Powered by the community: 2025–26 Foundation impact
Walk into any Division school and you’ll hear it: the bounce of a basketball on a vibrant new court, the pages of a brand-new book turning in a Kindergarten classroom or the shared laughter over a healthy, nourishing lunch. As the 2025–26 school year draws to a close, the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation is looking back with immense gratitude on another incredible year of making a meaningful difference — all thanks to the generosity of staff, students, partners, donors and volunteers.
Because of this generosity, vital support reached thousands of students across the Division. Here is a look at what was achieved this year.
Bridging the digital divide
A total of 482 Chromebooks were delivered to students across 81 schools. These devices went directly to students who lacked access to technology at home, ensuring they have an equal playing field to study, research and keep up with their learning.
Nourishing students
A total of $170,000 was allocated to 88 schools through the Top-ups for Tummies program. This funding fueled bright minds by providing nutritious snacks, breakfasts and lunches to approximately 4,700 students every single day. (A special thank you to the Westman Charitable Foundation, the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund, the Allard Foundation and many passionate community partners for keeping students energized and ready to learn!)
Revitalizing community spaces
Fresh Hoops courts continue to spark joy, promoting physical health, mental wellness and community pride. Three courts are currently in progress, and another five are scheduled to begin transformation this summer. (A special thank you to Go Auto for their transformational gift, turning aging outdoor spaces into vibrant, dynamic hubs for schools and their neighbourhoods!)
Inspiring a love of reading
With the help of generous community partners, classroom libraries were filled with thousands of new books to help students foster a love for reading.
- Year 2 of EPCOR’s early literacy donation supported 25 Full-day Kindergarten schools purchasing over 3,600 books, which were enjoyed by over 1,650 students.
- Jayman BUILT and the Westman Charitable Foundation announced a three-year commitment to fill Kindergarten to Grade 3 classroom library shelves with new books, supporting 15 schools annually—in its first year, over 5,750 books were purchased, sparking imagination and creativity for approximately 137 classrooms and over 3,400 students.
Honouring a legacy with movement
This past May, the Foundation launched the first annual Move for Kids Movement Challenge to honor long-standing Foundation Board Chair Dr. Linda Miller as her time on the board comes to a close. Inspired by her lifelong philosophy that physical activity is the ultimate catalyst for mental health, social connection and academic success, participants of all ages got moving! From morning jogs to classroom stretch breaks, Move for Kids raised approximately $2,500 to support students.
Campaign generosity
The Foundation is thankful for the way the community rallied to support this year’s fundraising campaigns and outreach initiatives:
- The school year started strong with the Fueling Futures: Back to School Fundraising Campaign. Together, we surpassed our goal and $11,186 was raised, giving students a strong start to the school year by providing resources, technology and the support they need to succeed.
- The Pack the Pack school supplies drive at Kingsway Mall was also a great success. The community rallied to donate over 1,600 school supplies, including backpacks, binders, notebooks, paper and pencils, equipping students with the confidence to start their year strong.
- In December, the community raised $15,650 through the Give the Gift of Opportunity Holiday Campaign, providing lasting support for public education well beyond the holiday season
- Wrap and Roll at Kingsway Mall raised nearly $8,000 thanks to more than 130 dedicated staff, students and volunteers who joyfully wrapped over 900 gifts.
Grassroots and community support
The Foundation is incredibly grateful to the local organizations and individuals who generously hosted their own fundraisers:
- Malmo Plains Community Haunted House (October 2025): Turned spooky thrills into student support by raising $1,315.
- Public School Administrators Association’s BIDS for KIDS (May 2026): Celebration and generosity came together, with silent and live auctions raising $18,000 for students.
- Breaking the Silence Walk/Run (June 2026): Laced up their sneakers and raised an incredible $12,000 dedicated to student mental wellness.
Our shared impact
Once the final school bell rings for the summer, the work of the Foundation continues — preparing next year’s programming, connecting with community partners and laying the groundwork for an even greater impact this fall.
Support is more than a financial gift, as it’s also a powerful vote of confidence in public education, and a direct investment in the potential of Division students and proof of what we can achieve when we stand together.
We hope that you have a wonderful, safe and sun-filled summer!
