ABOUT US
Bridges of Love exists to empower communities and churches to respond effectively when disaster strikes. Our mission is to inspire preparedness and deliver emergency training, ensuring that support is available before crises occur. As a Registered Canadian Charitable Religious Society, we focus on fostering community resilience by connecting individuals, churches, and networks. We are called to put our faith into ACTION as followers of Jesus Christ.
OUR APPROACH
EMPOWERING
COMMUNITIES
The Government of Alberta’s 2025 Preparedness Survey of Albertans found that 45% of Albertans identify personal networks—including friends, family, neighbours and community organizations—as a trusted source of emergency preparedness information. That finding reinforces an important truth: preparedness is about more than emergency kits and response plans. It is about people, relationships and community capacity built before a crisis occurs. Professional emergency responders are essential. But increasingly complex emergencies can exceed the capacity of any single agency or organization. The community itself must also be part of the preparedness picture.
Bridges of Love's CERT training helps build that additional capacity. The goal is not to create another emergency-response organization or replace professional responders.
The goal is to strengthen the system we already have.
Imagine trained volunteers who understand their roles, know how to communicate, have practiced together, and can work alongside professional responders within clearly established boundaries.
That is the potential of a community prepared as a “Team of Teams.” One operating picture--Many teams--Shared purpose--Prepared people.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM
CERTS - Save lives and protect property, doing the great good for the greatest number.
Our Story
2004
FOUNDING OF BRIDGES OF LOVE MINISTRY
Founded in 2004, Bridges of Love was founded by Marg Pollon with support from her husband Tom. Driven by dedication and compassion, over the past +20 years they have served the communities of Calgary, High River, and most recently Red Deer, Alberta.
Their journey began when they accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour due to the outreach efforts of a Scarborough Ontario Church. Marg's diverse experience—spanning roles as a Registered Laboratory Technologist, Bed & Breakfast owner, Church Administrator, and Volunteer—prepared her for this mission. Marg and Bridges of Love have received several accolades including the Chamber of Volunteer Organizations Innovative Award (2012), Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), Prime Minister's Volunteer Social Innovator Award for the Prairies (2014), and Public Safety Canada's Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award (2018).
Tom Pollon, with a background in broadcasting and IT has been integral in developing Bridges of Love's websites and multimedia resources. Serving together has brought their vision providing tools and resources, opening doors for the local church to serve with love in the community in which it is found.
2024
In 2024, Bridges of Love embarked on a new chapter relocating from High River to Red Deer, Alberta where they remain dedicated to strengthening communities throughout the region. Since 2022 with the support from Alberta's Civil Society grant, the focus was on seven Alberta counties: Mountain View, Foothills, Vulcan, Wheatland, Lacombe, Red Deer, and Kneehill County enhancing emergency preparedness and response initiatives, offering vital resources and training to communities. Building relationships of trust as they broaden their impact, striving to build resilient communities that are prepared to face any challenge with love, compassion, and the skills and knowledge to save lives.
Awards
Bridges of Love Ministry is indeed appreciative of the awards and recognition received over the years. It does inspire and encourage us to continue to serve the Lord with love and dedication.
Recipient of the 2012 Alberta Nonprofit Innovation Awards presented by CCVO
(Calgary Chamber of
Voluntary Organizations)
Recipient of the 2012 Queen Elisabeth II Jubilee Medal Recipient #129
Recipient of the 2nd Annual Prime Minister's Volunteer Award 2014
Recipient of the 2017-2018 Public Safety Canada's Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award
Recipient of Heroes of 2013 Flood Honoured in Alberta
Endorsements of Our Mission
We are proud to share letters of support from key organizations and leaders who recognize the importance of our work in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Their endorsements highlight our shared commitment to building resilient communities. Click below to read their messages of support.
Board of Directors
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Chair
Marg Pollon
margpollon@bridgesoflove.net
Marg's extensive volunteer experience and leadership prepared her for this God-ordained quest, building Bridges of Love.
Director
Tom Pollon
Tom is passionate about the ministry’s vision and works alongside his wife, Marg.
Director- Prayer Lead
Denise Hill
Denise is committed to
supporting the ministry
through prayer, believing it is foundational to its success.
Director- Secretary
Sandy Widmer
Sandy is dedicated to
supporting Bridges of Love's mission to prepare Albertans
for disasters.
