Impact Stories

This August, Planet Youth Calgary teamed up with United Way of Calgary and Area and collaborated with Fluor Corporation, to spread a little extra back-to-school joy. Together, in Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills (one of Planet Youth Calgary's priority communities), we packed and distributed 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to children returning to class.

While we had originally planned for about 300 people, we were blown away to see over 750 in attendance. The turnout showed just how meaningful this support is for families in our community. Thanks to MLA Tejada for additional support and supplies, the Calgary Food Bank for providing snacks and the many community members and volunteers who came together. With all the help and support, we were able to meet the need and make this event a success.

For many families, these backpacks mean more than pencils and notebooks—they represent confidence, readiness, and the excitement of starting a new school year on the right foot.

At Planet Youth Calgary, we believe that investing in our future begins with supporting children today. By creating opportunities like this, we’re helping youth feel prepared, supported, and empowered to thrive.

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On May 24, 2024, the Erin Woods Community Association came together to celebrate the unveiling of a powerful new Indigenous art mural — a project that blended creativity, culture, and community connection. Led by Planet Youth Calgary in collaboration with Indigenous artist Flora Johnson, this initiative was more than an artistic endeavor; it was a meaningful journey of learning, reconciliation, and belonging.

With support from the Greater Forest Lawn and Indigenous Parallel Community Coalitions, along with partners including the City of Calgary, Calgary Arts Development, and the Ward 9 Office, 5 youth artists devoted over 600 hours outside of school to bring the mural to life. Guided by Flora, the youth learned the techniques of large-scale mural painting while deepening their understanding of Indigenous culture and history through storytelling, mentorship, and reflection.

Over 3 months, what began as a project among strangers became a close-knit group of young artists who embodied key Planet Youth domains in action. The experience strengthened peer connections and offered a positive leisure and recreation opportunity outside of school hours. It fostered skill development and leadership, encouraged family and community engagement, and created a supportive environment that promoted connection, respect, and shared learning.

As the mural took shape, curious community members stopped to ask questions and learn about its meaning, transforming the worksite into a living classroom of culture and conversation.

The unveiling event brought together more than 60 attendees — including youth, families, Indigenous Elders, and local leaders — to celebrate the artists’ achievements. Each youth was recognized with a certificate and shared a personal artist bio. They chose the mural’s name and wrote a poem to accompany it, now displayed on a plaque beside their work, leaving a lasting mark on the Erin Woods community.

This mural stands as a vibrant symbol of youth creativity, reconciliation, and community pride — and a reflection of how Planet Youth’s prevention-focused approach fosters leadership, connection, and wellbeing for young people across all domains of life.

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

In April 2025, the Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills Youth Council hosted its first community event — a celebration designed to bring people together, raise awareness about Planet Youth, and create a space for connection and fun. With 150 youth and 100 adults in attendance, the event became a lively example of youth leadership and community collaboration.

The gathering featured a traditional Easter egg hunt, interactive community questions, and a variety of games and activities for children and youth of all ages. Attendees were invited to share their thoughts on questions like, “What programs or activities would you like to see in your community?” and “What are some of the challenges young people face here?”

Guided by the enthusiasm and initiative of the Youth Council members, this event reflected several Planet Youth domains in action. It fostered peer connections and leadership development for the youth organizers, encouraged family engagement through shared recreation, and strengthened the community environment by creating a safe, inclusive space for neighbors to gather.

By the end of the day, new friendships had formed, families had connected, and the community had experienced firsthand the positive impact of youth-led initiatives — a true reflection of the Planet Youth approach in action.

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The Shawnessy Community Coalition launched the Campfire Connection series in 2024, and it continues to bring people together into 2025. Between May 2024 and October 2025, Planet Youth Calgary and Cardel Rec South hosted 15 free events for community members to gather, connect, and engage in shared experiences.

Campfire Connections offers activities designed to spark youth interest and foster protective factors across multiple Planet Youth domains. Youth and families can try new sports with Future Stars Cricket Academy, enjoy indoor skating with equipment provided by KidSport Skate Shack, or celebrate Indigenous culture through traditional games — promoting leisure and recreation, peer connections, and cultural learning. Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over a campfire creates informal opportunities for relaxed social interaction, strengthening community environment and family engagement.

Community members also volunteer at each event, providing leadership and teamwork opportunities and modeling positive social involvement for youth. On average, nearly 100 people attend each gathering, highlighting the series’ success in fostering belonging, connection, and community pride.

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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 creating spaces where youth — especially young women — could feel empowered, supported, and connected to peers and the wider community. One highlight of 2024 was the All-Girls Sports Event at John G. Diefenbaker High School, held in collaboration with the YMCA.

This initiative provided a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for young women to engage in physical activities and sports. It went beyond fitness, promoting mental wellness, personal empowerment, and a strong sense of community connection (Peer Group and Community/School Environment domains). Participants also benefited from mentorship opportunities, fostering confidence, leadership, and skill development (School and Peer Group domains).

The program addressed notable gender disparities in physical activity: research shows girls are consistently less involved in sports and structured physical activities than boys. By offering a targeted opportunity for young women to participate fully, Planet Youth Calgary promoted equitable access to recreational and social opportunities (Leisure and Recreation domain).

Participation in sports also contributes to resilience, reduces stress and anxiety, and supports positive social networks. For these young women, the All-Girls Sports event provided a platform to build peer connections, develop leadership, and make positive choices — supporting Planet Youth’s upstream, preventative approach to youth wellbeing.

This initiative demonstrates the impact of youth-focused, inclusive programming that strengthens protective factors across domains, empowering young women to thrive both personally and socially.