University District’s Northwestival

Dec 4, 2018

Celebrate Calgary’s Premiere Winter Celebration of Community Spirit and Holiday Cheer

When the weather outside is frightful, Calgary’s University District shares plans for something delightful. Northwestival is back, a winter warm up event on December 9 that made a splash last year, showcasing University District’s (U/D) signature style and people-first design.

Northwestival Winter Warmup - I Can for Kids

The feel-good annual community event will feature a wide range of unique local artisans, performers and entrepreneurs who celebrate the cultural landscape of Calgary. From a plaza full of snowmen and delicious s’mores to fat bikes and warming fire pits, the best-of-winter activities, entertainment and treats will tease you outside to make lasting memories with neighbours, friends, families, and pets. Join us for some festival fun!

DETAILS

What: Northwestival Event

When: December 9, 2018 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Field 9, University of Calgary, 2 Blocks East of the University District Discovery Centre, at the intersection of 39th Street NW and University Ave.

University District strives to elevate traditional holiday giving – and warm hearts and minds – through several initiatives that surprise and delight neighbours in need. Leading up to and during the event, Calgarians are encouraged to donate to this year’s Northwestival local charity , I Can for Kids. Founded by now 14-year-old Sutton garner, the organization aims to end summer childhood hunger in Calgary. Donations will help feed hungry children in more than 60 communities in Calgary next year.

To participate, we are encouraging festival-goers to bring an unopened jar of peanut butter (almond or cashew too!) or a cash donation as admission to Northwestival. Donations of peanut butter are also being accepted at the University District Discovery Centre from November 20-December 9. Why peanut butter? It is a staple item with I Can for Kids because it is one of the few type of nutritious foods that kids can easily prepare and can store well for a long period of time. We hope everyone will join us to help raise donations for this meaningful cause.

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From deep roots grow new branches

The first quarter of 2025 has already surpassed all expectations for everyone at I Can for Kids (iCAN). First, we were excited to report how our donors and supporters enabled us to reach a record number of kids in 2024 – nearly 42,000! Second, we welcomed three additional agencies we welcomed three additional agencies to our partnership network to help us reach more kids in more communities.

Amplifying our impact: new partnerships expand our reach

At I Can for Kids (iCAN), we know that effective responses to food insecurity require collaboration, advocacy, and a solid understanding of the complex challenges families face. That’s why we partner with numerous frontline agencies with deep and respected connections in their communities. The staff working in these organizations apply their experience and expertise every day to target our grocery gift card program by continually assessing which families require immediate assistance.

Our journey of growth: reflections and the road ahead

Thanks to you, as I Can for Kids (iCAN) marks 10 years of empowering food-insecure children and families, we are filled with gratitude, pride, and renewed energy for the work ahead. What began as a conventional response to gaps in services for vulnerable children during the summer months has transformed into an innovative and evidence-based program that provides families dignified and immediate relief through grocery gift cards.