Information | Rezoning for Housing

Public hearing on April 22, 2024. Proposed rezoning will support more housing options in all communities.

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The Giving Wall

Participate in a pay-it-forward initiative with restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, enabling Calgarians to buy a meal or gift card for someone who may not be able to pay for one.

Particularly when schools are closed and breakfast and lunch programs are not as available, access to food support can be difficult for many Calgarians. Restaurants can be part of the solution in a way that generates cash flow and helps keep them in business as well. 

The Giving Wall is a pay-it-forward program with restaurants, cafes and coffee shops, enabling Calgarians to buy a meal, coffee or slice of pizza for someone who may not be able to pay for one. 

Here’s how it works

Anyone ordering food for pickup or takeout can pre-pay for an extra menu item (whatever makes sense for the restaurant - a slice of pizza, a pad Thai, a smoothie, a sandwich, etc.) or purchases a gift card in any denomination, and the gift card or receipt is tacked on the wall for anyone coming in to take and use. Restaurants can include the option to add a gift card for online orders, and if they don’t have a physical wall, can keep a pre-paid tab for anyone coming in, or ordering online or by phone.

Education Matters is also supporting this initiative to help ensure food supports for students. You can email gifts cards for grocery stores or restaurants to info@educationmatters.ca and they’ll forward them to kids who could use them in the appropriate area.

View our map of participating venues.

Why are we doing this?

This is a way for Calgarians to support local restaurants in whatever way they can afford, while helping ensure their neighbours and particularly young Calgarians are fed. This is one way we help each other get through the rest of this pandemic and beyond.

Print posters for your wall