It goes without saying that the holiday season prompts joy amongst many populations. Festivities emerge as people wrap up the final chapter of their year, engage in self-reflection, and manifest goals for the year to come. While the holidays definitely promote positive values, like unity and optimism, not everyone is fortunate enough to experience this.
Vulnerable populations are at risk during the holidays. These include individuals who lack adequate food and shelter, are financially struggling, or are experiencing mental health issues. For many, the holiday season is not a call for celebration, but merely, a call for help.
I want to highlight and show my appreciation for some of the many initiatives that took place in Calgary during the holidays to help those who were struggling.
Homelessness
City of Calgary
During the month of December, there were many days where temperatures plummeted to below -20°C [1]. Mayor Jyoti Gondek released a statement, explaining that City of Calgary officials would be providing more resources and services to the homeless population, assisting them during the cold spell. Some main initiatives encompassed working with more local shelters and community groups, offering free shuttle services, and setting up additional warming spaces at diverse locations.
The Calgary Homeless Foundation
In addition to working with the City of Calgary to provide shelter, the Calgary Homeless Foundation launched an initiative this year to give out free coffee to individuals experiencing homelessness [2]. Locations like the Mustard Seed, Salvation Army, Dashmesh Cultural Centre, and Journey Church participated.
Empowered Futures
Hiba Badran is the Chair of Empowered Futures, a non-profit organization that supports emerging adults transitioning into adulthood [3]. She had an objective to provide gift bags full of jackets, warm clothing, and warm food to people who did not have access to these necessities. Ultimately, citizens and local volunteers crafted and distributed 250 gift bags.
Adopt-a-Family
Closer to Home Community Services
Closer to Home Community Services is one of many organizations that hosts the Adopt-a-Family initiative [4]. Fostering healthy relationships and home environments for children to grow up in is at the forefront of the organization’s mission. This project, specifically, aims to support families who may be struggling during the holidays; whether this is through mitigating trauma or offering temporary care plans, individualized solutions are delivered. This year, 650 vulnerable families across Calgary were assisted, which is 40% more than in previous years.
Food Services
Calgary Food Bank
The Calgary Food Bank launched their annual Stuff-a-Bus initiative in mid-November, in preparation for increased holiday demand [5]. Assisting a community that does not have adequate access to food, around 250 Calgarians gathered to collect non-perishable items,
Mayor’s Christmas Food Drive
Mayor Jyoti Gondek prepared to launch the annual Mayor’s Christmas Food Drive, inspiring the Councillors in Calgary to host a competition amongst themselves to generate food donations. She explained that as we come out of an economic recession and the COVID-19 crisis, many families would be struggling more than they have in the past.
Toy Donations
The Salvation Army
Annually, The Salvation Army hosts a Christmas toy program and partners with various organizations to meet their objective of ensuring every child has a present on Christmas morning [6]. For many children, holiday magic comes from the fact that they receive presents every year. However, many families that struggle financially are unable to provide their children with this experience. In order to maintain the holiday spirit, citizens donate toys during the holiday season to The Salvation Army, upholding the promise of gifts and presents.
Mental Health
The Government of Alberta
During the holidays, many individuals experience heightened mental health issues. This results from isolation, a divide between expectations and reality, and other phenomena. This year, the Alberta Government was very vocal about various hotlines that could be contacted for support, including ones specialized in mental health, addiction, family violence, incomes support, and others [7].
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]
Images: [Featured Image], [1], [2], [3]
