Hundreds of volunteers gathered in the grandstand building in Stampede Park to ensure some of the needs of vulnerable youth were met prior to the arrival of winter conditions.
The 12th Gear Up event provided young people, between the ages of 12 and 24, who are marginally housed and street entrenched with an opportunity to gather winter clothing and supplies.
“This is a special event for youth where they’re able to not only get the stuff that they need, but to connect with the appropriate people to hopefully start making changes or positive choices,” explained Nicole Mizzi, a social worker who is also a sitting member of the Gear Up steering committee.
Participants are offered flu shots, dry haircuts and medical attention as well as the opportunity to connect with organizations that assist youth. Mizzi says bringing awareness to available help may aid the young people at a future date.
“If they’re in a space that they feel is unsafe at least they have someone to connect with.”
Through the years, Gear Up has assisted more than 2,600 participants.
“Last year alone, we had 438 young people,” explained Mizzi. “We went through 350 backpacks in 60 minutes. It was unreal. We’ve never seen anything like it. We had nothing left over.”
Organizers have prepared to assist 500 people during this year’s event.
There is little advertising in the weeks prior to Gear Up and awareness for the highly anticipated event circulates by word of mouth.
“This is Christmas for them,” said Mizzi. “They talk about this all year long. They wait for Gear Up. We actually have youth that come back who are paid youth volunteers who used to come as participants but now have gotten a new space in their life and feel the need to give back.”
“They love the event so much they just don’t want to leave it.”
For additional information visit Gear Up Calgary.
