Boyle Street and EPCOR matching campaign raises more than $815,000

Boyle Street Community Services and EPCOR have raised more than $815,000 for the Build with Boyle Legacy Campaign in support of the new King Thunderbird Centre, known as okimaw peyesew kamik in Cree. The matching campaign, launched in August, far exceeds the initial campaign goal by $315,000. All donations will contribute to the endowment fund for the centre, securing the long-term viability of future services, programs, and building operations at this transformative facility.  

“The Legacy Campaign has shown how all actions, big and small, matter for our community. With more than $815,000 raised, this will secure the legacy of the King Thunderbird Centre and contribute to a strong endowment fund for Boyle Street’s services,” said Jordan Reiniger, Executive Director of Boyle Street Community Services. “Thank you to EPCOR for your invaluable partnership, and thank you to Edmontonians, many of whom are first time donors, for supporting our community members.” 

The Legacy Campaign was EPCOR’s largest charitable match to date, beginning with an initial $250,000 matching goal. Thanks to public support, that target was surpassed in early October. EPCOR contributed an additional $125,000 in matching funds to continue momentum, leading to an overall total of $375,000.  

“Edmonton is a city that comes together when people need help. We are truly inspired by how Edmontonians have created a circle of strength around Boyle Street Community Services, raising more than $815,000 for the King Thunderbird Centre,” said John Elford, President and CEO of EPCOR. “Boyle Street makes an important difference in our community, serving their clients with respect and compassion. This legacy fund will help ensure community members can continue to access valuable services now and into the future.”

Though the EPCOR matching component of the campaign has concluded, Edmontonians are still encouraged to donate to the endowment fund for the King Thunderbird Centre until it opens next year.

The funds raised by the Legacy Campaign will help ensure the sustainability of services at the King Thunderbird Centre. The centre will be purpose-built for Boyle Street’s new interdisciplinary model of care and designed to incorporate Indigenous culture and traditions.  

With a strong endowment fund, Boyle Street’s clients will be able to work with integrated teams at the centre to find support for housing, healthcare, and substance abuse for years to come.  

Quick Facts: 

• In 2023, Boyle Street served over 12,000 individuals.
• More than 75 per cent of Boyle Street’s clients are Indigenous.
• While approximately 5 per cent of Edmonton's population is Indigenous, 55-65 per cent of those experiencing homelessness identify as Indigenous.
• The King Thunderbird Centre will be situated at 10010 107A Ave. 
• EPCOR and Boyle Street have been neighbours and partners for more than 10 years.
• During the Legacy Campaign, EPCOR employees engaged in learning sessions about vulnerability, attended Boyle Street’s round dance and sweat ceremonies, and joined Boyle Street staff to hand out essential items to community members.  

For more information, please contact:

Diana Elniski
Boyle Street Community Services
Phone: 780-860-6150
Email: delniski@boylestreet.org

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

About Boyle Street Community Services

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.