30 May Spring 2025 Jim Button Youth Grant Recipients
Jim Button believed in the power of people and he believed that when good people come together with big ideas, they make the world better. That’s what the Jim Button Youth Grant is all about: igniting the passion of young community builders across Calgary who are ready to dream boldly.
The first ever Jim Button Youth Grant recipients include youth-led initiatives that embody Jim’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and community. From courage-packed care packages to culturally rooted dance classes, from accessible art sessions to hands-on medical exploration, each project is a reminder that the future is bright—and already taking shape in the hands of young leaders.
These youth are turning vision into action and compassion into impact. Their stories remind us that when we invest in youth, we invest in possibility. We’re grateful for the support of the Jim Button Community Builder Fund at Calgary Foundation.
Meet the young leaders who are writing the next chapter of our community and our shared future.
Thread Of Courage
Thread of Courage is a youth-led initiative that is making care packages with a book, coloring page, bracelet and a card designed to spread joy and courage to kids in the children’s hospital, especially those in long term care units. The goal is that by providing these “courage packages,” children will feel like they are not alone during one of the most challenging times of their lives. These kids are often isolated, and face emotional hardship, but these care packages wish to change that with a bit of compassion, courage and hope.
The Art Torch
The Art Torch is a youth-led initiative offering inclusive and accessible art tutorials at the Central Library, designed to spark creativity and build confidence in youth across our community. Whether you’re just curious about art or looking for a low-pressure way to explore your creative side, these free sessions are a perfect starting point. They’re fun, beginner-friendly, and designed to help youth step into the world of art, no prior experience or commitment needed! The Art Torch aims to create a space for expression, connection, and joy through creativity.
Inspire Dance Studio: Central Asian Cultural Dance Initiative Program
Inspire Dance Studio is a youth-led organization breaking down barriers and building community through the power of dance. By offering free and accessible classes, they help immigrant families reconnect with their culture and heritage in joyful, meaningful ways. This year, with support from the Jim Button Youth Grant, they’re launching a Central Asian Cultural Dance Initiative – a series of dance classes teaching traditional Turkic and Central Asian dance forms to help provide Central Asian youth with an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, learn about their heritage, and take pride in their culture.
Western Canada High School: Med Club
The Western Canada High School: Med Club is a youth-led group offering unique and exciting hands-on activities, including a shark dissection and suturing activity to spark students’ interest in the medical field. This opportunity gives participants a chance to gain interactive medical experience in a way that’s both engaging and outside the classroom. It’s sure to be a memorable experience that shares a ton of valuable knowledge along the way. With access to these supplies and guidance from experienced student leaders, participants can explore potential career paths through experiential learning. It’s a great way for students to discover new passions and take their first steps toward a future in medicine.
