Giving Month 2021: Generous Calgarians Open Hearts and Wallets to Address Key Issues – Calgary | The Canadian News

It has been a difficult year for many, but the generous Calgarians have opened their hearts and wallets to help once again.

The final tally for Global Calgary’s Month of Giving campaign stands at: an incredible $ 179,108.

For the second year in a row, Global Calgary has virtually partnered with four charities to raise money for food safety and mental health: Calgary Food Bank, Parachutes for Pets, Kerby Center, and the YMCA’s Y Mind program.

Each week the Global Calgary news team has been sharing stories about the great work that is being done in our community and the diverse needs these groups meet.

Parachutes for Pets helps low-income families within the Calgary area work for better health and wellness, not only for themselves, but also for their pets through accessible programs and resources.

Through your donations, Parachutes for Pets provides pet food baskets, vaccination and wellness clinics, grooming assistance, and emergency pet packs for those fleeing domestic violence, the homeless, low-income seniors, veterans and children who are in foster care with their furry friends.

The Kerby Center offers a safe place for seniors to call home while escaping financial, physical and / or emotional abuse.

For the past year, the shelter has been operating at 99 percent capacity and has had to turn away 370 vulnerable older people in need.

The Kerby Center says that many older people in Calgary are food insecure and its programs offer free food markets, food baskets, frozen meals and grocery delivery along with support visits to low-income and vulnerable seniors.

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The YMCA’s Y Mind program takes a preventive approach for youth experiencing a mental health crisis and having thoughts of self-harm. According to the organization, one in five Canadians will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in their lifetime, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent.

Using techniques based on Mindfulness Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapy, Y Mind provides participants with an understanding of how the stress response works, why our brains and bodies react the way they do, and provides practical tools and strategies to overcome physical and psychological discomfort without disengaging from life.

The Calgary Food Bank is the city’s main charitable food center and relies solely on the support of the community. Once it addresses the food emergencies customers face by providing food baskets, the food bank refers customers to partner agencies and programs for additional support.

The food bank can transform every donated dollar into food worth $ 5. The food bank says demand for its services increases in November and December and continues into the new year.

Throughout December, holiday content has been added to food baskets so customers can enjoy a holiday meal.

Thank you to our generous viewers for helping our friends and neighbors in our community who need help.

– with files from Jessika Guse, Global News