAMROSE BOOSTER, December 28, 2021 – Page 35
December
7 – Camrose Police Service Crime Prevention and Community Relations officer Constable Kelly Bauer accepted a donation of perishable food items from 14-year-old Evan Schwartz during the Charity Checkstop held on December 4.
14 – The Rose City Curling Club held a ‘RockIn’ Around the Park contest from now until January 16. They are promoting the upcoming Meridian Open international curling event from January 11 to 16, 2022. 14 – On December 6, the City of Camrose Community Bus program received the keys to the brand new community bus purchased in part through a very generous donation by an anonymous donor.
7 – Bailey Theatre treasurer and chair of the Financial Sustainability Team Celia Leathwood was named the 2021 volunteer of the year.
7 – Blake Kondor of the Camrose Kodiaks and Kinette Meranda Bruneau were busy collecting toys for the Kinettes Silent Santa program on November 27. Members of the service club are busy gathering presents for less fortunate children in the area. 14 – City of Camrose Council approved the 2022 Operating Budget during the Regular Council meeting held on December 6. The recommendation by administration was for council to approve the amended 2021 and 2022 Operating Budget with total operating expenditures of $55,392,635 and $56,199,997; including general operating expenditures of $40,987,886 and $41,174,956; utility operating expenditures of $14,404,749 and $15,025,041; and transfer to capital of $3,398,309 and $3,634,186.
14 – Marler Drive is a dazzling trip down Christmas Lane, filled with twinkling lights, crazy characters, nativity scenes and the odd sighting of Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. 14 – Groceries arrived on December 14 and volunteer teams were eager to pack Wednesday and Thursday in order to be ready for Merry Christmas Fund volunteer drivers to come to the Camrose Fire Hall on Saturday, December 18 to deliver hampers.
21 – St. Patrick Catholic School Grade 3 students, Brianna Brandt, left, and Corbin McDougall, right, presented Camrose Police Service School Resource officer and CORE instructor Constable John Fernhout with some of the cards and ornaments made by the Grade 3 students for the residents at The Bethany Group, Camrose. 21 – The staff and volunteers at SOS (Service Options for Seniors) were left in amazement with the generosity of the local community. Inside the front door at Harley’s was a big beautiful tree decorated with slips of paper that represent specific seniors nominated by various organizations throughout Camrose to receive an anonymous Christmas gift.
21 – Battle River Quilters’ Guild presented 111 quilts to various organizations throughout the community before the holiday season. Joanne Geertz of BRQG, left, presented 32 quilts to Camrose Women’s Shelter crisis intervention worker Kristy McKay to share with families on December 16. 21 – On December 6, École Camrose Composite High School (ÉCCHS) choir and bands performed a Winter Concert to a wider audience this year, with a virtual performance streamed live on YouTube, thanks to COVID.
Province talks on solutions for homelessness people By Lori Larsen
The Province of Alberta’s Community and Social Services minister Jason Luan shared thoughts on the issue of homelessness in Alberta. “Homelessness is a not a crisis unique to Alberta,” said Luan, in his opinion editorial. “Cities around the world are grappling with how to help the most vulnerable in their communities.” Luan went on to say that anyone can become homeless due to illness, job loss, abuse, or some other unforeseen circumstance, noting that nearly 1.6 million Canadians have had to spend time in a shelter or on the streets at some point in their life. “Therefore, we must come together to support those in need of help.” He reported that the government of Alberta has recently announced an additional $21.5 million for Albertans experiencing homelessness and family violence. “This funding will ensure access to services like 24-7 emergency shelter and support for victims of domestic violence while keeping clients safe.” He added that Alberta’s government is also providing an additional $1.5 million to activate up to 200 additional shelter beds at Commonwealth Stadium and will support on-site overdose prevention and treatment services.
“As we continue to navigate through COVID, one of our top priorities is to make sure all Albertans have a safe place to stay and access to the support they need. Together, with the $78 million previously announced, this additional funding will help organizations on the front lines deliver the services vulnerable Albertans need. “However, we also know supportive housing is part of the overall response to homelessness. It is also a priority for Alberta’s government.” Luan explained as a result, Community and Social Services has allocated more than $90 million to community-based organizations who provide a variety of supports, including permanent supportive housing. “I’m happy to report that our community partners have helped move more than 3,400 people into housing since the start of the pandemic. “I’m also proud of my colleague, Minister Josephine Pon (Seniors and Housing), who introduced Bill 78 this session. We are laying the groundwork to improve and expand Alberta’s affordable housing system to address growing demand and improve access for those most in need.” Luan said that Alberta’s government must partner with more types of
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housing providers, attract outside investment, encourage innovation, and deliver more value for government spending. “These changes will increase opportunities for partnerships, ensure appropriate oversight for new ventures, and improve governance and capacity in the affordable housing sector. “While we provide shelters and housing to support those vulnerable Albertans living on the streets, we must also invest in longterm solutions that support the recovery and growth of the civil society sector to protect vulnerable Albertans.” He further reported that the Alberta government just opened the second round of applications for their $21 million Civil Society Fund to support the civil society sector. The intent of the CSF is to support change and improve how civil society organizations work together to address pressing social issues. “We need individuals and organizations to work together to help get people off the streets and into a better life. We need compassion, creativity and collaboration to expand civil societies and to create a place where the vulnerable population feels safe and comfortable seeking the help they need.”
Murray Green, Camrose Booster The Masonic Foundation of Alberta presented two cheques to the Camrose Open Door Association, $2,000 presented on behalf of the Battle River District of Freemasons of the Grand Lodge of Alberta, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons that is comprised of eight lodges located in Camrose, Castor, Edgerton, Forestburg, Irma, Provost, Sedgewick, and Wainwright. The other $2,000 in additional funds were provided by the Grand Master of Alberta, M.W. Bro. Terry Murray, Christmas Wish List Fund. Pictured from left to right, Camrose Lodge No. 37 Worshipful Master W. Bro. Barry Montenejo, Camrose Open Door CEO Jessica Hutton, Battle River DDGM R.W. Bro. Gordon Scott, Camrose Open Door communications coordinator Emily Thompson, and MFA Battle River District Representative Bro. Curtis Bessette. The Masonic Foundation of Alberta is a Charitable Foundation established to assist Alberta’s Freemasons with their charitable endeavours and to enhance the profile of Freemasonry in their local communities. In addition, the Foundation directly assists youth-serving organizations in their efforts to serve and protect at-risk youth in our communities.
