Bissell Centre
10527 96th St NW T5H 2H6 Edmonton, AB, Canada

On Feb 20, walk in the cold for people who sleep in the cold! Hundreds of Edmontonians are gearing up to #WalkForBissell this February in support of our vital services for people experiencing homelessness. Join our effort! ... GET STARTED: cnoy.org/location/edmon #yeg #yeggers #CNOY21

It cold out there! As temperatures begin to drastically dip, it’s important to remember the people in our community who are especially impacted by the cold. On February 20th, we are hosting our annual Coldest Night of the Year walkathon so that people experiencing homelessness will have a safe, warm place to go anytime of the year.... This year, due to COVID-19, the #WalkForBissell is a little different... we will all be walking separate routes, but our mission remains the sameto support fellow Edmontonians in need. We invite you to start a team or donate to support an existing team! Funds raised will provide people with a welcoming space to access basic needs, housing and employment supports, along with other resources to help build a better future. Register now: https://cnoy.org/location/edmonton #coldestnightyeg #imwalkingyeg #endpovertyyeg #yegfamily #poverty #homlessness #cnoy21 #cnoy #endpovertyyeg #endpoverty #community #yeggers #yeg See more

The 2020 holiday season has been challenging and difficult for all Every one of us are experiencing isolation from friends and family during the holidays, many for the first time. Thanks to the generosity of the community, operating partners at Tipinawaw (24/7 emergency response shelter at Edmonton Convention Centre) were able to serve special holiday meals, hand out gifts and share warmth and kindness with guests who are experiencing houselessness. One guest said, It’s ...been forever since I’ve received a Christmas present, thank you so much. Special thank you: Islamic Relief Worldwide for generously providing gifts to each guest at Tipinawaw. Your gifts were received by the community with gratitude and appreciation. Duchess Bake Shop for providing delicious baked goods for every community member. Capital Power for donating audio & visual equipment as well as Entertainment such as Christmas movies and viewing of a Christmas Carol. Staff from all operating partners The Mustard Seed, Boyle Street Community Services, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, City of Edmonton, and Edmonton Convention Centre staff who put their heart and soul into this work daily and sprinkled in a little extra to help folks feel that much more special at Christmas. As we bid farewell to 2020 and head into the new year, we know there will be challenges... dangerous weather, risks of covid-19, continued isolation... But we also know that we will meet and overcome those challenges with strength, resilience and community. #yeg #yegdt #yegcommunity #yegchristmas #endhomelessness #edmonton #alberta

Meet Josh Hudon. Josh is the owner of Adlyn Construction Inc and he has been participating in Coldest Night of the Year #walkforbissell for four years. In these four years he and his team have raised over $50,000. We chatted with Josh about why he’s so passionate about this cause. A few years ago I was going through an extremely rough time and it became clear to me that homelessness was a real possibility. Never in my life had I thought I could be homeless and it led me to ...believe that’s probably the case for others too. Fortunately for me my life turned around but I couldn’t sit on my hands and do nothing. I learned of Bissell Centre’s Coldest Night of the Year walk, registered a team and the rest is history. Beyond Supporting Coldest Night of the year we also support in some of Bissell Centre’s other fundraisers such at Drop Your Gonch. If you’re looking for a way to support the community, I would recommend Bissell Centre and their many efforts. You won’t regret it. Thank you, Josh and Adlyn Construction for your dedication and support over the years. We are so grateful! To sign up and participate head to https://cnoy.org/location/edmonton. It’s lots of fun and helps so many Edmontonians in need! #yeg

URGENTLY NEEDED at Tipinawâw, 24/7 Emergency Response Accommodation: Thermal underwear / Gloves / Sweatshirts / Sweatpants & Leggings / Long sleeved shirts / Lip balm / Footwear All genders, all sizes. DROP OFF: Bissell Thrift Shop, 8818-118Ave, Monday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM. ... Please SHARE! #YEG

Please note, the Bissell Thrift Shop/Donation Centre will be closed from December 25, 2020 to January 3, 2021 for the holidays.

This years Coldest Night of the Year may look different than others as we cannot walk together as one large group but that won’t stop us! Bundle up the family and help end homelessness one step at a time! Our Coldest Night of the Year #WalkForBissell campaign is gaining momentum and we’re looking for additional team captains to help rally friends, family, and colleagues to make a big impact. Funds raised will support our Community Space, which provides basic necessi...ties like warm clothing and footwear, warm beverages, personal hygiene items, as well as access to housing supports, employment opportunities, skills training, and many other vital programs. Help change lives in our communityregister your team today! https://cnoy.org/location/edmonton Please spread the word. Thank you! #yeg #yegdt #yegfamily #yegpeople #poverty #homelessness #hope #walkforbissell #endpovertyyeg See more

A gift that makes a world of difference... The holiday season brings so many of us hope and joy. But for people experiencing homelessness and poverty, it can be a lonely reminder of everything they’ve lost. By choosing gifts from our gift guide you can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are struggling the most this holiday season. ... Please give generously today: https://bissellcentre.org/holiday-gift-guide/ Your support means we can ensure people like David, who come to us in their darkest hour, have hope for a brighter tomorrow. The holidays are a lonely time for me. Thankfully, Bissell Centre was there to pick me up. They helped me realize I didn’t have to rebuild my life alone. David #yeg #yeglocal #yegchristmas

The 2021 Coldest Night #WalkForBissell is going 100% virtualcause we won’t let COVID stop us! Coldest Night of the Year (@cnoyorg) is a fun, family-friendly 2 or 5k walk-a-thon that addresses the serious and urgent problem of homelessness in communities across Canada. This fundraiser helps Bissell Centre provide essential services and supports to hundreds of vulnerable community members here in Edmonton. ... This year you can walk anywhere your heart desires. Have a favorite trail you love to walk with your pups? You can make that your route! Love walking downtown and seeing the sights? You can make that your route! And while you are walking you are raising essential dollars for individuals who need it most. It’s a win-win. Click on the link here https://cnoy.org/location/edmonton to register a team today. We would be so grateful for your support! See you on the trails! (But not too close, k?) . . . #coldestnightyeg #imwalkingyeg #endpovertyyeg #yegfamily #poverty #homlessness #cnoy20 #cnoy #endpovertyyeg #endpoverty #community #yeggers #yeg

Do you have experience with tax preparation and are looking for a way to give back to your community? Bissell Centre needs your help! Head to www.bissellcentre.volunteerhub.com.

Hi friends! Bissell Elf, Scarlet Glitterheart here! With the holiday season upon us, many of you have reached out and asked, How can I support? Well, fancy you should ask... This Sunday from 11-4pm, Bissell Centre is accepting Toy donations for our Festive Giveaway program which provides gifts to families with children aged 017.... If you would like to support this program we have prepared a list of ways you can! ... 1) Purchase gifts from our Amazon Wishlist safely from the comfort of your home: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/30756K8SD6KHC 2) Purchase and deliver toys to Bissell Centre THIS SUNDAY from 11- 4pm, 10527-96 Street. Bissell Elves will be onsite to accept your donations while you stay safe in your vehicles. 3) Purchase and donate gift cards for those bigger kids aged 12-17, which can also be dropped off this Sunday. (We suggest Walmart and Superstore) This is a very special program that is close to the hearts of many Bissell team members. It gives an opportunity for parents to shop for their kids and have choice over what they give. The program is free of charge and this year is being offered by way of a virtual shopping experience to keep parents safe from Covid-19. Thanks you for your help, friends! Your contribution will ensure no child goes without an awesome gift this Christmas. See more

The 2021 Coldest Night #WalkForBissell is going 100% virtualcause we won’t let COVID stop us! Coldest Night of the Year (@cnoyorg) is a fun, family-friendly 2 or 5k walk-a-thon that addresses the serious and urgent problem of homelessness in communities across Canada. This fundraiser helps Bissell Centre provide essential services and supports to hundreds of vulnerable community members here in Edmonton. ... This year you can walk anywhere your heart desires. Have a favorite trail you love to walk with your pups? You can make that your route! Love walking downtown and seeing the sights? You can make that your route! And while you are walking you are raising essential dollars for individuals who need it most. It’s a win-win. Click on the link here https://cnoy.org/location/edmonton to register a team today. We would be so grateful for your support! See you on the trails! (But not too close, k?) . . . #coldestnightyeg #imwalkingyeg #endpovertyyeg #yegfamily #poverty #homlessness #cnoy20 #cnoy #endpovertyyeg #endpoverty #community #yeggers #yeg

One thing that helps gauge the state of the world is to recognize the positive ways that people, organizations and businesses show up in times of needs and crisis. People are reaching out to neighbours and picking up groceries and shoveling sidewalks where they can. Organizations are fighting harder than ever to end poverty and homelessness understanding how important having a home is during a public health crisis but also the inherent right that a person must have a warm sa...fe space to call their own. And businesses are showing up, by hosting fundraisers, clothing drives and donating goods to alleviate the pressures that are put on organizations during trying times. When MedSup Canada reached out and offered to provide PPE supplies to the organizations that are operating down at the 24/7 temporary accommodation, we were not only grateful but also relieved. PPE is one of the ways we are able to keep as many people safe from contracting Covid-19 as possible, not only participants but our frontline staff as well. This generous donation ensures that we can direct resources into areas that will help us continue on with our mission of ending poverty in the community, while keeping the safety and the health of the community top of mind. Thank you MedSup Canada. Your contribution to the community is felt tenfold.

What a great initiative! Purchase a product and donate soap to vulnerable Edmontonians. On until December 14. Thank you so much Wild Prairie Soap Company!

Oh hello there!! Are you looking for ways to give back this Holiday Season? Well you’ve stumbled upon just the right post! We’ve rounded up a variety of ways that you, your friends, and your family can (safely) make a differenceand spread some much needed joy during these trying times... Choose meaningful gifts from our Holiday Gift Guide.... Donate new unwrapped gifts for children, youth, and adults. Volunteer your time sorting or wrapping gifts in support of our Festive Giveaway for families. Donate new or used winter gear to warm up our community! Start your own festive fundraiser with your very own fundraising page. Raise a social media ruckus to help others discover #HelpyHolidays! With your support, we can make this season a bit brighter, more joyous, and extra hopeful for individuals and families who are experiencing the hardships of poverty. Become a Bissell Holiday Helper today! GET STARTED: https://bissellcentre.org/helpy-holidays/ Thank you friends! Senior #BissellElf, Devin Sparkletoes

By selecting a gift from our Gift Guide, you can personalize your impact! You can provide nourishment, warmth and so much more for Edmontonians experiencing poverty and homelessness. Please give today to transform someone's life this holiday season! https://bissellcentre.org/holiday-gift-guide/

Every year at the eleventh hour, on the eleventh day, of the eleventh month we come together as a country to pay tribute to the individuals who fought for our freedom. We take a moment of silence to remember the service and sacrifices made both past and present by our Canadian troops. Unfortunately, there are many military veterans whose sacrifices continue to this day. They find themselves facing daily challenges of reintegrating into civilian life that places them at a hi...gh risk of experiencing homelessness. May we never forget the sacrifices these individuals made for us. Although Remembrance Day services will look different this year, we encourage you take a quiet moment today to reflect and pay respect to those that gave so much for our country. #yeg #remeberanceday #endhomelessness See more

My name is David and the holidays are a lonely time for me. You see, I lost my entire family in three tragic accidents. I couldn’t cope with the grief, so turned to substances to find peace. Thankfully, Bissell Centre was there to pick me up when I needed help. So how did I get here? Ten years ago, my wife and I were living our dream, running a successful catering business in Vancouver. But that was before a drunk driver took my wife’s life. My wife was my partner, my bes...t friendI didn’t know how to go on without her. The heartbreak was still fresh for me when six weeks later a work accident claimed the life of my 23 year-old son. His harness broke during a brutal storm when he was checking mobile towers. In the blink of an eye, he was gone. I thought things couldn’t get any worse, but I was wrong. A few months later, I got a call that my daughter’s car had veered from the road on her way to Whistler. The snow flurries made it nearly impossible to see. By the time she was found, she’d frozen to death in her car. It was unthinkable. In five months, my entire family was gone. For a long time, I used alcohol to numb the pain of losing my wife and children. Eventually, I got really sick and was sent to Edmonton for rehab. But with sobriety came more darkness. So I turned to heroin. Whenever I used, I was depressed and alonemust trying to forget my reality. My rock-bottom came when I was arrested for carrying drugs. In jail, I had a lot of time to think about the man I wanted to become. I knew I needed to make some huge changes if I wanted to be happy again and become the man my beloved wife and kids knew me to be. Bissell Centre was the first place I went after being released. The staff greeted me with kindness. Instead of judging me, they smiled, welcomed me and handed me a warm plate of food. The staff told me about their mental health and housing support programs, and I was blown away. For the first time, I realized that I didn’t have to rebuild my life alone. __________ Make a gift this Christmas, so we can walk alongside more people like David in their darkest hour: https://bissellcentre.org/donate/ #yeg #yegpeople #addiction #hope

WARM CLOTHING URGENTLY NEEDED! People experiencing homelessness and accessing the 24/7 temporary emergency response accommodation at the Edmonton Convention Centre are in dire need of warm winter clothing. With the recent temperature drop and snowfall the needs of the community are specific and URGENT.... Clothing items needed: - Adult Men’s clothing - Adult Mens and Ladies long sleeve tshirts - Adult Gloves - Buffs/neck cowls - Men’s & Womens Long John/tights, leggings & sweat pants - Thick warm socks - WINTER BOOTS & SHOES - ALL SIZES Other needed items: - Razors (no shaving cream) - Lip balm - Body Lotion PLEASE DROP OFF AT THE BISSELL THRIFT SHOP/DONATION CENTRE: 8818-118 Avenue. Business hours: 10-5pm, Monday to Sat. *Closed Sundays. PLEASE NOTE: The Bissell Thrift Shop will be CLOSED on Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Remembrance Day. **DO NOT DROP OFF AT EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE, YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY. THANK YOU, your donations are greatly appreciated!

Last Thursday, partners from Bissell Centre, Boyle Street Community Services, The Mustard Seed, Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and The City of Edmonton announced the opening of the 24/7 Temporary Emergency Response Accommodation, situated at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Each partner in the project offering a different role but sharing the same mission; helping people who need it the most. Helping people survive the winter, find housing, dignity, warmth and a space ...to heal. Bissell Centre will handle the daily operations such as day programing, showers, laundry, meal service, housing supports, financial empowerment services and employment services. Boyle Street Community Services will handle, intake, initial assessments, medical support and critical life saving Overdose Prevention Site supports. Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society will be guiding and leading Cultural Supports by way of daily smudge, traditional medicines and crafting. The Mustard Seed Edmonton will be supporting operationally as well as providing leadership on the sleeping spaces where Community members will be able to rest. The City of Edmonton has provided pass-through funding from the Federal and Provincial governments through the Safe Restart dollars, understanding that a healthy restart includes folks that are living rough through the year. Each one of these organizations has a unique and significant role in how the 24/7 Temporary Emergency Response Accommodation will help people. Each of our organizations offer a unique lens which we see through and voice with which we speak from when advocating for this community. We look forward to the coming months as our orgs combine resources, share knowledge, and work together to help people find their way home. Follow the link below to learn more about this new chapter of collaboration and what it means for our participants, programs and organization. "None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful." Mother Teresa https://bissellcentre.org//a-new-chapter-of-collaboration/