School’s Out for Summer!
Celebrating Another Year of Impact with the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation
As another school year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the moments that made the 2024-2025 school year truly unforgettable.
From heartfelt community fundraisers to the launch of high-impact Foundation programs, this year was all about showing up: for students, for schools, and for each other.
Powered by the community
This year, we saw incredible support from across our city. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- In December, our Wrap and Roll event at Kingsway Mall raised nearly $7,000, thanks to the 150+ staff, students, and volunteers who donated their time (and gift-wrapping talent!) to support our work.
- Earlier this year, donor Darcy Stevens climbed 500 flights of stairs to raise funds for the Foundation — an inspiring act of determination and heart.
- Other community fundraisers, like the Duchess Bake Shop Pancake Breakfast and school-led initiatives from Shauna May Seneca and McKernan Schools, reminded us just how deeply our community cares about students and public education.
- We put our circus skills to the test at the Public Schools Administrators Association’s (PSAA) annual event, Bids for Kids: A Carnival of Giving. This year’s event raised nearly $25,000 in support of the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation!
Our corporate partners stepped up in big ways too:
- Through Ashley Furniture’s A Hope to Dream program, 30 students at amiskwaciy Academy received brand-new beds just in time for the holidays.
- We celebrated the joy of reading with Book Nooks in four Jayman BUILT show homes across Edmonton.
Real support, real impact
This school year, the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation expanded our Division-wide programs to reduce barriers to learning and build brighter futures for students across our city.
- Over 620 Chromebooks were distributed to students through Chromebooks for Kids, helping bridge the digital divide for families who need it most. This is the highest demand for the program yet.
- Through Top-ups for Tummies, $137,000 was granted to 79 Division schools, providing students with access to the food they need to succeed.
- Thanks to Breaking the Silence and donors to our Mental Wellness pillar, $22,000 was put towards additional staff training and resources for teen mental health support.
- And let’s not forget Fresh Hoops, a school (and student!) favourite with Go Auto and the Edmonton Stingers. Since launching in 2023, we’ve helped refresh 16 basketball courts across Edmonton, with more courts getting a makeover this summer.
Reflecting on our impact
This year also marked our 15th anniversary, a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve together.
From Full-day Kindergarten and early literacy tools to mental wellness, nutrition, and access to technology, we remain focused on creating equitable opportunities for every student.
While schools may be out for summer, our work doesn’t stop. Behind the scenes, our small but mighty team is already planning for the year ahead: preparing for the roll-out of next year’s programs, connecting with donors, and laying the groundwork for even greater impact in the school years to come.
Thank you!
From our team at the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, and the students, staff and schools you impact every day, thank you for being part of this journey.
Your support is more than a gift; it’s a powerful vote of confidence in public education and in the potential of every child.
We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next year.