Bridges of Love hosted an open house to conclude Emergency Preparedness Week, which ran from May 4-10.
Emergency Preparedness Week is described as a national awareness initiative and an opportunity for Canadians to take action to ensure they're prepared to protect themselves, their family and their community during an emergency.
"We're trying to raise awareness for what we can do personally (during a disaster)," said Marg Pollon, founding executive director of Bridges of Love.
"Everybody has a responsibility to themselves and their own families to be prepared for whatever might come their way. I think right now, with wildfire season, that's a concern for many. ... I think we all need to take stock of where we are and what we need to do to be prepared for whatever kind of disaster a region might suffer from."
Pollon said having a 72-hour kit ready is one of the most important things people can do to ensure they are prepared.
"Depending on the disaster you're facing, for example, if it's something like a pandemic, you might need more than 72 hours. But (experts) say the minimum is (a kit for) 72 hours is what you should have on hand," she said.
Bridges of Love was created more than 20 years ago in Calgary to put a spotlight on emergency preparedness. The organization was initially located at a church in Calgary for 15 years. That building was eventually sold, so Bridges of Love relocated to High River, which was the organization's home for five years. It has been in Red Deer since June 2024.
The nonprofit organization aims to empower communities and churches to respond effectively when disaster strikes. The registered Canadian Charitable Religious Society states mission is "to inspire preparedness and deliver emergency training, ensuring that support is available before crises occur."
"We invite people to come down to hear what we're all about. I think we're kind of an unknown identity still in Red Deer," said Pollon.
For more information on the organization, visit www.bridgesoflove.net.
