Battle River Lending Place Society (BRLPS) held its Under One Roof fundraiser launch on October 4 at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Park. The event began with a community barbecue where 90 – 100 community members, donors, supporters, and board members gathered to hear from BRLPS Board President, Erhard Pinno.
Pinno welcomed guests with poetry:
“With joy we assemble with thanks in our song,
for a dream under one roof, we have carried so long.
Our vision is simple, yet mighty in scope;
a lending place home built on faith, love and hope.
To serve those in need with equipment and care,
a centre of kindness for all who come there.”
He continued the program with lively and inspiring rhyming verse interspersed with the entertaining David Samm on the Bagpipes.
The fundraiser marked the launch of BRLPS’ campaign to raise $300,000 to build a expanded, purpose-built facility for its mobility equipment lending program.
Our campaign goal is $300,000, and thanks to in-kind donations, and generous local supporters, we are well on our way,” Girard said.
Pinno went on to thank advisory member Ron Grue, who will lead construction of the new building. He will begin construction come next year, in April’s sun with hopes of completion by August done—with grateful hearts.”
He also recognized the BRLPS board members — Cliff Drever (Vice President), Susan Nigh (Secretary), Leona Calhoun (Treasurer), Mary Broen, Chad Treleaven, Chad Gerber, Glenys Smith, and Susan Stockall — for contributing $33,418 themselves.
Thanks to community donations, BRLPS has already raised $102,786 toward the project. An application has also been submitted to the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) which, if approved, will grant the Lending Place up to $125,000.
The afternoon concluded with David Samm on the bagpipes, leading a procession to the Battle River Lending Place and sending guests home with gratitude and hope.
For more information or to donate, call:
780-673-1335
or visit:
https://lendingplace.ca/#to-donate
Dignitaries were:
Jennifer Fosen – Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce
Cindy Trautman – Reeve of the County of Camrose
Jackie Lovely – MLA
The larger donors were:
Family Thrift Store $10,000 – Horst Schreiber
Battle River Community Foundation – Bobbi Joe – $15,000.00
By Adan Shaikh of The Camrose Booster
The article is located on page 34 of the following link.
https://issuu.com/camrosebooster/docs/october_14_2025_camrose_booster