GEAR UP 2026November 5 · 1:30–5:30 p.m · Grandstand/GMC Stadium at Stampede GroundsYouth must be present to collect items.
Gear Up for Winter

CALGARY’S COMMUNITY. CALGARY’S YOUTH.

ONE AFTERNOON.
A WHOLE
COMMUNITY
BEHIND THEM.

Gear Up brings the community together to help street-connected youth prepare for winter and connect with essential services and support.

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Backpacks ready to be distributed at a Gear Up event
THE NEXT GEAR UPThursday, November 5, 2026
1:30–5:30 p.mGrandstand/GMC Stadium at Stampede Grounds
Download the 2026 event poster PDF

MORE THAN WINTER GEAR

Practical help.
Human connection.
All in one place.

A busy Gear Up event with tables, volunteers, and visitors throughout the hall

A warm coat. A hot meal. Someone who can help with the next step.

Since 2004, Gear Up has brought Calgary’s community together for an afternoon of winter supplies, self-care, and access to youth-serving supports.

Youth ages 12–24 can pick up a backpack, access essential services, and connect with organizations that can support them beyond the event.

For more information, read the 2026 Gear Up for Winter Donor Letter PDF

WHAT THE AFTERNOON BRINGS TOGETHER

Support for winter.
Connections that carry on.

Folded clothing ready for distribution at Gear Up

Winter essentials

Backpacks, warm clothing, winter gear, and hygiene supplies.

A barber giving an attendee a haircut at Gear Up

Health & self-care

Haircuts, flu shots, medical and dental supports, and harm reduction supplies.

Attendees speaking with staff at a Gear Up support table

People & services

Elder support, legal advice, and connections with youth-serving organizations.

BE PART OF THE AFTERNOON

Help make it happen.

Individuals, workplaces, and community groups all play a part to make this happen. Support Gear Up through monetary donations, needed items, and partnerships. Use the inquiry form to discuss how you can help.

GIVE ITEMS

Put practical support
in a young person’s hands.

Contribute winter clothing, hygiene essentials, or other needed items. Your workplace or community group can also organize a donation drive.

Donation drop-off locations

The Alex Youth Health Centre
#104, 2840 2 Ave SE
Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Orion Building (Trellis)
1118 16th Avenue SW
Any time

Please mention that your donation is for Gear Up.

Ask about item donations

Current needs

Clothing

  • Gloves and mitts
  • Toques
  • New underwear, all sizes
  • New or used coats
  • New bras

Hygiene

  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Floss
  • Hairbrushes and combs
  • Feminine hygiene items
  • Soap
  • Body wash
  • Shampoo and conditioner

Other essentials

  • Gift cards
  • Adult bus tickets

BUSINESSES & COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Your organization.
A community effort.

Businesses and organizations help make this afternoon possible through donations of items, resources, and time. Tell us how you’d like to participate, and we’ll connect you with the committee.

For more information, read the 2026 Gear Up for Winter Donor Letter PDF

Start a conversation.

Opens an email draft to Danene Lenstra in your email app. Review and send it there.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAKES IT POSSIBLE

Our sponsors & supporters.

Thank you to the businesses, organizations, and community groups contributing to Gear Up.

A GRASSROOTS EFFORT SINCE 2004

Our organizing committee.

Gear Up is planned by a committee of Calgary organizations working together to support youth.

Gear Up volunteers in green shirts preparing tables of supplies at the 2015 event
The Alex
Bow Valley College
Calgary John Howard Society
Closer to Home
Elbow River Healing Lodge
Hull Services
McMan
My Potentia
Primary Care Alberta
Recovery Alberta
Trellis Society
USAY
Wood’s Homes

NOVEMBER 5, 2026

Let’s put a whole
community behind them.

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