Photo the Gear Up event at the Calgary Stampede's Grandstand
For the past 20 years, Gear Up Calgary has been helping at risk youth 14 to 24 years get ready for winter.
The event has become more crucial as everyday times have gone up in price due to the rate of inflation.
On November 9 2023, the annual event was held at the at Calgary Stampede’s Grandstand.
CJWE spoke with Gear Up Committee Member Danene Lenstra about how the event has grown over its 20 year history.
Photo of Danene Lenstra at the 2023 Winter Gear Up
The event provides a safe space for the youth to not only get much needed everyday items but also, connect with local organizations for extra support.
Some of those services included a haircut and pedicure from students at Delmar College located in Calgary Alberta.
The programs at the college require student to complete hours in their chosen trade before they are able to graduate.
Barber instructor at Delmar Mel Houston who has attended the gear up event for second year in a row, shared how gear up impacts the students.
Photo of Britta Siemens (left) and Mel Houston (right) at the 2023 Winter Gear Up
Apprenticeship teacher of Delmar Britta Siemens, explained why getting a pedicure is important to one’s mental state.
Another important component to the Gear Up event was providing a space for Indigenous people to connect with culture and community.
Levi First Charger who is the operations director of the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth and committee member of gear up.
Explained the importance of being able to provide smudge supplies to the indigenous youth at the event.
Photo of Levi First Charger at the 2023 Winter Gear Up
Over the twenty years Gear Up has provided 25 thousand socks, reached approximately six thousand youth while connecting them with 150 service providers in the City of Calgary.
To learn more and how you can help visit their website.
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