Thank You for Helping Build Stronger Communities and Futures

The Inner City Youth Development Association would like to extend its thanks and gratitude to the NIB Trust Fund (now the Future Generations Foundation) for their generous support of our 'Negan Tepeh' program. Your commitment to this program is instrumental in addressing the profound challenges faced by marginalized Indigenous urban youth in our program and in our local community.   

The funding enabled us to provide crucial resources and supports to create opportunities for marginalized Indigenous youth, helping them overcome intergenerational trauma and other barriers  while allowing them to develop the skills to build a brighter future. 

Most of those we work with suffer from varying degrees of intergenerational trauma. Your funding assisted with our mandate to:

• respond to the TRC’s Calls to Action.

• respond to the needs of the youth we serve with respect and hope.

• provide youth with resources, tools, and attitudes to help stabilize their lives.

• provide youth with cultural opportunities, to strengthen their cultural identity, traditions, and educational pursuits.

So, again, we thank the Foundation for believing in our mission and for your ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for Indigenous youth, here, and across Canada. Your support has made a positive impact and difference in creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

With sincere appreciation,

Joe Cloutier
Inner City Youth Development Association

Omen Brewing Donates From Second Canada Day Fundraiser

Our thanks to Edmonton's Omen Brewery for their second Canada Day fundraiser for Inner City. Funds raised this year will go to supporting our lunch program. Pictured are Spencer (Left) and Rhys (Right). Omen is a family operated small batch craft brewery that focuses on darker styles of beer.

2021 Charity Options: Giving Tuesday & Holiday Gifts

The pandemic has been long and relentless. Yet, we’ve moved through it for two years, adjusting courses and programming, pushing forward with a spirit of community and a sense of resiliency and positivity. For those we serve, moving from the street to the classroom is a difficult process during the best of times… and these have not been the best of times.    

Like the pandemic, this year was also upended by another major traumatic event: the location of thousands of Indigenous children recovered from unmarked graves at former residential schools. For many non-Indigenous Peoples, the truth of this lived reality was new and deeply uncomfortable. For Indigenous youth, however, this truth is old and familiar. 

Truth and Reconciliation is much larger than government. It is a collective responsibility made up of individual actions by individuals. It starts with acceptance, understanding, and support.    

Against that backdrop, our supporters have remained a bright spot over the past year. We want to acknowledge those who have continued to provide contributions and encouragement, allowing us to serve marginalized Indigenous and other youth looking to improve themselves and change their trajectory. From individuals, offices, restaurants, breweries, banks, law firms, shops and more — your contributions have continued to help Edmonton’s youth help themselves.

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Three ways you can help us this holiday season:  

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• Donate Online or by Mail

Your single or monthly reoccurring contribution will help fund our wrap-around programming. From our hot lunch and snack program, to our in-house youth support services, to cultural supports, your gift will help Edmonton youth overcome barriers and keep moving forward.

Contribution can also be mailed, too! Care of: Inner City Youth Development Association, PO Box 11506 STN MAIN, Edmonton, AB T5J 3K7 

• Sponsor Holiday Our Gift Bags 

Before we break for the holidays, we provide each youth with a gift bag to show them they matter. The gifts have a practical component too. They provide resources to help the youth make it until we reopen in January. Each gift bag provides youth with toques, mitts, coffee cards, grocery gift certificates, bus tickets and movie passes.

Click To Learn More Here

• Host Your Own Fundraiser 

Consider hosting a fundraiser and activating your friends, family and neighbours. This is a great way to honour our values as you support our organization. From drives, to classes or performances, to sports challenges, setting up a personal fundraiser with proceeds going to Inner City is easier than you think. Get creative help those who need it in our community. 

““For those we serve, moving from the street to the classroom is a difficult process at the best of times… and these have not been the best of times.””

““Smudging, beading, sweat lodge
ceremonies, and talking circles are offered as part of our school community.” ”

“In the Circle we are stronger. Our day starts and ends with a Circle comprised of students and staff. All have a voice. ”

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For support or questions about donations, partnerships or holiday giving,
please contact our communications and partnership director: jeff.day@innercity.ca   

Thank You and Happy Holidays from our Staff and Community Members!  

30 Annual Fall Classic A Winner!

Thank You All Sponsors, Volunteers and Participants

Thanks to everyone who helped out at the Fall Classic this year. It was a perfect autumn day for an outdoor activity along the river valley. Not too warm and not too cold — just right for a walk or run. We would to say a special special thanks to all those who supported us to ensure the day was successful. That includes:

• Servus Credit Union for their event sponsorship.
• The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for their continued support and providing us with the Taylor Hall autographed Edmonton Oilers sweater. (The sweater was a popular silent auction item after the run.)
• The Running Room for organizing the run
• McCallumn Printing for their help with printing of our promotional materials.
• Hök Nik Creative for helping us get the word out in print and on the web,.  
• Inner City staff who helped with preparations and on the day.
• All the volunteers that worked hard to ensure the day went smoothly.

The support and energy that was demonstrated by those listed (and those behind the scenes - such as our Board and many others ) was much appreciated.   

The young and the young at heart enjoying pancakes and conversation in the comunity hall after the race.