CALGARY, Alberta — Na’amat Canada Calgary is continuing a long-standing effort to support vulnerable children across Southern Alberta through its School Supplies for Kids program, an initiative that has assisted children living in domestic violence and homeless shelters since 1998.
The organization will host its annual Marathon Mom fundraiser on June 4 at Calgary’s Cardel Theatre to raise funds for the program, which provides backpacks and school supplies to children who have been displaced by family violence, homelessness, and other crises.
Organizers say the initiative is designed to help children maintain continuity in their education while providing a sense of dignity, stability, and normalcy during periods of significant upheaval.
Supporting Children During Difficult Transitions
Each year, children arrive at shelters throughout Calgary and Southern Alberta under difficult circumstances.
Many have fled domestic violence with a parent or guardian. Others are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. In many cases, they arrive carrying few personal belongings.
For children attempting to continue their education while navigating these challenges, the lack of basic school supplies can create additional barriers.
Na’amat Canada Calgary’s School Supplies for Kids program seeks to address that need by providing age-appropriate backpacks, notebooks, writing materials, calculators, binders, and other educational essentials.
According to program organizers, the initiative is about more than school supplies alone.
It is also intended to provide children with a sense of confidence and inclusion as they enter classrooms alongside their peers.
“When children arrive at shelters, they are often facing enormous uncertainty,” organizers explain. “Providing them with the tools they need for school helps restore a measure of stability and hope.”
More Than Two Decades of Community Service
The School Supplies for Kids program has operated continuously since 1998.
Over the past quarter-century, thousands of children have benefited from the initiative, which relies on donations, volunteers, and community partnerships.
The program reflects Na’amat Canada’s broader mission of supporting women, children, and families through education, social services, and community engagement.
Founded more than a century ago, Na’amat is one of the world’s largest Jewish women’s organizations, supporting programs in Canada and Israel that focus on education, child welfare, women’s empowerment, and social services.
The Calgary chapter has long been active in local charitable efforts, combining support for Israel with community-based initiatives that assist vulnerable populations in Alberta.
Marathon Mom Fundraiser Returns
This year’s Marathon Mom fundraiser is expected to bring together community members, donors, supporters, and volunteers committed to helping children facing difficult circumstances.
Funds raised will be directed toward purchasing school supplies and backpacks for distribution through local shelters.
Organizers say demand for assistance remains significant as many families continue to face economic pressures, housing challenges, and family instability.
By providing children with the materials needed to participate fully in school, the program seeks to reduce educational disruptions and improve long-term outcomes.
Educational experts have consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining school attendance and classroom engagement during periods of family crisis. Access to proper school supplies is often one of the first practical steps toward helping children remain connected to their education.
A Community Effort
The success of the School Supplies for Kids program depends heavily on community support.
Donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, and volunteer participation all contribute to ensuring that children entering shelters have access to the resources they need.
Organizers are encouraging members of the public to support the initiative through ticket purchases, donations, or awareness efforts.
They note that even small contributions can have a meaningful impact on a child’s educational experience.
For many children, receiving a new backpack filled with school supplies represents more than academic preparation. It can serve as a reminder that their community cares about their future and is invested in helping them succeed.
As the Marathon Mom fundraiser approaches, Na’amat Canada Calgary hopes to build on more than 25 years of service and continue providing practical assistance to children facing some of life’s most difficult challenges.
Those wishing to support the initiative can learn more, purchase tickets, or make donations through Na’amat Canada Calgary’s official fundraising page.
