Cooling Kits for Calgary’s Most Vulnerable

As Calgary experiences increasingly intense heat events, people without stable housing face heightened risks of dehydration, heat-related illness and other health emergencies. Through ClimateReadyYYC, My Friend Dave brought practical heat relief directly to people experiencing housing instability, pairing essential supplies with compassionate, community-based outreach.

Cooling Relief, Delivered Where It’s Needed

My Friend Dave assembled and distributed 100 cooling kits to people in Sunalta, Downtown and Westgate. Eight volunteers helped prepare and deliver the kits on days when temperatures were forecast to exceed 30°C.

Packed in durable backpacks, the kits included water, electrolyte drinks, snacks, hats, sunscreen, cooling wipes, ice packs, toiletries, socks, underwear and other essential supplies. Volunteers also provided first aid when needed and distributed emergency shelters and tarps to people who needed them.

Rather than asking people to travel to a service location, volunteers went directly to familiar community spaces and places where people sought shelter and shade. This low-barrier approach helped make climate relief accessible to people who might otherwise face significant barriers to support. Alongside distributing kits, volunteers connected with community members about housing, medical, and other resources.