Calgary unites to support individuals struggling to meet their basic needs
The need has never been greater for people experiencing poverty in our city and surrounding area. With the affordability crisis causing the price of everything to skyrocket, even day-to-day items can seem out of reach.
Despite an easing in the inflation rate, the City of Calgary is still reporting a 4.2% hike in prices, with food, shelter and transportation leading the way. That has led to 28% of Calgary households with children unable to afford healthy food and 29% of families opting to skip a meal. Add Rentals.ca reporting the average rent in Calgary for a two-bedroom apartment being $1,695 (a 14.3% increase year-over-year) and the crisis really starts to come into focus.
That’s why United Way of Calgary and Area has partnered with connectFirst Credit Unions, WINS and Next Door to launch the Basic Needs Round-Up again this year.
The Basic Needs Round-Up is a city-wide initiative to lessen the stress of people in need in the community, ensuring access to resources they need to improve their daily lives and see a brighter tomorrow.
Donations of grocery store gift cards, Calgary Transit tickets, personal hygiene items, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, technology devices, activities for kids and seniors and passes to family-friendly activities will be collected through the Round-Up from Sept. 7–17. Monetary donations are encouraged at any time to support people in need across Calgary and area.
From Sept. 7–16, you can bring donation items to collection areas, located at connectFirst Credit Unions in Calgary and Area. Boxes will be located at those locations. You can also scan the QR code on the boxes – we’ll send you a personal thank you for stepping up to help those in need across your community. Alternatively, you can join us at our Fall Campaign Kickoff on September 17 at the Stampede Youth Campus and deliver your items in person.
Together, with the generous support of our partners and local community, we are helping ensure no one is faced with making impossible decisions about things many of us take for granted—such as choosing between buying groceries or paying bills.
#UnitedWeCan stand together and help give a helping hand to those who need it in our community.
United Way Month is a great chance to get involved in your community and make it a brighter place for everyone! Find out more and be part of the solution at calgaryunitedway.org.