FortisBC enhances Abbotsford site for at-risk youth, donates $30K to improve look and feel of site

ABBOTSFORD – FortisBC employees took time out of their work schedules this past week to complete safety and site improvements at an Abbotsford facility where youth who need help can access emergency services in the community.

In conjunction with the company’s Community Giving Day, employees recently volunteered at Cyrus Centre Ministries’ Abbotsford location this past week to complete safety and site improvements for youth who need emergency supports. 

The project brought together volunteers from FortisBC and Cyrus Centre to support day-to-day site care, improve exterior visibility and refresh shared spaces used by youth, staff and visitors.

FortisBC contributed $30,000 in funding for exterior signage, new windows, landscaping and additional site enhancements that will bolster Cyrus Centre beyond the volunteer day.

Throughout the day, volunteers worked on a number of projects like exterior painting, landscaping, power washing, window cleaning as well as cleaning and organizing shared interior spaces. Together, these efforts do wonders to promote a safe, welcoming and visually appealing environment. 

Community Giving Day. (Image Credit: FortisBC.)

The work was also recognized by the City of Abbotsford, with Mayor Siemens and council members joining to acknowledge the collective effort and the impact of the improvements for local youth. 

Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens (3rd from right) with Councillors Simon Gibson (left), Kelly Chahal and Patricia Ross (centre) at Community Giving Day.

Cyrus Centre’s Abbotsford location offers critical services for youth, including access to shelter, meals, resources and support. Enhancements completed through this collaborative effort will support the ongoing work of providing a welcoming and accessible space for the young people it serves. 

“Initiatives like Community Giving Days make a meaningful difference, bringing people together to support organizations that provide vital, around-the-clock care to youth experiencing homelessness,” Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens said. “The hands-on contributions of FortisBC employees will help enhance a safe and welcoming space for young people at Cyrus Centre, while also demonstrating the powerful impact of community partnerships. We are grateful for FortisBC’s leadership and for their investment in the well-being of Abbotsford’s youth.”

“Being part of the communities we serve means showing up and working together to support local organizations,” said Doug Slater, vice-president, Indigenous relations and regulatory affairs, FortisBC. “Through Community Giving Days, our employees have the opportunity to work alongside community organizations on projects that make a meaningful difference. We’re proud to support improvements that enhance safety and wellbeing for local youth and help strengthen a space that provides important services in the community.”

FortisBC’s work was equally welcomed by Cyrus Centre Executive Director Matt Loewen, who says the non-profit works to foster a safe, inviting space for youth who need tangible supports.

“At Cyrus Centre, we are committed to creating a welcoming and accessible space for youth who need support. Community Giving Day is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when partners come together with a shared purpose,” Loewen said. “We are grateful to FortisBC and the City of Abbotsford for their investment in both the physical space and the well-being of the young people we serve. These improvements support the daily work of providing shelter, meals, resources and consistent staff support for young people who come through our doors.”

FortisBC’s Community Giving Days program brings employees together with local organizations across British Columbia to support projects that strengthen the communities it serves. Through its community investment programs, FortisBC says it supports hundreds of initiatives each year focused on safety, community well-being and the environment. 

To learn more about FortisBC’s community investment initiatives, visit fortisbc.com/communitygiving.