Poverty Awareness Month
BEYOND
SURVIVAL
together, everyone WINS
Calgary is ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world.*
BUT IS IT?
For many of us, Calgary is a great city to live.
But under the surface, many women and their families are facing a crisis.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Reality
Did you know that 344,165 Calgary women live below the poverty line and 73% of the city’s female-led, single parent households are food insecure?
Poverty in Calgary is growing, leaving many without access to basic needs like food, housing, and stability. Women, children, and vulnerable families are hit the hardest—turning everyday struggles into overwhelming challenges.
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The Struggle
The human body cannot function optimally without its most basic needs being met. When a woman is uncertain about how she will feed her children, her focus is narrowed to immediate survival. Without access to food and other essentials, individuals cannot maintain stability or build toward long-term growth, moving from thriving to simply surviving.
The Need
Alleviating a woman’s anxiety over how to obtain basic needs for herself and her family is an essential first step in supporting her journey to rise—and remain—above the poverty line. Demand for basic-need support continues to grow in Calgary, and we must come together to ensure that WINS can continue helping women and families build a better future for themselves and their children.
* Source: Calgary Poverty Profiles Enough for All
GENERAL
POPULATION
FAMILIES WITH
YOUNG CHILDREN
>25%
29%
skip meals so their kids can eat
serve meals that aren't nutritious
cannot afford
healthy food
Worry about
running out
of food
39%
63%
*Source: Calgary Foundation 2024 quality of life report
How WINS Helps
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A small act of kindness can turn hope into reality.
How You Can Help
You have the power to make a difference, even through small but impactful actions. Right now, as the demand for support continues to rise, donations and financial contributions are at an all-time low. This growing gap between the increasing need and shrinking resources puts immense pressure on our ability to provide essential services.
But you can help bridge this gap. By supporting organizations like WINS, you enable us to continue offering essential programs and services for free that help people with basic needs, emotional support, and employment training. Your actions matter!
Donate today to help WINS continue to meet the demand of Calgary women seeking an opportunity to rise above.
Make a donation
October 17 is the International Day for the
Eradication of Poverty
October 17, recognized as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the global fight to end poverty and social exclusion. Established by the United Nations, this day highlights the need to address the structural inequalities that contribute to poverty worldwide and emphasizes the dignity, rights, and capabilities of individuals experiencing poverty. It is a call for solidarity with those affected and a reminder that eradicating poverty is essential to achieving a more just and sustainable world.
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You are highly encouraged to wear red on October 17, Thursday, not just to show support, but to also make a statement that we, Calgarians, believe in building a city where everyone has the chance to thrive. The color red is a powerful symbol in the fight against poverty. It represents urgency, action, and the shared commitment to building a fair, inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to live with dignity.
External Resources for Those in Need
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of poverty, there are several organizations in Calgary ready to provide support just like us. These resources offer help with food security, housing, mental health and more to assist individuals and families during challenging times.
