Soap for Hope - YYC is a non-profit organization that recently was told they would have to find a new location and, after a time of difficulty searching, finally found a new location just in time.

Program Coordinator and Director at YYC Michelle Edgar says explains, first of all, what Soap for Hope is.

"Soap for Hope is a non-profit that provides hygiene to people in need locally and throughout Alberta and, in a small part, internationally."

Edgar says the "Christmas miracle" came just in the nick of time.

"We had received notice in September to try and find a space and it took us until the very last minute. Through one of our media shout outs, we received a call and have had space donated to us in Calgary."

Although the new space needs some work to be fully safe and functional, Edgar is excited by the future.

"It's going to be great! It's 4,000 square feet and it needs a little bit of work. We've got to try and fix it up a little bit so that it's safe for ourselves and volunteers to be working in, but I think it's going to be really great to get us even bigger and better."

Edgar herself remembers when she first heard of Soap for Hope and got involved.

"I heard about it through a friend and we decided to start up that day (during) that day in our lunch conversation. The thought of helping people through recycling garbage was just a really incredible idea (to) me so we take the used hotel hygiene from the 14 hotels that are in our program, and we're hoping to grow that in this new year, we repurpose all of that and remake it into a clean, usable product to donate to shelters, community outreach programs and individuals in need."

Although the new location may be in Calgary, locals can still find ways to help the non-profit organization. Edgar believes even just spreading the word of the organization is helping.

"There are so many ways. If you're a group and want to come in and support us by volunteering, you can give us a call and book an appointment. We're always looking for monetary donations and, of course, tax receipts can be provided for that. Spread the word, talk about us, do fundraisers for us or just get involved and come and see what it's all about. It's quite remarkable to have everybody together and excited about squeezing soap and making new friends and helping people while you're doing it."

 

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