Homeward Trust and the Shaw Conference Centre invite all interested media to attend the first Homeless Connect Edmonton event of 2009. Homeless Connect Edmonton is community inspired and brings together agencies, businesses and volunteers to provide a wide range of services to Edmonton’s homeless people and those on the verge of becoming homeless.

Date: Sunday, May 24, 2009

Time: 8:15 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Halls A, B & C, Shaw Conference Centre

The day kicks off with a spirited rally for hundreds of volunteers and service providers in the Shaw Conference Centre’s Hall C. Speakers include Edmonton Councillor Ben Henderson and Alberta MLA David Xiao (Edmonton McClung). The rally will wrap up with Aboriginal drumming and a blessing from an Elder.

“We believe the rally will create an enjoyable and memorable experience for all the volunteers, who will then in turn, create a sense of belonging and community for the guests,” says Ione Challborn, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region.

Doors open to the public at 10 am. Guests will be offered free services ranging from haircuts and dental care to information about housing and employment. They will also be offered lunch at no cost.

A special thank-you to the generous sponsors and service providers will be held in Hall B at 11:30 a.m. Immediately following, event organizers Susan McGee, Executive Director of Homeward Trust and
Homeless Connect Edmonton co-chairs Cliff Higuchi, Assistant General Manager of the Shaw Conference Centre and Ione Challborn, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region will be available for interviews.

There may also be opportunities for media to shadow guests and volunteers. If interested, please inquire at the media table in the centre of Hall B.

For more information please contact:

Crystal McPhee
Communications Coordinator
Shaw Conference Centre (EEDC)
cmcphee@edmonton.com
780.917-7897 or 780.862.6474

Kalpana Robbins
Director of Communications,
Homeward Trust Edmonton
krobbins@homewardtrust.ca
780.496.2632 or 780.700.2602

Homeless Connect Edmonton is organized by volunteer committees that provide direction and support for the event. Homeward Trust Edmonton, a not-for-profit organization providing leadership and resources towards ending homelessness, coordinates the overall work plan and ensures the event aligns with similar Edmonton initiatives.