Stepping Stones Crisis Society
It was a proud moment for the community of Cold Lake and surrounding Lakeland region. Stepping Stones Crisis Society celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their brand-new facility this weekend – unveiling 63 emergency beds, nearly doubling their capacity to support more women and their children in need.
“It was a remarkably gratifying experience to open the doors of our new facility to the public over the weekend. We were thrilled to have representatives from our many sponsors and partners, like Strathcona Resources, in attendance,” said Stepping Stones’ Dallin Schmidt, Marketing and Communications Specialist.
Strathcona has committed $100,000 over two years in support of Stepping Stones’ Bright Futures School, their in-house educational facility that will help ensure children continue their education in a safe, supportive environment.
“The new Stepping Stones Crisis Society building was made possible by our community far and wide, and it is because of their passion, generosity, and dedication that it stands as a symbol of unity and resilience,” said Dallin.
In addition to funding, the Cold Lake Thermal management team rolled up their sleeves a few weeks earlier to help build garden boxes, which now neatly adorn the garden and await the green thumbs of the women who’ll reside in the centre’s second-stage, accessible apartments.
“As a Pillar Sponsor, Strathcona Resources played an essential role in helping the vision for this space become a reality. Their financial support, and the time their team spent on-site volunteering, goes beyond dollars and hours, and has been invaluable to Stepping Stones Crisis Society.”
“It’s impressive. The team behind this new facility has thought of everything,” said Adrienne Lem, Sr. Communications Advisor, who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. “Along with the school and garden, the building also houses an early learning centre, pet kennels, community kitchen, event space, a spiritual room, even a salon – truly providing community-focused services that will ensure no one faces abuse or family crisis alone.”
The Olive Tree Community Centre Food Bank
In August, Strathcona’s Seamus Murphy, President, SCR Lloydminster Conventional presented a cheque for a $20,000 donation toward the naming of Lloydminster’s The Olive Tree Community Centre Food Bank.
The Olive Tree offers food-focused support services including food hampers, free community meals and seniors luncheons, with programming dedicated to addressing isolation and provides a wide range of outreach services to the Lloydminster area.
“The opportunity came aboard and we strongly felt we needed to step up and support the cause,” said Seamus.
Impressed with the programming and The Olive Tree’s purpose, since March, a group of Lloydminster Conventional team members committed to a monthly volunteering event to help with food prep.
“We are so grateful for the opportunity to have them come alongside us as a partner,” said The Olive Tree’s COO, Jana Thompson. “Their contribution helps with so many areas, from operational costs and meal programs to outreach and seniors. It has a huge impact on the work we do every day.”
