Demonstrating their well-deserved positive reputation around town, Community Links has been voted the Best Local Cause in the 2023 Best of Airdrie Readers’ Choice Awards.
While based in Airdrie, Community Links serves the entire north Rocky View County region, including Beiseker, Crossfield, Irricana, Balzac, Kathyrn, and the surrounding rural areas as well.
Community Links' mission is to empower and uplift individuals of all ages, beginning with the birth of new life and extending to the wisdom of seniors. The social services agency is committed to helping people reach their full potential and live their best lives at every stage.
From the moment people walk into the Community Links office on Main Street in downtown Airdrie, they can feel the positive energy and a helpful environment. Every space is carefully organized so that visitors feel safe and at ease while they are there.
According to their website, Community Links provides helpful resources to 11,000 residents every year in Airdrie and region. Having been in business for over 40 years – they celebrated their four-decade milestone in 2022 – Community Links now employs 45 staff and more than 150 volunteers.
Brenda Hume, executive director for Community Links, shared that the organization's programs and services aim to provide support and resources to everyone in the community who needs them.
“We're built on a long history of ensuring that our programs and our services are high quality and that we're connecting all the time with our partners to ensure that our referrals are timely,” she said.
When asked how it felt to receive the title of Best Local Cause in the city this year, Hume was filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. She said the agency felt humbled by the recognition and is proud of the positive impact on the community.
“It's always kind of amazing to us that people don't know. This is another opportunity to increase awareness,” said Hume. “We're very thankful for the nomination.”
Community Links' commitment to providing valuable programs and services to everyone in Airdrie and the surrounding areas is evident in their work. This organization's impact on the community is significant, and its recognition as the Best Local Cause is well-deserved.
“It's very important for us to get the word out about who we are, and what we can do,” Hume said, adding the continued success of Community Links is a result of the dedication and compassion of the qualified staff, the remarkable community the agency serves, and the countless hours contributed by generous volunteers.
Hume also emphasized the crucial support the organization's board members provided in ensuring the success and continued growth of Community Links’ programs and services.
“The relationship between the board and the staff is really amazing,” she said.
For those eager to make a positive impact in their community, Community Links offers a variety of opportunities to contribute and get involved. Aspiring volunteers can easily access information about the organization's programs and services by visiting mycommunitylinks.ca/volunteer.
