10/05/2026
STATEMENT OCTOBER 4th -
Risebridge began as a passion-driven dream: bringing frontline workers and caring community members together during COVID-19 to offer immediate, practical support to people in our community who were most vulnerable and marginalized.
Many of the people who first came together were single moms, university students, teachers, nurses and grandmothers who simply wanted to help. Over the past five years, that collective effort has grown into several youth programs, BIPoC & 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy, family food support initiatives , outreach programs , various advocacy events, warming centres and seasonal shelter programs—more than we ever imagined possible.
A few things you may not know about Risebridge: we have never had salaried leadership or an HR department. When funding has allowed, we have offered volunteer stipends or contract wages at the same rate to everyone involved in making it happen, regardless of educational or professional background in believing that all community experience and strengths have value.
We have also had very few challenges with the people we serve, even while offering one of the lowest-barrier programs in our region year after year.
This was no small feat, and we are grateful for the opportunity to speak to these successes and experiences, and learning lessons at consulting tables and conferences both provincially and internationally.
From the beginning, we have prioritized putting as much funding as possible directly back into direct community supports. That has also meant many sacrifices and shortcomings for our passion driven team members.
Our programs have never been fully funded through government or grants alone. We have relied on donations, fundraisers, volunteers and the generosity of hundreds of community members to keep this work going.
With all the success , there has also been some very rough patches. There was many months of no funding , or dealing with a level of political challenges and neighbourly anger we never saw coming.
Team members where often harassed just for offering a resource support program or shelter space , and a few individuals that where unwelcome to be involved in our organization any longer or we chose not to align with in community because of differing values and ethics, have become increasingly hostile to deal with.
We are proud of what Risebridge has accomplished, but we also did not anticipate all the challenges that would come with our growth.
Funding cuts, political disputes and the constant public criticism have created added pressure on our very small, grassroots organization already working hard to respond to increasing need.
Our values have always included making both our services and opportunities to contribute as accessible as possible, particularly for people with lived and living experience. We are proud of that commitment, while also recognizing that it can bring complex dynamics—especially without the resources of a large organization or specialized HR team. This has perhaps been our largest learning lesson so far as well.
We are aware of recent public statements about Risebridge again, and directly about some of the people involved with our organization over the years. We do not agree with the claims being made, and it is upsetting to see misinformation shared about an organization and passionate advocates who have given so much of themselves to this community.
At a challenging time politically, we are also proud that some of our team members have chosen to step forward in other ways to serve our community. They had their own identities, careers, relationships and community involvement long before Risebridge, and they remain entitled to pursue their personal passions and even civic interests.
System change does not happen overnight, and it has never come easily.
One of Risebridge’s long-standing sayings is: “Discomfort is trending.” While it is difficult to see derogatory or inaccurate statements shared publicly, what is most difficult is the time and energy these situations take away from the urgent needs in our community.
We believe in the sentiment of “tough on systems; soft on people”. We hope our systems become stronger and healthier very soon to help support the crisis needs in a much better way, including for the front line workers and the community members in need.
If you have further questions or concerns about Risebridge, please reach out directly. Our team is tired, but we stand firmly by our integrity, values and commitment to community.
There are aspects of past challenges we cannot share due to confidentiality and respect for those involved, but we will continue to be accountable in the ways we can.
We are choosing to direct our time and energy wisely, because there is still so much work—and advocacy—to be done.
Want to help? Risebridge is hoping to raise enough funds to expand programming again this winter!
We are also always grateful for donations of warm clothing and food to support our various projects.
We don’t have all the answers or capacity right now - but we continue to do our best with what we have , and we appreciate the recognition of that.
Thank you for standing with our team and initiatives over the past five years.
It truly takes a community🫶🏽
🧡💜🖤❤️
