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About The Guardians
Our Story
The Guardians began in 2018. Sonia Ikheloa founded it while navigating her own change, building a new life in a new country, and she learned how much difference it makes when someone walks beside you through a transition. What began in Nova Scotia as peer-to-peer support, with people who had walked the journey themselves helping those just starting theirs, grew over seven years into a volunteer community.
Here is what that looked like:
It supported newcomers and locals, individuals and families, directly.
It worked alongside partner organizations to serve residents.
It carried community voices into government focus groups and service provider consultations.
It supported more than 100 families with airport pickups, appointment shuttles, food and housing support, school and job searches, and someone to call in a crisis.
In partnership with the Salvation Army street program, it served more than 1,000 people experiencing homelessness in Nova Scotia with food, warm clothing, and everyday essentials.
More than 150 volunteers found a way to give back to their community through The Guardians.
Nova Scotia is where we started. Edmonton is where we serve. The heart of the work has never moved: people showing up for people.
In March 2026, that heart took shape in Edmonton through "An Edmonton Welcome" a community gathering created to help newcomers, locals, volunteers, and community partners connect in a warm and practical way. With more than 150 people in attendance, 10 partner organizations showing support and a 22 person planning team of new volunteers, the event was a success.
The event was about more than welcoming people to a city and showing them we are here to serve. It was a reminder that belonging is built through relationships, shared information, trusted connections, and simple acts of care. The event gave The Guardians a local starting point in Alberta, a way to bring people into the mission, and a visible example of what the organization exists to do: create spaces where no one has to navigate change alone. With more than 150 people in attendance, we s
Why Edmonton?
Edmonton is where The Guardians’ next season of service is taking root. After beginning in Nova Scotia, we are bringing our heart for practical support, trusted connection, and community care into Alberta. Edmonton’s diversity, growth, and strong community spirit make it a meaningful place to support people navigating transition, strengthen belonging, and create opportunities for others to give back.
