January 2026
Learn More | Donate
Welcome to the January 2026 edition of Heartprints! As we kick off a new year, we are celebrating the incredible community support that ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive. From the successful rollout of Top-ups for Tummies funding to the heartwarming results of our holiday campaign and Wrap and Roll fundraiser, this issue highlights the tangible difference your generosity makes in Edmonton classrooms.
Thank you for your continued belief in public education and for helping our students start the new year feeling supported and ready to learn.
With gratitude,
Edmonton Public Schools Foundation team
Top-ups for Tummies funding rolls out to Division schools
.png)
When students have access to nutritious food at school, they are better able to focus, learn and fully participate in their day. However, for many families across our city, rising food costs and changing circumstances can make consistent access to healthy meals a challenge.
Top-ups for Tummies allows schools across the Division to apply for funding to fill gaps in existing school nutrition strategies or address emerging needs for a small number of students.
We are pleased to share that for the 2025-26 school year, the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation allocated $170,000 in funding to 88 schools across the Division. This funding has increased from $137,920 across 79 schools in the 2024-25 school year.
These numbers tell a powerful story of schools actively working to ensure students have what they need to succeed and of our donors and community partners stepping up to help meet that need.
This year, schools will use funding for a variety of nutrition supports, including:
- Breakfast and lunch items for students who arrive at school hungry
- Fruit bowls placed in common areas for easy student access throughout the day
- Nutritious snacks provided to students in need, such as granola bars, trail mix, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs and cereal with milk
- Lunch programs that allow students to discreetly access meals alongside their peers
- A soup and bannock program and other culturally responsive food supports
Each school-based approach reflects the specific needs of the students being served while reinforcing a sense of belonging and care within the school environment.
Visit our blog post to learn more about how you can support full hearts, full tummies and full potential.
.png)
Welcome Maureen!
We are pleased to welcome Maureen Shenher to the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation team as our new Communications and Donor Relations Specialist. Maureen will be crafting engaging content, strengthening donor and community relationships and supporting fundraising initiatives that make a real difference for students across the Division. We’re thrilled to have her join our small but mighty team!
Thank you for supporting our Give the Gift of Opportunity Holiday Campaign!
Once again, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support during our Give the Gift of Opportunity Holiday Campaign.
Together, we raised $15,650 for Edmonton students! Because of your generosity, students across Edmonton will begin the new year with the resources, support and encouragement they need to thrive.
Your belief in public education makes a difference that lasts far beyond the holiday season.
Thank you!
.png)
Wrapping up Wrap and Roll
Last month, our team “wrapped up” our annual Wrap and Roll event at Kingsway Mall, and we are still blown away by the incredible generosity shown by the community.
We’re thrilled to share that together, we raised nearly $8,000 and wrapped over 900 gifts!
To Kingsway Mall, our volunteers who generously gave their time and the many shoppers who stopped by our station to have a gift wrapped or make a donation - thank you!
Because of you, students across our 214 schools are entering the new year feeling more supported, confident and ready to learn.
Donor Recognition: ECECAF
Today, we are shining a spotlight on one of our incredible, long-time donors: Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund (ECECAF).
Since 2011, ECECAF has donated over $424,000 to the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, transforming their belief in community into tangible support for students and families.
ECECAF’s support has reached classrooms, hallways and playgrounds across Edmonton Public Schools. These donated funds ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, has the tools and opportunities to learn, grow and belong. ECECAF’s impact can be seen in the small moments that shape a student’s school day: a backpack filled with supplies, a Chromebook to make learning possible or a nutritious meal that fuels learning from the very first bell.
Thank you, ECECAF, for your continued support of students.
To learn more about ECECAF and how you can amplify your impact, visit the blog.
