Building Community, One Court at a Time

Building Community, One Court at a Time

At the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, our mission is clear: every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, both inside the classroom and beyond. For many students across our city, limited access to essential resources can create significant barriers to success in school.  We support students by removing barriers to learning, ensuring every child has access to the tools and supports they need to succeed.

True success, however, does not happen in isolation. It thrives through the power of community and the extraordinary impact of visionary corporate partnerships. Over the last four years, Go Auto has exemplified this commitment, serving as a dedicated community champion for Edmonton Public Schools and the neighborhoods they anchor.  

About Fresh Hoops: More Than a Court

The Fresh Hoops program began as a grassroots movement to replace basketball nets and has expanded to offer full-court renovations at multiple schools. Courts updated through Fresh Hoops receive new poles, backboards, nets and freshly painted court lines and tarmac games. 

Fresh Hoops courts promote physical health, mental wellness and community pride. They serve as safe, inclusive environments for sport and recreation both during the school day and for the broader neighborhood after school hours.

Go Auto’s Transformational Commitment

In 2023, the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation received a generous donation of $500,000 from Go Auto to refresh EPSB courts across the city. 

Through its Go Gives Back program, Go Auto is focused on helping young people succeed by funding initiatives that directly impact their lives. For Go Auto, Fresh Hoops checked every box.

For Jared Priestner, Principal and Owner of Go Auto, supporting Fresh Hoops is a reflection of Go Auto’s values and long-term vision for giving back.

“Fresh Hoops struck a chord,” Priestner says. “We wanted to support something that was tangible and impactful for kids. Something they could see, feel and use every day. The courts are colourful, inviting and they send a message that someone cares about these kids and their schools.”

 “It’s not just about writing a cheque,” he says. “It’s about being part of something that creates a lasting impact. These courts will be here for years. Kids will grow up on them. That’s the kind of change we want to be part of.”

Since the program launched:

• 13 courts have been completed.
• 3 are currently in progress, completing the painting of lines and tarmac games.
• 5 are scheduled to begin work this Summer.

We anticipate that 21 courts will be completed by Fall 2026. Across these 21 courts, more than 7,100 students will have access to refreshed basketball courts for outdoor play and physical activity during the school day.

Why Fresh Hoops Matters

The success of Fresh Hoops is a testament to the power of community. Because of Go Auto and Fresh Hoops, we are able to provide essential opportunities for sport and play to help youth thrive at school and beyond. With Go Auto’s support, we have created spaces that inspire confidence, connection and joy.

“We were able to get new hoops, a fresh tarmac and some tarmac games.  I have witnessed an increase in use of the basketball court both during and after school hours. Abbott has a new basketball team and participated in our first tournament last year. We will be using the hoops when the snow leaves this year to sharpen our skills for this year’s tournament as they are the only regulation height hoops we have. The team has helped build a sense of belonging at our school and was a highlight for many students last year. The tarmac games have helped teach cooperative skills to our students and minimized conflict at recess.”

-Bobbi Whitrow, Principal, Abbott School

“The court allows more students to be engaged in sports and gives students choices based on their interests. Prior to having the court done, students were overcrowded in the soccer field and many issues used to arise. Healthy activities always help students with their learning, emotional regulations and developing social skills and healthy interactions with peers.”

-Sanaa El-Hassany, Principal, Callingwood School

“This renovation is more than just an upgrade to our facilities. It represents the spirit of our community – a place where we come together, support each other, and grow stronger as a team.“

-Shannon Harwood, Principal, Centennial School

We are grateful to Go Auto for choosing to support the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation and for being a steadfast partner and community champion. Through Go Auto’s transformational investment in Fresh Hoops, they have done far more than upgrade physical infrastructure. They’ve turned aging outdoor courts into vibrant, dynamic school and community hubs, giving Edmonton’s youth a profound sense of belonging and the confidence to soar. 

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