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Supporting Our Community

Poverty Simulation Workshop

The Poverty Simulation is a free interactive event where folks experience the struggles of living on a limited income.
You will manage a fictional family's budget; encounter real-life challenges like unexpected bills;
and navigate day-to-day tasks like child care and attending work.

After the simulation, we'll have lunch and talk about how our community responds
to those in need and how we can make a difference.

Friday, February 6 from 8:30am - 1:30pm
Mirror Lake Centre, 5415-49 Ave., Camrose

Register Now

Registration closes January 30th

Holiday Giving

This holiday season we're spreading cheer and bringing our community along for the fun!

Reverse Advent Calendar

Give back in support of the Cultural Food Hub.

Starting December 1, each day add another item to your giving box.

After Christmas drop off your filled giving box at Camrose & District FCSS, 4821-51 St. or Wild Rose Foodservice Distributors, 3823-44 Ave.

Download The Reverse Advent Calendar

19th Annual Charity Checkstop

Saturday, December 6 from 10am-2pm
48th Ave. East Bound Service Road in front of Camrose Registry Ltd.

We'll be there with the CPS and RCMP collecting monetary donations, non-perishable food, gently used freshly laundered winter coats and gear, new socks and hand/toe warmers.

Please make cheques payable to the Camrose Helps Foundation. Monetary donations $20 or larger qualify for a tax receipt.

Check Out Our Christmas Wishlist

Camrose Helps Holiday Hampers

We're supporting Camrose & District FCSS's Christmas Angel initiative by helping provide food hampers.

During the holiday season we'll be collecting food and monetary donations from local food drives and events throughout our community.

Host Your Own Food Drive

About Us

Our purpose is to relieve poverty by providing basic necessities of life, including food, clean water, clothing, and/or shelter to individuals or families who are poor, of low income, or in need.

Click on the images below to expand.

What Is Camrose Helps? Camrose Helps is a registered charity created to address service gaps in Camrose and the surrounding area. It began as an initiative in 2022 through the Interagency Group, a network of local organizations and social-serving agencies that has been meeting monthly for over 40 years to collaborate and share resources. While many needs are met by existing services, gaps remain. Camrose Helps works to fill these gaps through programs, services, and initiatives such as the Cultural Food Hub, Community Pantry, and Winter Coat Drive, providing support to the community in ways that are currently unmet. Follow us to learn how we’re making a difference!
Community Pantry Some individuals may face challenges accessing traditional food banks due to certain requirements, yet still need emergency food assistance. This gap is being addressed by these pantries available at two locations: Camrose & District FCSS and the Camrose Library. Our pantry items are dependent on donations from the public and through Second Harvest, a food rescue organization that is working to keep food where it belongs, on plates and out of landfills.
Cultural Food Hub We provide cultural and dietary specialized hampers to those in need of food support in our community. This program was created to address a gap in food support. Clients can choose from a variety of foods that suit their cultural preferences, such as different oils and flours. Hampers are then personalized for each client. This approach ensures that individuals receive both the nutrition they need and food that respects their cultural practices. Referrals can be made through local service agencies and community partners.
Winter Coat Drive This initiative helps keep those in need warm over the winter months. We have a generous community that gives its support to this project, donating jackets, mittens and funds. Having low-barrier access to warm clothing for all ages is one step to reducing the impact of poverty in our community. The Cozy Community Coat Closet is currently operating two days a week at the Duggan Wellness Centre and is entirely run by volunteers.
To date Camrose Helps has: Held Community Conversations Conducted: Social Needs Survey Transportation Needs Survey Provincial Housing & Service Needs Estimation Initiated: Community Pantry Community Drop-in Warming Hub Cultural Food Hub Winter Coat Drive Created: Collective Impact Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator to support our programs Partnered with: Rural Development Network to create the Camrose & District Housing & Homelessness Task Force Introduced suggestions that are now programs and services offered by Camrose & District FCSS In future we plan to expand or start: Community Garden Warming/Cooling Station Conduct Social Needs Assessments
To date we’ve connected: 150 individuals with identification, information, and referrals. 116 individuals monthly to the Cultural Food Hub for support. 70-80 individuals daily to the Community Pantry.

Donations help us make a lasting impact in our community!

Help us reduce gaps and strengthen Camrose!

Donate Today!

In-person donations can be made at 4821-51 St., Camrose, AB T4V 1R9
Please make cheques payable to: Camrose Helps Foundation

Tax receipts for donation under $20 are only issued for online donations. Charity Registration Number: 704236546RR0001

What's Inside: Overview on hosting a drive Posters Social Media Graphics & Sample Text Bin Labels Most Need Items List Cut & Grab Slips

Host A Food Drive For Camrose Helps

Want to make a difference in your community? Hosting a food drive is a great way to help support local families.

Download our Food Drive Toolkit to make it easy to get started. Inside, you’ll find:

  • An overview on hosting a food drive
  • A list of most need items
  • Printable posters and social media templates
Download The Toolkit Now

Volunteer

Our services are made possible by the incredible support of our volunteers.

Become A Volunteer

Volunteer positions are currently handled through our partnership with Camrose & District FCSS

Board of Directors

Ina Neilsen

Chair

Kirsten Bergstrom

Vice Chair

Kristy McKay

Director

Lee Kroeger

Director

Jean Martens

Director

Abby Pasychnyk

Director

Officers

Lyndel Kasa

Executive Director

Eva Sveinbjornson

Secretary

Angela Vanouck

Treasurer

Want to become a member?

Joining as a member is a simple way to show your support and stay connected to the work we’re doing in the community.

Click here to fill out the membership form.
Camrose Helps logo

For more information or find out how you can help contact us at: info@camrosehelps or 780-672-0141

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Charity Registration Number: 704236546RR0001