Every Make Your Mark project is proof that young people are ready to lead. From winter survival kits to equity education campaigns, students are stepping up to create a better tomorrow.
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Grade 11 Design and Photography students at Harry Ainlay High School partnered with Pleasantview Seniors Lodge residents to create a storytelling project that connected youth and elders through interviews and photography. Their goal: to honour lived experience, spark meaningful conversations, and highlight the power of intergenerational connection. The project wrapped with a public showcase at Southgate Centre, celebrating both community wisdom and youth leadership.
Students launched a school-wide initiative to collect new and restore gently used shoes for children and youth in their community. They recognized that a lack of proper footwear can affect everything from classroom confidence to participation in sports and play. And in partnership with Kunitz Shoes, students also learned how to clean and repair donated shoes, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability and practical care. Their efforts are helping ensure that every child feels confident, comfortable, and ready to step into the day.
Students at Wîhkwêntôwin School designed a project to create culturally inclusive holiday hampers for families celebrating Diwali, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas, and more. By researching diverse traditions and connecting with community members, they deepened their understanding of cultural empathy and respect. By engaging with community leaders, presenting to peers, and securing local donations, they made a direct impact on over 300 people by fostering a stronger, more inclusive community for the holidays.
Grade 4 students at Hazeldean School worked together to collect hand warmers, foot warmers, and toques to support more than 300 unhoused people during Edmonton’s winter months. “As a teacher, seeing the students come together and work collectively towards one common goal is just absolutely incredible.” - Paige Van Horne, Teacher, Hazeldean School
Grade 9 students at St. Clement School decided to focus on breaking the cycle of period poverty. They researched the cost of menstrual products and created a budget with the goal to help women in shelters and raise awareness. “(Make Your Mark) definitely helped our leadership skills a lot, our confidence, and being able to speak out against injustice.” – Grade 9 students Adeel, Isabelle, and Mika
Students at Robina Baker Elementary created 144 “Cups of Caring”—hand-painted mugs filled with cozy socks and heartfelt messages. These thoughtful gifts were shared with seniors at a local care centre and community helpers, including volunteers at the local thrift store, to spread warmth and appreciation.
“We are united because of this project! Bringing all these students together was eventful and created many memories. The students, staff, families, and everyone involved in this project will carry on the many lessons learned forever!”
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15132 Stony Plain Road Edmonton, AB T5P 3Y3
We are all Treaty people. United Way acknowledges our connection to one another, here on Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. The diverse Indigenous Peoples of this land include the nêhiyawak, Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe, Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. Many of our staff are settlers living and working in this Territory. We all have a responsibility to uphold the spirit and intent of the original treaties and build relationships, trust, and understanding. We are grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture Indigenous people share with us as we walk the path towards reconciliation together. We honour and respect Indigenous contributions supporting our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.
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