Dear editor,
As a board member of the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse and a most concerned citizen, I am writing to express my outrage and disappointment by the UCP government to cancel the contract with the clubhouse (as of April 30, 2025). This decision is not only short sighted, but it also fails to recognize the invaluable service this organization provides to individuals in our community who struggle with mental health challenges.
For years, the clubhouse has been a place of support, belonging and empowerment for its members. It has offered hope and stability to people who often feel marginalized and isolated. To simply cut off these essential services without providing a clear or justifiable reason is an affront to the well-being of vulnerable individuals.
The club is a vital resource, and its closure will undoubtedly have a devastating effect on the members who rely on it for their mental and emotional well-being. For many, this clubhouse is not just a building - it's a community, a source of hope, ad a safe space where individuals regain their strength and confidence. By taking away these services, our government is turning its back on those who need help the most.
I demand a re-evaluation of this decision. Mental health support services should never be treated as expendable. We must stand up for organizations like the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse and ensure that those who need help are not left stranded. I encourage the citizens of Ponoka to rally behind the clubhouse. Without your support, we are going to lose a most valuable resource that has been in operation since 1994.
I call on our leaders to reverse this decision and to prioritize grassroots mental health support in our community. The cancellation of this contract is a step backward in the fight for better mental health services.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Hoffman
