History

The Champion's Centre Inc. began as inspiration of the Champion Himself, Jesus Christ. An old medical building in Ponoka, Alberta was purchased and was converted into a home where individuals could room and board. Each of the doctor's examination rooms became a bedroom, the laboratory a kitchen, the ex-ray room and ladies rest rooms became bathrooms, the cast room, into a laundry room, the nurses station, a sitting lounge, the waiting area, a cafe and antique store and the doctor's and nurse's lounge, a recreation room. The dentist's office on the second floor, covering only the first part of the building, became a live-in manager's suite . Thus, the whole building was converted into a home for low-income people with built-in supervision.
Prior to opening on the first day of June 2002, the Founders realized the enormous need for this type of supportive housing. The Founder decided to enlist people who were interested in broadening this idea of low-cost supportive housing. Hence, the first board of directors was formed. After many hours of work and eighteen months later, on September 4, 2003 the Champion's Centre finally became a Canadian registered national charity and a not for profit corporation.
The building is an historic site in Ponoka built in 1955. The original building was 2000 square feet and over the years an additional three sections were added on. Including the upstairs suite and the basement recreation room, it boasts a total of 6500 square feet. It houses 16 men who would otherwise be homeless or at risk of being homeless.

Check this link out for the United Nations definition of homelessness!

Our Logo

The Logo was designed by Dakota Paul of Ponoka for the Champion's Centre Inc. We wanted something that captured not only the main colours of our Flagship Centre but also something of what we are about. As our logo suggests, the Champion's Centre is in the hands of God, providing peace through the cross of Christ. At the Champion's Centre this is what we try to emulate as we serve the Champion. After all, ultimately we are in God's hands.

Creation of the Medicine Hat Centre

The Champion's Centre Inc. was made aware of a the need in Medicine Hat by one of the local social agencies. in 2004. After ongoing discussion with the Crisis Assistance Network (comprised of 26 agencies) a decision by the National Board was made to begin the process of setting up a Centre.

A year of meetings with various community members, churches, the city, organizations, businesses and individuals resulted in great support. With grants from the Medicine Hat Community Foundation, the Medicine Hat Community Housing Society, the Medicine Hat Real Estate Board, a donation from the John Howard Society and an anonymous donation plus the support of churches, indivduals and businesses, the Champion's Centre was able to purchase and renovate an existing building that now houses 9 men. In addition the Centre has opened a home for men in Red Cliff that houses an additional 4 men operated by the same staff that serves the MH Centre. On the weekends, this Centre runs a Weekend Hot Meal Program that serves and average of 75 marginalized people a day.
Come and offer your services and talents at the Centre today! Call Helen, the Centre Manager, at 403-504-0342 and see how you can help!