Campaign Press Release

Posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010

With a lead gift from Encana Corporation and Cenovus Energy, the Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS) launches its largest expansion project to date: “PAINT A PICTURE OF HOPE: From Surviving to Thriving Campaign”

Calgary, AB., August 5th 2010 – On Thursday, August 5th 2010 at 10:30am at The HYATT REGENCY, Calgary, CUPS, with a lead gift from Encana Corporation and Cenovus Energy, is launching its largest expansion campaign to date – PAINT A PICTURE OF HOPE; From Surviving TO Thriving Campaign. The objective of the campaign is to help expand CUPS services in healthcare, education and stable housing to Calgarians who are overwhelmed with poverty.

In a collaborative effort to ensure the continuous strategic growth of both organizations, CUPS and Encana Corporation formally signed an agreement in 2009, allowing CUPS to begin plans to move into its new office location at 1001 -10th Avenue SW, Calgary donated by Encana Corporation and Cenovus Energy.

For over 20 years, CUPS has been a leader and a collaborator in the community, working with over 15 agencies in the community to find lasting solutions for those struggling with poverty in our city.

PAINT A PICTURE OF HOPE; From Surviving TO Thriving expansion campaign will enable CUPS to increase its healthcare services from 22,000 to approximately 30,000 patients per year, increase children enrolment from 58 to 120 each academic year and ensure that its Rapid Exit Program increases housing opportunities for individuals and families from 1,000 to over 1700 per year. The campaign will paint a picture of hope for many Calgarians and ensure that no individual, family or child who is overwhelmed with poverty is forgotten.

The issue of poverty is a pricey one for all Calgarians. In 2008, the Calgary Homeless Foundation reported that over 4,000 Calgarians were homeless with the cost per homeless person being about a $100,000 to the city. A 2009 report from the Calgary Food Bank also indicate that 124,719 Calgarians relied on Food banks that year with 43 per cent of that number, being children. These are staggering statistics and something needs to be done about it. CUPS invites you to join in this expansion campaign.

For Media Inquiries, please contact
Roger Adda; Marketing and Communications Specialist, CUPS
E-mail: rogera@cupscalgary.com
Phone: (403) 880 4587

To learn more about the expansion campaign, please could contact
Karen Denny; Director of Fund Development, CUPS
E-mail: karend@cupscalgary.com
Phone at (403) 604 7615
or visit our campaign website at www.paintapictureofhope.com