A group of correctional officers from Edmonton Institution (EI) established a workplace fundraising committee in response to the needs of families whose loved ones perished or were injured in the line of duty as correctional officers. Even though this cause was the drive behind their initial efforts, the EI Relief Fund has contributed to a variety of charitable organizations and causes since its inception. The EI Relief Fund fundraises through a variety of ways including receiving donations, activities such as BBQs and 50/50 draws.
The group has helped the community by donating time or materials to food banks, Ronald McDonald House during their “Home for Dinner program”, and recently, St. Michael’s Long Term Care Centre in Edmonton, a non-profit organization that provides long-term care, supportive housing, programs and services to seniors.
Edmonton Institution staff was proud to add St. Michael’s to its growing list of recipients. In November 2020, staff raised enough money through the EI Relief Fund to purchase four Facebook portals to donate to the Centre. Facebook portals are a digital tablet with Facebook Messenger’s built-in video calling service used primarily to make video calls to friends and family. The Portals made it possible for the residents of St. Michael’s to connect with their families over the holidays and beyond. Prior to this donation, St. Michael’s had only two iPads for their 153 residents.
The Portals have made a big difference for the residents. “On behalf of all the residents of St. Michael’s Long Term Care Centre and our staff members, we are so very grateful to you and your team for thinking of our organization with the generous donation of Facebook Portal’s. The impact of residents being able to connect with and see their family members regularly, even if not in person, is a gift they do not take lightly. Thank you for helping make a difference.”
Kudos to the EI Relief Fund and all EI staff for your ongoing and generous donations!
Submitted by members of the EI Relief Fund