Partnership will increase supports for at-risk and marginalized urban Indigenous residents Calgarians encouraged to donate essential items for those in need

CALGARY – A new partnership between the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary (AFCC) and #NotInMyCity will lend additional, ongoing support to at-risk urban Indigenous residents of the city.

#NotInMyCity, an organization founded by country superstar and humanitarian Paul Brandt, is currently working to facilitate drop-offs for essential items needed by the AFCC to distribute to those in need. 

This is important and much-needed support, says AFCC CEO Shane Gauthier.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for the supports and services we offer,” said Gauthier. “We responded quickly to the needs of the community by compiling and providing food and non-food hampers. We also launched the Indigenous COVID-19 Task Force to assist the community by creating tailored hampers for those in need, bi-weekly Elder meals and delivery services, and helping people interact with government agencies. 

“This new partnership with #NotInMyCity greatly supports the work we’re doing, especially with our mobile outreach supports. I want to acknowledge #NotInMyCity and all of our volunteers, partners and fellow Calgarians for their tremendous generosity of time and materials.”

”Part of #NotInMyCity’s mandate is to disrupt human trafficking through awareness, creating a platform for collective action and mobilizing communities,” explains Rosanna Imbrogno, Co-Executive Director, #NotInMyCity. “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we quickly mobilized to support local agencies in practical ways to help reach those who are most vulnerable. We are pleased to support the AFCC on their current community efforts.” 

The Task Force is especially in need of supplies to fill lunch bags, food hampers, hygiene care packages and ‘love bags,’ which can be filled with items like puzzles, colouring books and board games. A full list of in-demand items can be found here.

Until there is a physical drop-off location, Calgarians who would like to donate can call or email Lori Johnstone, the Indigenous COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator, who will pick up the items within a few days. Lori can be reached at 403-370-6422 or via email at ictf@afccalgary.org

About #NotInMyCity:

#NotInMyCity is a facilitative organization launched by Paul Brandt that raises awareness and takes collective action to prevent, disrupt and end sexual exploitation and trafficking, focusing on children and youth. A growing movement, the #NotInMyCIty is building partnerships, creating awareness, educating others and mobilizing a strategic, integrated plan to bring about transformational and sustainable change at all levels. 

About the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary:

The Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary plays a regular and significant role in the daily lives of its members in many ways: providing care for their children, the elderly, those in need, and the homeless. The AFCC enables access to cultural and spiritual care, offering referrals for suitable housing, food, clothing, pursuit of education, skill development and training, and building a resourceful Aboriginal community.