Flipp'n Burgers Delivers Christmas Joy, But Calgary's Homeless Crisis Deepens

The Scene: A Taste of Christmas Kindness in Kensington

While most Calgarians were cozying up for Christmas Eve, a familiar, comforting scent wafted through the crisp air of Kensington: the delicious promise of Flipp'n Burgers. This wasn't just another busy night for the local eatery; it was the seventh consecutive year they’ve upheld a heartfelt Christmas Eve tradition of giving back to our city’s most vulnerable. On December 24, 2025, Flipp'n Burgers made two substantial donations, dishing out 400 burgers each to both the Calgary Drop-In Centre and The Mustard Seed, providing a warm, hearty meal during the coldest time of year.

What's Changing: The Stark Reality Beyond the Festive Cheer

But beneath the heartwarming glow of community generosity, a stark reality continues to challenge our city: the escalating crisis of homelessness. The Calgary Homeless Foundation's 2024 Point-in-Time (PiT) count, released earlier this year, revealed a troubling increase, with 3,121 individuals identified as experiencing homelessness in Calgary. This marks a significant jump from the 2,782 recorded just two years prior in 2022. This growing need for support is compounded by significant policy shifts at the provincial level. Tim Richter, a leading voice in anti-homelessness efforts and former president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation, voiced deep concern in December 2024 regarding the Alberta government's overhaul of funding models for agencies tackling homelessness, stating unequivocally that it "turns back the clock on the homelessness response in Alberta 15 years" and is a "terribly dangerous move that will cost more, hurt people in the long run, and leave homelessness to explode across the province."

The Neighborhood Vibe: Local Love Meets Crucial Guidelines

Flipp'n Burgers wasn't just helping shelters; they were spreading cheer directly within the neighbourhood, offering free burgers to walk-in customers throughout Christmas Eve. Their goal was to serve over 1,000 burgers in total that day, embodying the spirit of local love that defines communities like Kensington. This kind of grassroots generosity, however, also operates within important parameters. Food donations to charities and shelters in Alberta are subject to strict Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines to ensure food safety. These mandates require facilities like Flipp'n Burgers to possess a valid Food Handling Permit, maintain proper temperature control (keeping perishable foods at or below 4°C), and uphold sanitary conditions. It’s a testament to their commitment that such large-scale donations meet these crucial health standards.

Looking Ahead: Sustained Action Beyond the Season

As the festive season winds down and another year begins, the efforts of businesses like Flipp'n Burgers remind us of Calgary's deep community spirit and the power of local action. Yet, the ever-present and deepening challenge of homelessness, underscored by rising numbers and critical funding debates, demands sustained attention and collaborative solutions from every corner of our city. The festive spirit of giving is a powerful start, but the need for compassion and concrete action to support our neighbours on Deerfoot and beyond extends far past Christmas Eve.