Olds families can now get free school supplies, clothing, and shoes for their children through a new program at the Olds Community Connection Centre. The program is for any child who attends a school in Olds, Alberta, and aims to help with the high cost of getting ready for a new school year.
The Community Connection Centre serves as a hub for social supports in Olds. It is funded through the Family and Community Services program, a partnership between the Town of Olds and the Government of Alberta. Several community organizations are connected to the centre: BGC Olds & Area operates The Zone Youth Centre on site, United Way Central Alberta has provided multi-year funding to BGC Olds & Area, and the Olds & District Christmas Angels Society supports year-round resources like the Coats for Everyone clothing program, run by the Community Lending Shelf. Families can sign up online through the Community Connection Centre to get help before school starts.
Back-to-school costs can put a lot of pressure on household budgets. A 2024 Deloitte report found that families spend almost $600 per student on back-to-school supplies, a figure often cited as a benchmark for Canadian households. By offering these items at no cost, the program hopes to make sure kids have what they need without adding financial stress for parents.
The Community Connection Centre is at 4911 51 Avenue in Olds. The centre acts as a hub for different social supports, with partner organizations like BGC Olds & Area operating The Zone Youth Centre right on site.
The Olds & District Christmas Angels Society, known for its holiday hampers, supports year-round community resources such as the Coats for Everyone program, which is run by the Community Lending Shelf and gives away free outdoor clothing for all ages. Their connection to the back-to-school effort shows how local groups are branching out to meet ongoing community needs.
United Way Central Alberta has put more than $657,616 into regional programs, including multi-year funding for BGC Olds & Area. The new school supply program builds on those existing partnerships and the strong network of support already in place for Olds residents.
