As COVID-19 uncertainty continues and winter doubles down in Calgary, the team at Trellis remains open for the community. Trellis anticipates serving 9,000 people across Calgary this year and the Winter Breather Campaign is just one avenue for support within their citywide continuum of programs and services. For those who gave generously in support of Winter Breather, Trellis wants you to know the difference you have made; and for those who are able to continue to give, every donation makes a difference in their ability to continue supporting vulnerable children, youth and families.

For those struggling with poverty or homelessness, the winter months can be especially stressful, and isolation often increases. People juggle groceries, rent, utility, telephone and internet bills, all while trying to purchase gifts for the holidays. Trellis’ Winter Breather Campaign works to relieve these stresses, fundraising for both the Winter Breather Fund and Trellis’ 365 Program Support Fund.

Trellis’ Winter Breather campaign empowers individuals and parents to take care of other family needs. This season, the Winter Breather Fund was accessed by 288 households, and 943 individuals were supported with grocery gift cards or a direct payment toward utilities. While the Winter Breather Campaign typically wraps up at the end of December, Trellis continues to hear from folks struggling with the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, they are seeing an extended need to support community members with basic needs and sustainability.

“While our team has been undoubtedly serving from a place of exhaustion and navigating this uncertain time, with the support of the community we’ve stepped up to do even more,” said Jeff Dyer, Trellis CEO. “With this year’s Winter Breather Campaign, we’ve been able to empower 288 households that we have the privilege of serving with a much-needed breather and the dignity they deserve over the winter months.”

So far this winter, the Trellis team supported individuals and families who needed a breather from financial stresses with $34,725 in grocery support and $14,350 in utility support for a grand total of $49,075. The Winter Breather program is made possible by generous community partners, including founding partner ENMAX who has supported the program for nearly a decade. Without their commitment to supporting vulnerable families in the Calgary community, Winter Breather would not be possible.

“Over the past year, we have seen the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers and communities firsthand,” said Kara Kingston, Director, Brand and External Relations, ENMAX. “Programs like the Trellis Winter Breather that support essential needs in our community are more important than ever, and we are proud to be part of this meaningful initiative.”