1 in 5 Calgarians are concerned about not having enough money for food [2]
1 in 2 Calgarians worry about not being able to save for the future. [5]
48% (half) of Canadians would struggle with financial obligations if their paycheck was delayed by one week. [4]
1 in 3 Calgarians are concerned about not having enough money for housing [3]
1 in 10 Calgarians live in poverty. [1]
[1] Statistics Canada (2014). Table 206-0041 Low income statistics by age, sex and economic family type, Canada, provinces and selected census metropolitan areas (CMAs), annual(1,2,3,13).
[2] City of Calgary & United Way of Calgary (2009). Signposts II:A survey of the social issues and needs of Calgarians.
[3] City of Calgary & United Way of Calgary and Area (2009). Signposts II: A survey of the social issues and needs of Calgarians.
[4] The Canadian Payroll Association . (2016). Canadians living pay cheque to pay cheque, challenged by debt and economy, payroll survey finds. Retrieved National_FINAL_EN.pdf
[5] City of Calgary & United Way of Calgary (2009). Signposts II: A survey of the social issues and needs of Calgarians.
Taking Action
John Jackson
Co-owner and Chef at Charcut bar
Although John is Executive Chef and co-owner of 2 successful Calgary restaurants, he wasn’t always in a stable financial position. John’s mother raised him and his two siblings on her own; she left their father when John was 3. They had nowhere to go so they stayed at a Women’s Shelter, relying heavily on social services. John’s mom persevered and managed to put herself though school, obtaining an Education degree while raising her 3 children. Although they were often struggling to make ends meet, John’s mother wasn’t afraid to rely on her community and ask for help when she needed it.
Seeing his mother’s resourcefulness and ability to overcome financial stress has inspired John to offer chances to others who are often overlooked. When hiring staff for his restaurant, John will look at the candidate as a whole person, not just an employee. This had led to John consistently hiring individuals living in poverty, despite factors like homelessness or addiction. These employees have proven to be hardworking and reliable.
John knows firsthand how challenging it can be to overcome the odds, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own while raising a family. We need as many people as possible to join the cause and help reduce poverty in Calgary. So that individuals faced with financial stress can find opportunities to reach their fullest potential, and we’ll see more stories with a happy ending.