Boyle Street and EPCOR partnership invites community to help transform the lives of Edmontonians in need

EPCOR will match up to $250,000 in campaign donations for programming support and building maintenance at Boyle’s soon-to-be-open King Thunderbird Centre

Edmonton, AB – Boyle Street Community Services is embarking on a new phase of fundraising for the King Thunderbird Centre, known as the okimaw peyesew kamik in Cree. The new Build with Boyle Legacy Campaign, in partnership with EPCOR, is encouraging Edmontonians to unite in a circle of strength and help individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and poverty. 

The campaign was announced by Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director of Boyle Street Community Services, and John Elford, President and CEO of EPCOR at EPCOR Tower on Wednesday, August 21. 

Boyle Street’s new headquarters, set to open in 2025, will be a state-of-the-art facility with the goal of addressing chronic homelessness in Edmonton. With 75,000 square feet of space, the Centre will include support for Indigenous culture, mental health and addiction, housing, and healthcare.

Following a successful two-year capital fundraising campaign called "Build with Boyle," Boyle Street and EPCOR are now partnering to encourage Edmontonians to come together and support the next phase of fundraising. The Legacy Campaign will fund long-term programs, services, and building operations at this transformative facility.

“Communities are stronger when we look out for one another. Ending homelessness and poverty isn’t something one municipality, non-profit organization, business, or individual can do on their own. It requires a community effort," said Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director of Boyle Street Community Services. “We are grateful for the many years of partnership we have shared with EPCOR and for the leadership role they play in the community. Together, we are excited to invite all Edmontonians to join us in building a circle of strength to support our new facility. As a compassionate and committed city, we can ensure the King Thunderbird Centre remains sustainable and meets the needs of those it serves for years to come.”

From now until mid-October 2024, each dollar that is donated by the public will be matched by EPCOR’s Heart + Soul Program, up to a total of $250,000. EPCOR has been a proud supporter of Boyle Street Community Services for the past decade and has now stepped forward to contribute funds for future programming at the King Thunderbird Centre.

“EPCOR has partnered with Boyle Street Community Services for the last decade, because we see what an important difference they make in the community and the help they provide to Edmontonians in need,” said John Elford, President and CEO of EPCOR. “As they shape a new era with the King Thunderbird Centre, we all have a chance to show our support and ensure this facility is there to help people well into the future. This is why EPCOR will be there to double your impact by matching the first $250,000 in donations. Please join our circle of strength and let’s create a more caring community."

Quick Facts: 

• This year, the City of Edmonton declared a housing and homelessness emergency, with the number of people considered homeless at 3,100—double pre-pandemic numbers.
• Last year Boyle Street served over 12,000 individuals. 
• More than 75% of Boyle Street’s clients are Indigenous. 
• While approximately 5% of Edmonton's population is Indigenous, 55-65% of those experiencing homelessness identify as Indigenous.
• The King Thunderbird Centre will be situated in the vicinity of 100 Street and 107A Avenue.

For more information, please contact:

Elliott Tanti, Director, Communications and Engagement
Boyle Street Community Services
Phone: 587-338-4025
Email: etanti@boylestreet.org

EPCOR Media Relations
Phone: 780-721-9001
Email: media@epcor.com

About Boyle Street

Boyle Street Community Services has been working in the inner city of Edmonton since 1971 to serve, support, and empower people to take control of their lives and escape the cycle of poverty and homelessness. In 1976, the organization became a registered charity under the name Boyle Street Service Society. The mission of Boyle Street Community Services is to build and provide community supports for vulnerable populations who face multiple barriers to inclusion.

About EPCOR

EPCOR builds, owns and operates electrical, natural gas and water transmission and distribution networks, water and wastewater treatment facilities, and sanitary and stormwater systems in Canada and the United States. Addressing critical needs and helping to end the cycle of poverty is a key focus of EPCOR’s community investment program. Since 2020, the company’s Heart + Soul program has donated $1.8M in gift-matching campaigns and support for fundraising activities for 21 local charities in Edmonton, including the Food Bank, Bissell Centre, Hope Mission, Youth Empowerment and Support Services, and United Way. ​