The affordability crisis means people in our city are struggling to afford basic needs, including items such as hygiene products, warm clothing, transportation, baby items and more. The Basic Needs Round-Up is a city-wide initiative to help ensure people have access to the resources they need to thrive.

During the week of September 7-16, collect items from the list below and bring them to a select ConnectFirst location in Calgary! In partnership with WINS (Women in Need Society), United Way will gather the items and distribute to those in need.

Collection Items:

• Gift cards: Grocery and food stores. (Please indicate VALUE on the card)

Ø Important note: We are kindly asking individuals to donate gift cards to food and grocery stores in lieu of individual food items. This provides some choice and dignity to gift card recipients, who can then choose what they want to buy, access fresher and more nutritious food, and shop in alignment with their dietary needs.

• Transportation: Calgary Transit tickets.
• Personal hygiene items: Shampoo and conditioner, soap, body wash, deodorant, moisturizers, sunscreen, menstrual supplies, condoms, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, lip balm. (Please exclude razors, mouthwash, and ANY open, used or expired products.)
• Baby supplies: Diapers, disposable wipes, baby shampoo, baby bottles, bibs, baby ointment/creams, onesies, blankets, formula (please check expiry dates)
• Prepaid SIM cards
• Passes to family-friendly activities: Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Science Centre, Heritage Park, Calaway Park, Studio Bell, local museums, etc.
• NEW socks, underwear, mittens and toques

PLEASE NO:

• Razors
• Mouthwash
• ANY used, open or expired personal hygiene or baby items
• Food items
• Torn or stained clothing items