Giving Tuesday, a global movement to inspire generosity, kicks off a special season of giving on December 2. At I Can for Kids, the holidays are a perfect time to reflect on our vision of taking food insecurity off the table for families in Alberta – and share our gratitude for the generous donors like you who make it possible. We are especially grateful to The Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation, who will match the first $150,000 of donations made from now to the end of December, enabling you to double your impact.
A small act makes a big difference
Jodie* lives with her husband and four children in low-cost housing, relying on a fixed income. When her husband lost his job, the family’s situation became even more challenging – work has been hard to find. After covering their basic monthly bills, they’re left with just a few dollars to meet the needs of a growing family.
“Our biggest concern is if we have enough money to make lunches for our children or give them a decent breakfast,” says Jodie. “We do our best to provide basic needs for our family and be involved in our community. It is hard to access services for food. But when I have little food in the fridge, I have no choice but to reach out for support.”
Jodie turned to one of I Can for Kids’ agency partners for help, and they provided grocery gift cards for the family. “We are now able to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables for our children,” says Jodie. “It may seem like a small act to you, but to us it can be the difference between food on our table or skipping another meal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
When families like Jodie’s receive grocery gift cards, they get more than just food – they get timely relief when they hit a crisis. We put hope, stability, and dignity back on the table, making a lasting impact in children’s lives.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy
Why champions like you choose to give
Jodie is not alone. Almost 1.5 million Albertans – nearly 2 in 5 children – experience food insecurity. We’re thankful for champions like you who choose to give, enabling us to reach thousands of families in Calgary and Central Alberta. Here are reflections from just two of our supporters.
“We are proud to support I Can for Kids and their work helping children and families to access the food they need with dignity. Food insecurity is a financial crisis as much as a food crisis. That’s why, as financial institutions, credit unions aim to play our part in alleviating these struggles. We are here to show up for our members and communities, alongside great organizations like I Can for Kids.”
— Cindy Nguyen, Senior Social Impact & Communications Advisor, Alberta Central Credit Union
“Through iCAN’s grocery gift card program, families can choose the food and essentials that work best for them – giving them both dignity and flexibility. It’s a simple way to help remove barriers and make sure families feel supported, not just during the holidays, but all year round. We believe in building strong, inclusive communities and this is just one way we’re putting that into action.”
— Len Moriarity, Manager, Stakeholder Engagement, Strathcona Resources Ltd.
Donations matched until the end of December
If you’re inspired to give, you now have an opportunity to double your impact. Thanks to The Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation, the first $150,000 donated from now to the end of December will be matched 100%.
“As a family, we care deeply about supporting our neighbours and building a community where every child has what they need to thrive. iCAN’s approach meets families with compassion and trust, allowing parents to choose the foods that work best for them. We’re delighted to match gifts this December so more families can access this important support.”
—Eda Libin, Executive Director, The Alvin and Mona Libin Foundation
We believe every gesture counts, and small acts of giving go a long way. Just $65 provides food for a young child for one week and makes their season that much brighter. With matching, $75 becomes $130 – helping a family create lasting memories with a holiday meal that reflects their culture.
Join us in bringing strength and resilience to families in our community – your generosity will lighten loads and lift spirits.
Thank you for your compassion and kindness. We wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season.
