YES Centre Spreads Holiday Cheer, Gifting 500 Calgary Families This Season
The Gist: Bringing Joy Home for the Holidays
As the holiday season twinkles brighter in Calgary, the Youth Empowerment and Skills (YES) Centre has once again stepped up, ensuring hundreds of our neighbours don't miss out on the magic. For its third annual Christmas Kindness Spirit Gifts Giveaway in December 2025, the YES Centre distributed over 500 gift boxes to families across our city who needed it most. This incredible initiative, founded by Gar Gar and his family, has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings of assisting just two families to now reaching hundreds within our community. These aren't just any gifts; they're thoughtfully donated by generous individuals and businesses, reflecting the true spirit of giving right here in Calgary. And it's not just gifts – the YES Centre also planned a Christmas Spirit Turkey Giveaway for December 21, 2025, aiming to provide 300 families with a full holiday meal, ensuring more Calgarians can gather around a festive table.
Impact on Calgarians: More Than Just a Gift
For everyday Calgarians, initiatives like the YES Centre's gift and turkey giveaways offer a much-needed lifeline during what can be a financially stressful time. When one in four people in our city are struggling to meet their basic needs, as highlighted in the 2023 Calgary Foundation Quality of Life Report, these gestures mean the world. Imagine the relief for a parent in Ward 11, struggling to make ends meet, knowing their child will wake up to a present. Or a family stretching every dollar, now able to enjoy a traditional holiday meal without the added burden. The YES Centre, a dedicated non-profit focused on supporting at-risk youth and families, doesn't just hand out items; it delivers hope and practical support, easing the burden on families navigating tough economic waters and helping foster a stronger, more resilient community.
The Reality Check: How It's Funded
So, how do organizations like the YES Centre make such a significant impact possible? As a non-profit, the YES Centre operates within a vital network of social service funding programs. A cornerstone of this support is the Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Program, a joint municipal-provincial initiative. Through FCSS, the Province of Alberta contributes up to 80% of program costs, with the City of Calgary covering a minimum of 20%, often increasing its share to 25%. This program specifically funds non-profits to deliver preventive social services that enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities – exactly what the YES Centre does. Beyond FCSS, the City of Calgary offers various "Social programs and services Funding" opportunities and "Neighbourhood grants" for community initiatives that boost safety and well-being, further empowering local organizations to make a difference on our streets and in our neighbourhoods, from Deerfoot to The Bow.
The Flip Side: Giving Smartly
While the act of giving is universally celebrated, the broader charitable sector often faces scrutiny. Non-profit watchdog groups like Charity Intelligence Canada encourage donors to be discerning. Managing director Kate Bahen advises Calgarians, stating, "So … be a fan, cheer for the Flames, but seriously if you are looking at giving and in your giving to have impact and really go to help people, you have so many choices in Calgary." Her perspective emphasizes the importance of researching organizations on transparency, fundraising costs, and reserves to ensure contributions create the most significant positive change. For Calgarians looking to support, this means doing a little homework to ensure their generosity goes as far as possible, making sure every dollar truly counts for those in need.
The Bottom Line: Community Coming Together
The YES Centre's holiday initiative is a shining example of Calgary's community spirit in action. It’s a testament to how local non-profits, supported by a mix of government funding and grassroots donations, can address critical needs head-on. By providing tangible support – from gifts under the tree to turkeys on the table – the YES Centre, alongside its donors and partners, directly alleviates hardship for hundreds of Calgarian families, making our city a warmer, more supportive place for everyone, especially during the festive season.
