Connect with us:

If you are facing financial challenges and need support, connect with our Family & Community Resource Team by calling 403-207-7079 or completing the intake form here. 

Upon referral, the City's Family & Community Resource Centre team can meet with an individual or family experiencing financial hardship to discuss their current situation and offer strategies and resources that may provide financial relief.

This may include referrals to the Chestermere Food Bank (hampers and Good Food Box), federal support programs (employment insurance), and provincial support programs.

If eligible, the staff can also offer short term financial support to the family in the following ways:

• Basic Needs Support: Short term support in the form of a utility bill payment, grocery gift card or transportation assistance.
  
• Personal Essentials: Upon request, staff distribute personal care & hygiene items to residents in need.
• Holiday Packs: Staff provide gift cards to enable residents to purchase groceries for a special meal during the holidays.
• Adopt a Family: During the holiday season, staff connect donors to residents in need to ensure that they can have a meal and gifts to celebrate the season in a special way.

The team is made up of staff who have extensive experience in supporting families in need. They will offer a confidential listening ear, suggestions for resources, and referrals to other supports.

Gifts of Kindness supports residents in need with short term financial support but there are many other resources available in Chestermere. In March 2021, we are featuring local social support services through a campaign called Chestermere Cares. Scroll up to learn more!

COVID-19 Note:

The Gifts of Kindness fund is still accessible to residents during the COVID-19 crisis. We continue to follow regular procedures for those residents requesting access to the fund, which includes the requirement that individuals and families access all other available resources prior to requesting funds from Gifts of Kindness.

This includes the provincial and federal programs that have been initiated in response to COVID-19, as well as any deferral assistance that is available. More information on these resources can be found at chestermere.ca/covid19.