The Red Deer Homeless Foundation, in partnership with Dress for Success Central Alberta and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, will host a Leadership Luncheon at Westerner Park on Friday, Oct. 2, organisers confirmed.
Event details and purpose
The luncheon runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Exhibition Hall at Westerner Park. Attendees will hear from Joe Roberts, a bestselling author, internationally known speaker and the founder of the Push for Change movement. Roberts, who has spoken publicly about having once lived on the streets of Vancouver, will relate his experience of moving from homelessness to entrepreneurship.
Organisers say Roberts’ story reflects the foundation’s position that homelessness is not a person’s identity and that sustained change is achievable when people are offered support, dignity and opportunity. The event is intended to raise awareness of local efforts, promote partnerships and underscore the role of the community in addressing housing instability.
Who is involved
- Host: Red Deer Homeless Foundation
- Community partners: Dress for Success Central Alberta; Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre
- Keynote: Joe Roberts, founder of Push for Change
- Venue: Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park, Red Deer
- Date and time: Oct. 2, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
“Roberts’ story is a reflection of the organization’s belief that homelessness is not someone’s identity and that lasting change is possible when people are met with support, dignity and opportunity.”
Local context and implications
The luncheon comes as municipalities and service agencies across Alberta continue to confront complex causes of housing instability, including rising rents, limited affordable housing supply and barriers to health and social services. For Red Deer, events that bring national attention and an established storyteller can strengthen local fundraising, volunteer engagement and cross-sector collaboration.
For service providers and municipal planners, public events also create opportunities to share evidence-based approaches and to highlight gaps in supports. For residents, the luncheon offers a forum to learn about local initiatives and to consider how businesses, community groups and individuals can contribute to practical solutions.
Practical information
Organisers advise registering in advance. The event page lists the date, time and location as noted above. Those seeking more detail should contact the Red Deer Homeless Foundation or the partner groups directly for ticketing and accessibility information.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Leadership Luncheon |
| Date | Friday, Oct. 2 |
| Time | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
| Venue | Exhibition Hall, Westerner Park, Red Deer |
| Keynote | Joe Roberts |
The luncheon is one of several community efforts aimed at drawing attention to homelessness and mobilizing resources in Central Alberta. By featuring a speaker with lived experience and a track record in advocacy, organisers hope to connect personal testimony with local action.
