Bissell Centre Experiences a Flood…. Of Support!

It has been five weeks since the flood that damaged our Bissell East building, and we are happy to report that the services we provide in the community have remained as steady as ever – thanks to the support of our generous donors, and a little creativity from our staff!

One shining example of this dedication to Bissell programs can be found in our resident cook, Ian Szabo. Despite losing our kitchen facilities to flood damage, Ian has committed to providing healthy lunches to our drop in and child care without interruption. Since the flood, Bissell Centre has had access to a refrigerated food truck (courtesy of PTI  Group Inc.), and our neighbors at the nearby Mustard Seed have been kind enough to share their kitchen facilities with our hardworking chef; every day Ian works hard to transport food back and forth from that kitchen directly to our programs.

When asked about the extra work going into his cooking these days, Ian simply reminds us that for him, “It’s all worth it for the kids”. Thanks to the generosity of our community and Ian’s hard work and creativity in the face of this challenge, we have been able to continue to provide crucial food services to the people in greatest need. Like many who work and volunteer at Bissell, he recognizes the importance of seeing our services provided without interruption so that we can continue to change the face of poverty in our community.  Our thanks goes out to Ian, and to all of you who have kept Bissell Centre thriving in these challenging times!

Inner City BBQ Feeds 1,500 People in Poverty

Bissell Centre staff were pleased to lend a hand at this year’s Inner City BBQ coordinated by the Urban Core Support Network.   Giovanni Caboto Park in Boyle McCauley comes alive every July as locals enjoy a free meal, recreation and entertainment in the outdoors.  
Thanks to cooperative weather, and the efforts of volunteers and donors, the Inner City BBQ fed about 1,500 women, men and children living in poverty – including many Bissell Centre community members.   It is because of our supporters that we are able to contribute to this wonderful event each year.

[slideshow]

FLOOD UPDATE: Priority Food Donations Needed!

Despite the extensive damage to our East building caused by recent flooding, Bissell Centre has been able to continue providing essential services to alleviate poverty in our community – thanks largely to our generous donors! We are moved and thankful for the outpouring of community support while we adapt our programs to work around the water damage. Because of the good will of our supporters — individuals and organizations — we are confident we can continue to meet the needs of our community members.
In the coming weeks, we are calling on our supporters to help us to continue providing reliable meals for our community members.  Unfortunately the storage and preparation areas for our meal services have been compromised, so we are looking for mealtime alternatives for our participants.

Food
• Sandwiches (250/day for community members – 200 for drop‐in, 50 for casual labor lunches) We have no kitchen access, so unfortunately cannot accept hot food at this time.
• Snacks like fresh fruit, pudding, yogurt, granola bars, juice boxes and bottled water (250/day)
• Childcare Snacks – Fresh or canned fruit, yogurt, and vegetables for salads
• Ground Coffee, Black Tea, powdered creamer and sugar.

Toiletries
• Intake/Drop‐In – Sunscreen, Insect  repellent
• Men – Razors, deodorant
• Women – Feminine hygiene products, deodorant

Clothing
• NEW Underwear and Socks
• Any men’s clothing

* Please contact Kristy Berryman at  780.423.2285 x 114 if you would like to donate any food, toiletries or clothing items!

For Food & Financial donations, please drop off at our Main Office:Bissell Centre (East Building, Main Floor Intake/Reception)
10527 96 Street, Edmonton
Phone: 780.423.2285
Drop Off Hours
Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm

For ALL OTHER donations please
drop off at either of these
locations:

 Bissell Thrift Shoppe
8818 118 Avenue, Edmonton
Phone: 780.471.6644
Drop Off Hours
Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

South Side Drop-off Location
5120 – 122 Street, Edmonton
*Near the red mailboxes
Phone: 780.432.2377
Drop Off Hours
Monday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

If you’d like to make a charitable donation, or are interested in hosting a fundraising event, please contact Christopher Weiss at 780.423.2285 x 154  or Joshua Marshall at 780.423.2285 x 123. You can also click HERE to go to our donations page.

Reg Canadian Charity · 118810829RR0001