Calgary, Alberta, July 26, 2012—Over 10 000 vulnerable people in Calgary will soon have access to enhanced in-home services from the Community Kitchen Program (CKP) as a result of a new volunteer training program funded by the Government of Canada.
Devinder Shory, Member of Parliament for Calgary Northeast, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, at the grand opening of the CKP food warehouse.
“Community partnerships help build a prosperous Canadian economy and strong, healthy communities,” said Mr. Shory. “The Government of Canada is proud to partner with organizations that are working hard to address local social problems.”
The CKP will receive almost $500,000 to develop and implement a new Work Smarter training program that will be used to recruit and train over 1 000 volunteers. Participants will learn how to provide enhanced in-home services to vulnerable clients by linking them, based on their needs, to the support services available in their communities. To match the Government’s contribution, the organization will raise funding through new partnerships with the private sector and individual donors.
Work Smarter is being funded as part of the Government of Canada’s Social Partnerships Strategy. Economic Action Plan 2012 builds on previous commitments to encourage the development of partnerships between communities and the Government. To maximize the impact of federal spending, the Government will tackle local challenges and test new approaches, such as leveraging private-sector resources.
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This news release is available in alternative formats on request.
For further information (media only):
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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The Community Kitchen Program of Calgary (CKP) works with communities to help people learn to prepare food in an economical, nutritious and sustainable manner and overcome barriers of isolation, poverty, culture and race. The CKP helps individuals and families navigate through financial hardships in a compassionate and supportive way.
The Work Smarter volunteer initiative is part of the Food ‘n’ More project, which is led and managed through the CKP. Through the collaboration of 25 social service agencies and trained volunteers, the Food n More project is delivering food to vulnerable clients and, through those interactions, successfully identifying clients’ other needs and connecting them to the appropriate community services.
