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Local crisis centre recieves donation

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has made a donation to a new Crisis Centre in Bonnyville. The Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) received around $400 to help with some of the programs they run at the Bonnyville expansion office.
Members of the DMSCC along with the staff of the Alberta Energy Regulators office pose for a photo after a cheque presentation. The funds will be used for the Bonnyville
Members of the DMSCC along with the staff of the Alberta Energy Regulators office pose for a photo after a cheque presentation. The funds will be used for the Bonnyville expansion of the DMSCC.

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has made a donation to a new Crisis Centre in Bonnyville.

The Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) received around $400 to help with some of the programs they run at the Bonnyville expansion office.

“Obviously to expand to a new community costs a lot,” said Serina Parsons who is the Resource Development coordinator for the DMSCC.

The centre has been in the area since 1982 with its head office being in Cold Lake, but opened in Bonnyville this past March.

“Right now there isn't actually an emergency shelter in our area except in Cold Lake, so we are the leading organization for prevention and assistance with domestic violence,” explained Serina.

The AER meet to decide what local group or organizations receive the monies raised throughout the year. Everyone who attends the meeting votes., and this year the DMSCC was selected.

“To have recognition this quickly into the program is amazing. I am so pleased with the community getting on board,” said Brenda Parsons, FCSS community support worker with Bonnyville.

“It just shows us that this is an important service to other agencies, other businesses, other partnerships in the community,” added Candina Wosminity who also works for the DMSCC, Bonnyville.

The centre is happy with the amount of progress and traction they have made and the awareness in the community. That is part of the reason they were selected for this donation.

“Our community support workers have been great at networking and really meeting some of the people in the Bonnyville area and making it known that we are here. That's the really big thing right now, letting people know that we are here,” added Serina.

The Bonnyville division of the DMSCC offers numerous services, one of which allows people who are in a domestic violence situation the opportunity to seek help in their own community. Many times a victim simply many not have transportation, this can add to feelings of isolation and helplessness. Through services offered, they are allowing people the help they need.

“For so many years Bonnyville has not had specific resources for families and people going through family violence issues. So it's just an awesome program for these people not to have to drive out of our community,” said Wosminity.

For those people in a domestic violent relationship, asking for help or stepping out may be difficult. The DMSCC believes with the support of other organizations like the AER, those who are affected may have more confidence in the help offered locally.

“It means a little bit towards overcoming some barriers for our clients. Anytime we can support the program and the work that happens in the program it means that someone is going to learn how to become healthy in their relationship and gain the skills to become healthy,” said Brenda.

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