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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form
We’ll ask about your skills, interests, and availability.Meet with a GPRS representative
A friendly conversation about where you might fit best.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.
Contact US
Have Questions? Reach Out Anytime
Email: gpresidentialsociety@gmail.com
Phone: (780) 532-3276