Photo: Facebook / Regional EMS Foundation

By Shane Clausing

Donations to EMS

Regional EMS Foundation asking for gift cards instead of food donations

Mar 31, 2020 | 2:58 PM

The Regional EMS Foundation, Canadian Tire and New Horizon Co-op gas stations across Grande Prairie are teaming up to accept gift card donations of any denomination that will go towards local Emergency Medical Services employees.

This announcement of the program follows an Alberta Health Services directive to stop accepting food donations at all AHS facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

When AHS made the announcement, many people were saddened, because they wanted to help, but many also understood why the decision was made.

Amanda Frayn, the Executive Director of the Regional EMS Foundation, says this program benefits the public who wants to lend a helping hand to EMS employees during this struggling time.

“I think lots of it was just public outcry to do something. There was some food being dropped off or being purchased, but we couldn’t accept it since our facilities are locked down,” said Frayn. “Gift cards were an ask for them, and it was much easier for everybody to handle.”

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Frayn adds that they’re looking for gift cards from places such as fast-food restaurants or grocery stores.

The foundation isn’t only accepting gift cards, they will also be accepting cash donations.

The foundation has also decided to team up with the Talk To Me Society where they will both add to the cash pot of donations that are raised.

“The first $1000 value we achieve from cumulative donations through gift cards or cash the foundation will add $1000 into the care packages, the Talk To Me Society will also add $1000,” said Frayn.

Gift cards can be dropped off at the following locations:

Canadian Tire Customer Service 11601 104 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3X9

Any New Horizon Co-op Gas Station in Grande Prairie:

• Downtown – 9831 100 avenue
• Trader Ridge – 13202 102 street
• Stoneridge – 10402 67 avenue
• Westgate – 11540 104 avenue
• Royal Oaks – 10505 117 avenue

For people interested in sending cash donations, you can do so by emailing accounting@temsfoundation.org.