Make a lasting difference - your generous donation empowers us to continue our vital work and support those in need.
Waypoints Needs Your Help
The demand for our services has surged to its highest levels in the past five years.
In the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone, nearly 800 women and children found safety and support through Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter. Operating Unity House—providing 45 bedrooms, three meals a day, 24-hour shelter support, and more—requires approximately $2.3 million annually.
Unfortunately, less funding from the Government of Alberta and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is amounting to $1.1 million for our next fiscal year, starting April 1, 2025. We had $665,000 in one-time funding for our previously unfunded beds (15 of our 45) from the Government of Alberta this year. We are advocating for this one-time funding to be made part of annual shelter funding agreements, which would mean that all of our bedrooms would be funded. If this one-time funding is not renewed it will result in the closure of 15 of our 45 bedrooms—reducing our capacity by a third—and hindering our ability to support women and children throughout the RMWB.
Waypoints has stood as a lifeline for individuals and families in crisis since 1982. We are the only provider in the region offering a Emergency Women’s Shelter, Transitional Housing for women and women with children escaping domestic and/or family violence, a Sexual Assault Healing Centre, and a Child & Youth Advocacy Centre.
The need for our services is growing, but this financial challenge places that lifeline in jeopardy.
By making a donation, you’re not just helping us keep our doors open—you’re ensuring safety, healing, and hope for countless individuals.
Your support can protect those who need it most.
To donate today, click the link below or contact us by email at evan.dizak@waypointswb.ca, or by phone at +1 (780) 750-8560.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Donating to Waypoints
What does Waypoints accept for donations?
Waypoints gratefully accepts gently used or new shoes and clothing for women, children, and babies in all sizes. Waypoints also accepts unopened and unused hygiene items, unopened food items, unopened disposable cups, plates and cutlery, linens, and household essentials. Your donations contribute to creating safe and supportive environments for those in need.
Does Waypoints accept animal food/products?
We do not accommodate animals in our Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter or our Second Stage Intake Center. To support those who are fleeing family violence, we have partnered with the Fort McMurray SPCA and their Animal Safe Haven (ASH) program. The ASH program offers temporary shelter and care for pets whose owners are in crisis, including those who are accessing Waypoints' shelter services. This program provides a safe and secure environment for companion animals, ensuring they are well cared for while families focus on their own healing and recovery. We kindly request that donations of pet products be directed to local animal shelters such as the SPCA or other animal-focused nonprofits of your choice.
Where do my donations go?
Donations received by Waypoints undergo thorough inspection for stains or holes, followed by sorting, washing, and drying before being stocked in our donations room. Shelter residents can enjoy a pop-up shopping experience, akin to a favourite thrift store. Monetary donations are channeled directly to our finance department, supporting programs and services unless earmarked for a specific campaign.
Does Waypoints have a drop-off bin?
At 120 Prospect Drive, Waypoints provides a white, logo-branded drop-off bin in the parking lot for clothing items, shoes, and select children's toys. For larger donations such as household essentials or furniture, kindly bring them to our administration desk, where our team will assist you.
What if the donation drop off bin is full?
If you arrive and find the bin full, please visit the front desk at Unity House Emergency Women’s Shelter to let a staff member know. For safety reasons, we are unable to accept items left outside the bin, and any unattended donations will be discarded.
Thank you for helping us ensure all donated items can be properly received and used to support those in need.