We hosted our second Uplift: Day of Mercy event on Saturday, September 23, providing support to individuals within Edmonton’s inner city. This event was created by our Agency to extend a helping hand to members in the community who are in need of extra assistance and resources.
“It warmed my heart to see our community partners come together to offer such a diversity of services to people in need,” Interim CEO Michelle Christie reflected on the event. “Throughout the day, I was inspired to be a part of Uplift: Day of Mercy and to witness our staff and volunteers interacting with everyone in attendance with such compassion and respect.”
More than 800 people from the community joined us for this one-day event at St. Alphonsus Parish and Eastwood Community League along 118 Avenue. They had access to an abundance of free services that included haircuts, dental care information, family portraits, counselling, and bicycle repairs. Our guests were also treated to a hot meal that was prepared and served by Covenant Health, along with entertainment from local musicians Lia Cole and others.
In order for us to prepare Uplift attendees for the winter months, we offered a wide selection of winter apparel, undergarments, and outerwear for our guests. All of these items were graciously donated through initiatives organized by the following Uplift supporters: STAR Catholic School Division, Edmonton Catholic School District, Elk Island Catholic Schools, Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools, Evergreen Catholic Schools, and St. Vincent de Paul. Our CSS staff also donated winter jackets.
We thank everyone for their overwhelming support and generosity in making this event possible. We give our heartfelt thanks for the contributions from all of our community partners and volunteers for sharing their gifts and talents with those we served, including: Burwell School of Photography; Modern Beauty Supplies; MC College; Mercy Counselling; Mud, Sweat and Gears; Eastwood Community League; Vital Mobile Dental Hygiene Clinic; École Georges H. Primeau Middle School; and Nolan Drugs.