Bridges of Love Ministry Society

Bridges of Love Ministry Society is a Canadian nonprofit Christian organization based in Alberta, dedicated to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Incorporated as a Registered Canadian Charitable Religious Society, it operates primarily in the Red Deer region and surrounding counties, focusing on empowering communities and churches to effectively respond to emergencies and crises.

History

Founded in 2004, Bridges of Love Ministry originally began operations in High River, Alberta. In 2024, the organization expanded its reach by relocating its headquarters to Red Deer, Alberta, enhancing its ability to support communities across seven Alberta counties: Mountain View, Foothills, Vulcan, Wheatland, Lacombe, Red Deer, and Kneehill. This expansion was supported by Alberta's Civil Society grant and accompanied by the addition of dedicated staff to bolster emergency preparedness and response efforts.

Mission and Vision

The Society’s mission is to inspire preparedness and provide emergency training to churches and communities, ensuring that support is available before disasters strike. Their vision centers on fostering a culture of care and compassion where every individual—whether seniors, single adults, or families—can access the strength of a united, resourceful community. Bridges of Love emphasizes that love is action, affirming their identity as followers of Jesus Christ through tangible community service.

Programs and Activities

Bridges of Love Ministry Society implements programs that promote community resilience by bridging gaps in disaster response and recovery. Notably, their approach leverages coordination between local churches, community volunteers, and municipal emergency agencies to provide a grassroots, "Neighbours helping Neighbours" response model.

Key components of their work include:

• Disaster Preparedness and Training: Delivering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to equip volunteers with skills to respond safely and effectively during emergencies.

• Faith Emergency Preparedness Initiative (FEPI): Facilitating a network of churches to complement secular emergency management, enhancing overall community capacity.

• Resource Coordination: Developing tools such as the Alberta Recovers website to efficiently match donations with needs, reducing resource waste and accelerating aid.

Through these initiatives, Bridges of Love aims to build community self-sufficiency, strength, and hope, ensuring readiness and support in times of crisis.

Impact

The organization's efforts have been recognized for reducing dependence on overwhelmed municipal services during large-scale disasters by mobilizing a network of prepared volunteers and agencies. Their community-oriented model provides an alternate support system, especially critical when first responders face extended demands.

By fostering strong relationships of trust in the communities they serve, Bridges of Love Ministry Society continues to expand its impact, promoting sustainable disaster resilience rooted in faith and practical action.

Business Registration Number: 847414471RR0001