Matching Donor Challenges a New Benefactor to Take Up the Torch in Pursuit of Ending Family Homelessness with Claire’s Campaign

All Eyes on Next Challenge: Ten-Million Dollar Target for Inn from the Cold Initiative Sets the Bar for Next Fundraising Champion?

April 28, 2022 (Calgary, AB) –?Claire's Campaign?kicks off on May 1, 2022, and this year we're upping the ante as we look to hit the 10 million dollar milestone for the 10th anniversary. Claire’s Campaign has been Inn from the Cold’s largest fundraising campaign and has raised more than $8.4 million to help over 4,700 families and children in need of housing support.?

All funds raised during Claire's Campaign go directly to support families and children experiencing a housing crisis. Sadly, there are approximately 200 families experiencing homelessness on any given night in our city.?

In a year where Calgarians continue to feel the pinch amidst rising food, shelter, and gas prices, some parents are forced to make an impossible decision, choosing between regular meals, housing, or heat for their families.?

At Inn from the Cold's family emergency shelter, the increase in demand has been notable. In the first three months of 2021, the shelter saw an average of 10 families spending nights onsite. In 2022, this number almost doubled. On average, the shelter now sees 17 families staying overnight, and its support programs are bursting at the seams.?

Even more alarming is that the data shows that single mothers represent approximately 44% of the families experiencing homelessness.?

?"This Campaign is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on mothers. Through it, I want people to feel as though they have the power to challenge the notion that homelessness is inevitable. No mother and her children should have to experience life without a place to call home," says Heather Morley, Inn from the Cold's Executive Director.?

This year also marks the final year for Claire’s Campaign, ?which has been led by local philanthropist Gary Nissen, whose mother, Claire, is the inspiration behind the Campaign.??

As Nissen takes a step back, he has two things that he wants to see accomplished as he gets set for his final Claire's Campaign, as the campaign chair. One, hitting the 10 million dollar milestone, and two, laying down the gauntlet and challenging the next person, corporation or group to lead the way on a new campaign in support of mother’s for the next ten years.?

"Over the last ten years, we've made incredible strides toward creating a future where homelessness for families has no part. With the help of Calgarians, we're already on course to raise 10 million dollars within ten years, so imagine what new energy and leadership can bring to the next decade." says Nissen.

To learn more about this years 10th annual Claire's Campaign and how you can get involved visit innfromthecold.org/claires2022

Claire's Campaign – Facts & Figures

• ?For donations made between May 1-31, all donations will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $500,000.
• ?Donations will be matched by campaign sponsors: Gary Nissen (Campaign Chair), Karen Zutter, an anonymous donor, Gary & Liz Newell, The Carrera Foundation, The Anonymous Foundation, and Sue & Wieland Wettstein.
• ?Inn from the Cold's goal is to raise $1.6 million for families and children experiencing homelessness.