In a united effort to address poverty within the Tri-Municipal Region, the City of Spruce Grove, Town of Stony Plain, and Parkland County are proud to announce a joint initiative for Poverty Awareness Month this October. Through a series of enlightening events led by community member Dianne Brown, the project partners aim to facilitate meaningful discussions, promote awareness, and inspire collaborative action.

“Poverty Awareness Month is a reminder that our strength as a community lies in our compassion and solidarity,” said Stony Plain Mayor William Choy. “By joining forces, we empower ourselves to create lasting change and ensure that no one in our region is left behind.

The Tri-Municipal Region has forged a partnership to address social challenges collectively and holistically. Recognizing that addressing poverty requires a comprehensive approach, the three municipalities have come together to create a platform for open dialogue and shared understanding.

“As the Tri-Region, it’s important for us to recognize the hardship that many residents in our connected region face and then join together in an effort to make a difference,” said Parkland County Mayor Allan Gamble. “By joining together, we can make a difference in our broader community. Change starts with conversations that create knowledge and awareness, and our hope is that anyone facing poverty knows that they are not alone, and that they feel seen, heard and valued.”

“By increasing our collective awareness about the realities of poverty, our compassion and commitment to eradicating it also grows,” said Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker. “We must work together to build bridges, empower each other, and weave a strong safety net to help ensure that no one falls through the cracks.”

Throughout the month of October, a series of events will provide a space for community members to engage in thoughtful conversations centred around Social Economics, Justice, Citizenship, and Enterprise. Expert panels will present diverse perspectives on each topic, offering a comprehensive view of poverty’s multidimensional effects.

• Social Economics: October 5, 6-8 PM at Stony Plain Public Library
  Panel includes a doctor, a RCMP member, and an educator.
• Social Justice: October 12, 6-8 PM at Spruce Grove Public Library
  Panel comprises community members with lived experience in poverty, welfare, and abuse.
• Social Citizenship: October 19, 6-8 PM at Stony Plain Public Library
  Panel features a service club member, a businessperson, a parent caregiver, and a medical professional.
• Social Enterprise: October 26, 6-8 PM at Spruce Grove Public Library
  Panel includes a non-profit leader, a cooperative leader, and the leader of a men’s group.

Community members, organizations, and stakeholders are invited to participate in the series of events. To register and access more information, please visit Spruce Grove FCSS.