Media Advisory: Homecoming Party Draws Attention to the Epicentre of Homelessness

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov. 3, 2015) - Corporate Calgary has long been known for its commitment to giving back to community. "Giving and supporting one another is the Calgary way," says Sharon deBoer, Director of Fund Development of the Calgary Homeless Foundation and a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. "Even though times are tough right now, Calgary's business community continues to turn up in support of events such as our annual fund-raiser. They may be giving less and buying fewer tickets, but they still believe in the Calgary way and are giving what they can."

Like most charities in the city, the economic turmoil precipitated by the dramatic and sustained fall in oil and gas prices has impacted CHF's ability to raise much needed funds to support ending homelessness.

"You have to get really creative, especially with events," says deBoer. "You not only need a compelling case for support, you have to find a unique angle that intrigues people enough to buy a ticket and come out to your event."

This year's Homecoming Party is no exception. "In previous years we didn't have to do much other than send out the invites," says deBoer. "We could always count on a strong presence from all members of the community, including representatives from our municipal, provincial and federal governments."

"When we learned that key government representatives were unable to attend, we had to broaden our scope. We're pleased to have a video from the Premier which Calgary-Klein MLA, Craig Coolahan, will be introducing. We'll be focusing on celebrating Calgary's amazing philanthropic spirit and the ability of our community to come together to support vulnerable Calgarians," says deBoer. "We know everyone is hurting and while we aren't expecting as big a turnout as previous years, we are grateful Calgary's corporate community is still committed to ending homelessness. Like so many in our city, they are giving what they can to help lift the burden for others."

Calgary represents 53% of the province's homeless population. Since 2008 when Calgary's Plan to End Homelessness was launched over 6,000 people have been provided housing with supports, saving tax-payers millions of dollars through decreases in interactions with Calgary Police Service, EMS, hospital emergency rooms and justice.

The Homecoming Party, to be held at Civic on Third, Calgary's hottest new event space, will feature a video message from Premier Rachel Notley and the world premiere of Calgary musician Aaron Pollock's, "Blue Sky Won't Break", a song he has written to support Calgary's shared vision of ending homelessness.

The Homecoming Party will also feature "Do You See Me?" a short documentary by Calgary-based NurFilms which wowed audiences at this year's Calgary International Film Festival and was nominated for two ROSIE's. "Do You See Me?" director, Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi will share highlights from his experiences filming the documentary.

This year's Homecoming Party is presented by NOVA Chemicals.

WHAT:	The Homecoming Party
	Annual Fundraiser for the Calgary Homeless Foundation
WHO:	Since 1998, CHF has held an annual fundraising event, which over time has become one of Calgary's most popular networking events of the year.
	Speakers:
	• Diana Krecsy, President & CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation
	• Craig Coolahan, MLA Calgary-Klein (NDP)
	• Ramin Eshraghi-Yazdi, Documentary film-maker, Director, "Do You See Me?"
	• Aaron Pollock, Calgary Singer/Songwriter

WHEN:	Thursday, November 5th, 2015
	5 - 7pm
	Formal Program (5:15-6:00 pm)
WHERE:	Civic on Third
	130 3 Ave SE
	T2G 0B7
TICKET INFORMATION:		http://calgaryhomeless.com/get-involved/events/

About CHF

The Calgary Homeless Foundation is a catalyst and enabler for Systems and Service Agencies to optimize client success. CHF focuses on four strategic pillars of work; Advocacy, Research and Development, Systems Planning, and Funding (outcomes). In addition, CHF addresses gaps and identifies best practices to improve the system of care and enhance desired client outcomes. Through mobilization of collective impact, CHF is committed to moving forward in partnership with the many homeless-serving agencies, the private sector, government partners, local communities, the faith community, other foundations and all Calgarians to end homelessness in Calgary.

For more information, visit www.calgaryhomeless.com.