Systems change. It’s often something we talk about at Vibrant Communities Calgary. It’s complex and requires innovation, and the Enough for All strategy is positioned to get to the heart of the systems that keep people in poverty. But we don’t do it alone. We operate in an interconnected web of agencies and stakeholders, all bringing strengths and ideas to the table.

This network of people and organizations – all working towards the same goal of reducing poverty – were the highlight at the recent Enough for All Annual Gathering. We were joined by E4A Champions, including policy makers and influencers, non profits, business stakeholders, industry associations and of course the leadership and staff of VCC. Together we celebrated the past year, enjoyed the energy of being together in person, and had discussions about the incremental steps people are taking to disrupt the systems that are holding people in poverty.

“The time is now to radically change the systems that hold poverty in place. Everyone in this room knows the path forward as the experts in this work. At VCC, we will continue to be persistent in elevating the urgency of this moment and the extraordinary talent that exists in our Champion network to meet the opportunities ahead of us,” remarked Adam Legge, president of the Business Council of Alberta and vice chair of VCC’s Board of Directors.

The event kicked off with reflections and a blessing from Elder Wanda First Rider. She remarked about how as she was driving to Fort Calgary, she felt very moved by seeing the unhoused people in the downtown core. She noted we shouldn’t just drive by – it’s important to understand, see and hear from the people experiencing hardship right now in Calgary.

As partners of Enough for All, United Way’s Karen Young, The City of Calgary’s Rob Wiles and Momentum’s Jeff Loomis all spoke about the importance of our community-owned poverty reduction strategy and how valuable Champions have been in moving the strategy forward.

Throughout the event Calgary’s Poet Laureate Wakefield Brewster inspired conversations with his spoken words about inequality, sustainability, progress, uncomfortable change, the marginalized and the urgency of working together. Here's a sample of his words.

Connections were strengthened. Ideas generated. Support lent. Vibrant Communities Calgary will carry this into the year ahead, with our partners and everyone working to reduce poverty in our city.