At Blush Lane, we are committed to strengthening the communities we operate in. Going back to school can be stressful for many, especially those experiencing food insecurity. For the month of September, we have partnered with the Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth to help youth at risk experiencing food security.

Did you know?

A recent cross-Canada study (2020) found that 40% of the students surveyed experienced food insecurity.
68% of students prioritized tuition over food and other essentials.
One in four students had skipped a meal
1 in 10 had gone a whole day without food due to limited finances.
16.8% reported accessing food banks when money was tight.

Our Community Partner:

Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY):

USAY is an Indigenous-led charitable organization that works with Indigenous youth who are 12 to 29 years old and live in the City of Calgary. Their programs are co-created with Indigenous youth, who have a voice in the work we do to meet their needs.

USAY serves thousands of Indigenous youth on an annual basis, although youth-focused, our programs support the success of their whole family. Their programs are innovative, engaging, and fun, and are usually where art meets technology meets Indigenous worldview, which makes them entirely unique

USAY focuses on three main outcomes; healing, social inclusion, and successful transitions to adulthood, and although big topics, our programs and supports meet the youth ‘where they are at.

The Indigenous community has experienced historical and ongoing injustices from colonization, and for these reasons they are more likely to interact with what is often called ‘the sorrow systems’, such as justice, homelessness, addictions, and overall poor health outcomes. USAY provides opportunities for youth to understand how history, systems, and colonization might have affected them and how they can reclaim their culture and identity.