The Bonnyville Friendship Centre is pleased to announce that the Town of Bonnyville has formally endorsed our new outreach initiative, a community-centred plan designed to support vulnerable populations through mobile warming services, harm-reduction education and mobile outreach programming.
Town council unanimously approved a letter of support during its Oct. 28 meeting. This endorsement strengthens our ability to pursue funding needed to launch and sustain this initiative.
About the Initiative
The Friendship Centre’s plan includes:
▪️ A mobile warming station to provide immediate relief and safety during extreme weather
▪️ Mobile outreach services delivering essential items, basic needs supports and connections to community resources
▪️ Overdose-prevention education, harm-reduction supplies and ongoing public-health engagement
▪️ Cultural and land-based supports for those affected by addiction, offered through a strengths-based Indigenous approach
These services have been developed to respond to rising needs in the region, while complementing the work of existing service providers.
Council Support and Next Steps
Council’s letter of support recognises the value of the initiative and its potential to enhance community wellbeing. The endorsement also notes that any future funding requests must follow established municipal procedures, a standard practice for all community organisations.
In the letter submitted to council, CEO Janet Gobert wrote that the initiative “is designed to be compassionate, culturally grounded and practical, with the goal of saving lives and fostering community resilience.” This vision will guide the next phase of planning as the Friendship Centre seeks grant funding and builds operational capacity.
A launch timeline will be shared once funding is secured.
Commitment to Community
The Bonnyville Friendship Centre remains committed to meeting community needs through culturally appropriate, accessible and collaborative services. We thank the Town of Bonnyville for its support and look forward to advancing this initiative in partnership with local agencies and residents.