At YMCA Calgary, we’re dedicated to empowering young people with the tools and experiences to grow and thrive. A vital part of that mission is our Healthy Living School (HLS), which emphasizes the importance of community, and the impact each person can have on the wellbeing of their community.
The annual Healthy Living School Backpack Fundraiser is one way the YMCA teaches students about philanthropy, empathy, and social responsibility. Through this hands-on project, students discover that even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference. Today we sat down with Morgan Fong, Healthy Living School Supervisor, to learn more about the project and how our members can help.
Meet Morgan – A Leader in Healthy Living at YMCA Calgary
Hello! My name is Morgan, and I’m the Healthy Living School Supervisor. I began my journey with the YMCA in 2015 as a Day Camps Counsellor at Melcor YMCA, which eventually led me to my current role. Now, I help teachers and students across Calgary connect, learn and grow through the HLS program. My role involves coordinating with teachers to tailor a week of activities that help students explore healthy living and community building through experiences like climbing, visual arts and drama.
What is Healthy Living School?
Healthy Living School is a program within Campus Calgary/Open Minds, aimed at empowering Calgary’s youth to make healthy choices that benefit both themselves and their communities. HLS is not just about physical health – it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, leadership and social responsibility. Our mission is to show young people that the YMCA is a space where they can find friendship, passion and purpose.
Who Can Join?
The Healthy Living School program is open to Calgary district schools with grades ranging from 3 to 12. Teachers apply in early spring, and spots are limited. This year, we received over 63 applications but could only accept 20 classes. Teachers who want to involve their students in this program apply by sharing how they plan to integrate the HLS experience with their curriculum and community goals.
What is the Backpack Fundraiser?
Each December, HLS hosts a special project to teach students about giving back. This year, we’re teaming up with four Grade 5 classes from Citadel Park School to assemble backpacks filled with school supplies, which will be donated to local kids in need. Each backpack will include essentials like pencils, notebooks and a heartfelt note from the student who packed it. This experience helps students understand the power of generosity and what it means to support their peers.
How You Can Help
To make this project a success, we’re in need of backpack donations – new or gently used – that can be filled with supplies and messages of encouragement. We’re aiming for 94 backpacks so that each student can make one complete kit. While we appreciate any school supplies, our most urgent need is backpacks.
Backpacks can be dropped off at Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge between now and December 1 at the Customer Service desk.
Why Does This Matter?
This fundraiser is more than just an opportunity to donate; it’s a chance for young people to experience the joy of giving and learn about the challenges other people face. Many students involved have commented on how powerful it feels to help, and teachers have noticed how this project instills empathy and compassion.
“Our students are often on the receiving end of the generosity of others, so the chance to give, rather than receive, resonated strongly. They loved preparing the bags and writing messages of encouragement – it was a wonderful experience,” says a Grade 5/6 teacher at Vista Heights School, which helped with this project in a previous year.
Thank you for supporting our Backpack Fundraiser and helping our students experience the joy of giving back. Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community.