Supporting Community

Camrose Helps logo

Our Purpose

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.

About Us

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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!
Multiple Agencies, One Community Together, we’re working as one team to reduce service duplication and address essential gaps in Camrose. Your support helps create a stronger, more connected community. Actions for Healthy Communities Alberta Health Services Association for Communities Against Abuse Augustana Students Association Battle River School Division - Mental Health Capacity Building BGC Camrose Camrose & District FCSS Camrose Adult Learning Centre Camrose Association for Community Living Camrose County Camrose Family Resource Centre Camrose Hospice Society Camrose Police Service Camrose Primary Care Network Camrose Public Library Camrose Refugee Centre Camrose Regional Exhibition Camrose United Church Camrose Women's Shelter Canadian Mental Health Association Catholic Social Services Centra Cam Changing Ways City of Camrose - Community Development Covenant Health - St Mary's Hospital Directions for Wellness Elk Island Catholic School System Habitat for Humanity Messiah Lutheran Church TheOpen Doors Prairie Central FASD Recovery Alberta Schizophrenia Society Service Canada Sitler Property Management The Bethany Group Trauma and Crime Support Services
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.
Your Donations Make a Lasting Impact In Our Community! Help us reduce gaps and strengthen Camrose.

Board of Directors

Ina Neilsen

Director

Kirsten Bergstrom

Director

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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Registration Number: 704236546