Volunteers working together to support accessible housing

Volunteer With Us

Community-built housing begins with community action.

Three interlocking puzzle pieces held by hands
Single-storey residential units with pitched roofs and mature trees along the sidewalk
Main entrance to apartment building

A Mission With Measurable Impact

 For almost four decades, GPRS has delivered projects that changed lives — from the first wheelchair-accessible duplexes north of Edmonton in 1987 to the creation of the 16-Barrier Free units Margaret Edgson Manor in 2005.
Volunteers make this possible.

Be Part of Something Bigger

Across the years, volunteers have:

  • Advocated for accessible housing when none existed

  • Supported fundraising for critical project bottlenecks

  • Helped secure mortgages and grants when red tape threatened progress

  • Built the awareness that allows GPRS to grow (PR, communications, outreach)

  • Served as Society members, committee members, and Directors

  • Shaped new builds such as the Six-Plex and Margaret Edgson Manor through direct involvement in design and planning

These contributions directly reflect our Strategic Plans’ priorities: succession, awareness, community engagement, and “telling our story.”

Volunteer Roles

Society Membership

Help guide the long-term future of GPRS.

What you’ll do:
  • Vote at AGMs

  • Attend occasional society meetings

  • Support awareness efforts

Who it’s for:
Anyone who wants to stay informed and involved.

Committee Member

(Aligned with Strategic Plan succession priorities)
GPRS develops leaders by bringing volunteers onto committees before joining the Board.

Committees include:
  • Public Relations & Communications (new committee from Strategic Plan)

  • Future Development

  • Policy

  • Marketing

  • Maintenance / Site Walks

What you’ll do:
Work 2–4 hours/month on specific tasks that match your strengths.

Events & Outreach Volunteer

Help raise awareness, meet partners, distribute materials, and tell the GPRS story.

Examples:
  • Assist with Rotary/City/MLA presentations

  • Host tours or info tables

  • Support accessibility awareness events

  • Help prepare PR materials

Board of Director Role

Board Director (Advanced Role)

GPRS seeks leaders with skills in:

  • Finance

  • Governance

  • Development/Construction

  • Legal

  • Nonprofit experience

  • Communications

  • Disability advocacy

Board service includes monthly meetings and major decision-making. New Directors are chosen from active volunteers and Society members to ensure shared values and continuity.

Rising Up to Meet Todays Challenges

Phased in Growth With the Community

1986-1988

Phase 1 – The Duplexes

Volunteers founded GPRS because no accessible housing existed in Grande Prairie. After years of advocacy, they built five accessible duplexes in 1987–1988 — the first in northern Alberta.
These were hard-won victories: securing land, overcoming denied permits, raising funds from ACT, raffles, and community supporters.

1986-1988

1994-1995

Phase 2 – The 6-Plex

Volunteers again stepped up to fundraise and advocate.
A $50,000 Wild Rose Foundation grant was awarded, and GPRS built six more accessible units.
Volunteers explained blueprints at press conferences, spoke with ministers, and increased public awareness.

1994-1995

2004-2005

Phase 3 – Margaret Edgson Manor

With a growing waiting list (40+ wheelchair users), volunteers guided a complex multi-partner project:

  • 70 units (16 fully barrier-free)

  • Federal + provincial funding

  • City land contribution

  • Major private donations

Volunteers worked with the City, MLAs, Grande Spirit Foundation, and community groups to enable the largest accessible housing project in the region.

2004-2005

Today

Expanding the Vision

Volunteers now drive:

  • Rebuilding the damaged Margaret Edgson Manor

  • PR outreach

  • Strategic planning

  • Community partnerships

  • Awareness and advocacy
    Your contributions enable GPRS to remain “the expert in accessible housing” by 2030.

Today

Tomorrow

Future Developments and Maintenance

(Momentarily Put on Hold)

  • Resume Planning Phase II MEM development

  • Fundraising

  • Goal Setting

  • Community partnerships and organizing

  • Continuing to bring awareness and advocacy

  • Board succession planning
Tomorrow

What You Gain As A Volunteer

You’ll Make a Tangible Difference

Every project GPRS has completed exists because volunteers refused to give up.

You’ll Belong to a Purpose-Driven Team

Many volunteers have been with GPRS for 20–30+ years because the work is meaningful, collaborative, and deeply human.

You’ll Build Skills and Experience

  • Governance

  • Communications

  • Event planning

  • Housing advocacy

  • Accessibility best practices

You’ll Help Shape the Future of Housing in Northern Alberta

What You Can Do As A Volunteer

Join the Society. Your $5 annual membership gets you in. We have our Annual General Meetings every June, stay tuned as we get closer for more details. 

Occasionally we need a lot of extra help and that’s where our Ad-Hoc Committees come in. 

How To Get Involved

Simple 3-Step Process

  1. Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form
    We’ll ask about your skills, interests, and availability.

  2. Meet with a GPRS representative
    A friendly conversation about where you might fit best.

  3. Join a committee or project team
    OR become a Society member and participate at your own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience?

No — just enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference.

What is the time commitment?

Most volunteer roles require 1–3 hours per month; Board roles require more.

Is training provided?

Yes. Committee Chairs and Directors guide new volunteers.

Can I volunteer if I have a disability?

Absolutely. GPRS is built by and for people with disabilities. Your lived experience is invaluable.

Icons representing accessibility, including wheelchair use, hearing assistance, mobility aids, and guide dogs

Contact US

Have Questions? Reach Out Anytime

Email: gpresidentialsociety@gmail.com
Phone: (780) 532-3276

Volunteer Form

GPRS Volunteer & Board Pre-Screen Form
Volunteer Roles You Are Interested In
Relevant Skills / Experience
Do you have lived experience with disability?
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