Community Care in Action: How Summer Gear Up is Making a Difference

Jun 27, 2025

Summer in Calgary can be beautiful, but for many in our community, it can also be incredibly difficult.

That’s why CMHA Calgary launched our first-ever Summer Gear Up event: to offer comfort, dignity, and practical support to people who may be experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or simply facing a tough time. Whether someone needed basic supplies, a meal, or just a reminder that they matter, this event was about showing up with care and without judgment.

Thanks to the generosity of our partners, volunteers, and donors, we were able to distribute hundreds of summer kits filled with essential items like water bottles, sunscreen, socks, snacks, and coffee gift cards. These are small things, but they make a big difference when you’re trying to stay safe and well.

Just as important was the atmosphere—welcoming, inclusive, and filled with the kind of Calgary community spirit that reminds us all we’re not alone. People were greeted with smiles. They were offered food, conversation, and care. There was no rush or pressure, just kindness.

We’re incredibly grateful to our partners who helped make this possible:

• Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Doane Grant Thornton LLP, and Mancal Corporation provided financial support, donated supplies, and sent dedicated volunteers to help distribute kits and food.
• Cynthia’s No Frills donated food that allowed us to offer a hot, nourishing meal to every guest.
• And to all of the volunteers who gave their time and energy, thank you for being the heart of this initiative.

Summer Gear Up is more than an event. It’s a message that everyone deserves care. A reminder that a city is strongest when it looks after all its people. And proof that even small gestures— a care kit, a bottle of water, a meal—can carry a lot of hope.

This was our first Summer Gear Up, and it won’t be our last. We’re committed to continuing this work and expanding its reach. We’re so thankful to have a community that stands behind us.

Thank you for being part of it.

– The CMHA Calgary Team