Impact Stories

On May 24th, 2024, the Erin Woods Community Association celebrated as community members gathered to unveil a powerful new Indigenous art mural. This project, led by Planet Youth Clagary in collaboration with Indigenous artist Flora Johnson, was more than just a creative endeavor, it was a meaningful journey of connection, learning, and reconciliation.

With the support of the Greater Forest Lawn and the Indigenous Parallel community coalition members, Planet Youth Calgary, and partners like the City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, and the Ward 9 Office, five youth artists committed over 600 hours of their time outside of school to bring this large-scale mural to life. Under Flora’s guidance, they not only learned the techniques of mural painting, but also deepened their understanding of Indigenous culture and history through storytelling and mentorship.

Over three months, what began as a project among strangers became a tight-knit team of young artists who learned to rely on one another, communicate, and support each other through every brushstroke. As they painted, curious community members often stopped by to engage, ask questions, and learn about the mural’s significance, transforming the wall into a living space of conversation and connection.

The unveiling event brought together more than 60 attendees, including youth, families, Indigenous Elders, and local leaders. The artists were celebrated with certificates, and each prepared a personal artist bio to share their experience. They named the mural themselves and composed a poem explaining its meaning, now permanently mounted on a plaque beside the mural, along with their names, leaving a legacy in Erin Woods.

This initiative represents more than art, it’s a reflection of upstream, preventative work that fosters youth leadership, skill-building, peer connection, and cultural understanding. The mural is now a permanent gathering place, a vibrant testament to youth creativity and a shared commitment to reconciliation and learning.

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Read more in the blog by Calgary Arts Development: Community mural transforms conflict into shared story

With 150 youth and 100 adults in attendance, the Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills Youth Council hosted its first community event in April 2025 to bring people together, raise awareness about Planet Youth, and create a space for connection and fun. The event featured a traditional Easter egg hunt, interactive questions about the community, and a variety of activities designed to entertain and engage youth of all ages.

Attendees were invited to share their thoughts by answering questions such as, “What programs or activities would you like to see in your community?” and “What are some of the challenges young people face in your community?”

Guided by the initiative and enthusiasm of the Youth Council, this event strengthened connections between families, neighbors, and youth, creating a memorable experience and a strong example of youth leadership in action.

The Shawnessy community coalition launched the Campfire Connection series in 2024 and is continuing it into 2025.

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This series of campfire gatherings aims to foster connection and a sense of belonging among Shawnessy residents of all ages, with activities thoughtfully designed to engage youth interests. Activities like skating, badminton, and cricket are organized, with additional sporting equipment available for unstructured play, providing opportunities for teamwork and social connection.

On average, about 50 youth attend each gathering, strengthening community ties through relaxed social interaction.

United Way of Calgary and Area and the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation are proud to collaborate in support of Planet Youth Calgary.

Grounded in a successful model from Iceland, Planet Youth Calgary unites schools, parents, caregivers, youth, service providers and researchers to collaboratively create local strategies aimed at preventing substance misuse and fostering mental well-being. United Way is leading the initiative, with Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation committing to fund research through the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education at the University of Calgary.

Thanks to the support from the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, the reach of this initiative can be expanded, laying the groundwork for a healthier future for all youth in our city.

Read more in our recent blog featured on the United Way of Calgary and Area site: Working Together to Support Youth Mental Health in Calgary.

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In Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills, Planet Youth Calgary focused on bringing together families, youth and peers by creating spaces  where youth, especially young women, could feel empowered and supported.

One of the highlights of the 2024 was the All-Girls Sports event at John G. Diefenbaker High School, held in collaboration with YMCA. This program provided a safe and supportive environment where young women could engage in physical activities and sports. It was more than just about fitness, it was about fostering mental wellness, personal empowerment and a sense of community connection. It also created valuable mentorship opportunities for young women to grow their confidence and expand their horizons. 

This initiative aligned with the Planet Youth’s  upstream, preventative approach to addressing the social determinants of  health. Research shows that participation in sports can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, while also building resilience and forming strong  social networks. For these young women, sports provided an outlet to develop  leadership skills, connect with others and empower them to make positive  choices that could reduce negative behaviours. This program also addressed the gender disparities often seen in athletics, offering young women equal opportunities to excel in sports and personal development. 

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In December 2024, Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills’ community coalitions celebrated the one-year anniversary of Youthful  Saturday—a meaningful milestone for an initiative that has grown into a  weekly tradition. What began as a simple idea to bring youth together has  evolved into a vibrant space where young people build friendships, try new  activities, and learn from one another in a safe, supportive environment.  Over the past year, Youthful Saturdays have played a crucial role in fostering community and connection among youth. 

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