Youth Bring Warmth to Calgary’s Downtown

This winter, Calgary’s downtown and Beltline areas will shine a little brighter as teams of youth volunteers take to the streets to spread kindness and positivity. Through small acts of kindness—like passing out compliments or participating in Kindness Week—these activations aim to transform perceptions of downtown Calgary, showing that it’s not just a place to work or pass through, but a welcoming and vibrant space for all Calgarians.











This initiative, part of Youth Central’s Youth Volunteer Corps program, is  engaging youth volunteers aged 12 to 18 in activations designed to uplift our community during the coldest months of the year. By focusing on meaningful interactions, this project also provides youth with a unique opportunity to develop their communication skills, connect with their city, and inspire a stronger sense of community.

Why Youth? Why Downtown?

As winter settles in, it’s easy for downtown spaces to feel less inviting. Unfortunately, public perceptions of downtown Calgary often emphasize challenges rather than opportunities. But we believe in the power of youth to change that narrative.

These activations are about more than just spreading smiles—they’re about shifting perceptions. When young people take the lead in building community, they help redefine downtown Calgary as a place of vitality, warmth, and connection. By focusing on activations around the Beltline and C-Train route, we’re also giving youth a chance to explore downtown in a new way, helping them feel more comfortable and engaged with their city.

















A Heartfelt Thank You to the City of Calgary

We are incredibly grateful to the City of Calgary’s Downtown Vibrancy Fund for their generous support of this initiative. Their commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive downtown has made it possible for us to bring this project to life. Thanks to their funding, we can engage more youth in volunteerism, create memorable experiences for Calgarians, and demonstrate the power of youth to transform our shared spaces.

















Follow Along and Join the Winter Warmth Movement

We’ll be sharing updates from each activation on our social media channels—so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see these inspiring moments unfold. Want to get involved? Spread your own act of kindness downtown and share it with our hashtag: #BrightenYYC. Together, we can build a city that’s brighter, kinder, and more connected.












Sponsored by the City of Calgary.