About
Who We Are
The Strength of a Community is Measured by the Compassion of its Members
Hearts is an Edmonton-based, 100% volunteer-driven movement dedicated to ensuring no family has to struggle alone. We provide a hand up, not a handout, restoring dignity and hope through the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
When a community opens its heart, lives truly can change.
By the Numbers
11,500+
individuals helped in our first 7 months
150-300
families helped to create Christmas magic each year
1,000-2,000
families helped annually through our various initiatives
20-30
families blessed with Easter each year
3,000+
bicycles donated to children
100%
volunteer-run.
The Story
From Two Families to a Movement
-
2011: The Spark It began with a simple act: Teresa Rocque and a few colleagues at the Stollery Children’s Hospital sponsored two families for Christmas. The Christmas Campaign has grown in size and breadth each year since.
-
2013: Beyond the Holidays Realizing that struggle doesn't have a season, the Campaign to Empower the Community was born, connecting donors directly with families year-round.
-
2013–2017: Outgrowing the Garage As the community stepped up, donations filled Teresa’s home—from the bedrooms to the basement—serving more families than ever before.
-
2017: Official Roots Hearts officially registered as a nonprofit organization. During a temporary building placement, we assisted nearly 3,000 families in just seven months.
-
2020: Wheels of Hope During the pandemic, we launched the Bike Program, repairing and gifting bicycles to children to ensure they stayed active and inspired.
-
Today Hearts remains a vibrant, volunteer-led network helping thousands of Edmontonians navigate their hardest days with dignity. We currently run the Campaign to Empower the Community year-round, while also having three seasonal drives: the Heart's Easter Campaign, Bike Drive, and Christmas Campaign.
Our Future Vision
Building a Permanent Home for Hope
We are currently at a turning point. Hearts has applied for Charitable Status, which will unlock the grants needed to secure a permanent community facility. This won't just be a building; it will be a sanctuary.
Our future "Hearts Hub" will include:
-
A Dignified Thrift Centre: Clothing, footwear, and household items offered at low or no cost.
-
A Resource Hub: Workshops on resume writing, financial literacy, and budget-friendly cooking classes.
-
An Essential Pantry: A reliable source for diapers, formula, and urgent supplies.
-
The "Warm Welcome" Kitchen: A safe space offering daily hot soup, fresh bread, and coffee—free from judgment.
Our Core Values
-
Compassion: We believe every person deserves kindness and respect.
-
Community: Hearts is built on the strength of neighbors lifting each other up.
-
Hope: Support during difficult times can be the catalyst for a rebuilt life.
-
Generosity: Our work is only possible through the selfless hearts of our donors and volunteers.
-
Dignity: We ensure every person we serve feels valued, seen, and heard.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together.
