The Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) is an independent charity that works alongside Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS). They work to secure partnerships and funding supports that benefit our students and families. In the lead-up to Thanksgiving, they partnered with Saskatoon-based Canpotex (Canadian Potash Exporters) to purchase 600 cheer crates for SPS families.

Zeba Ahmad, CEO of SPSF and also Honorary Colonel for the 38th Combat Engineer Regiment (Army Reserve), secured space for crate packing at the Sgt. Hugh Cairns VC Armoury as well as the assistance of regiment members. Additional support was provided by SPS and SPSF staff.

About Cheer Crates

Cheer Crates are an initiative that started in 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, in the past 3 years, we've noted that -unfortunately- the need for these crates hasn't gone away. It's probably even greater. 

There are a significant number of families who rely on food programs in our schools. And, when we close for extended breaks – like the 4 days off for Thanksgiving – it can be a real challenge for families. There is the added cost of more meals and other essentials.

Cheer Crates contain food, including Thanksgiving items. But they also include personal care items and activity items for students. The crates are funded by Canpotex, who recently announced a gift of $225,000 to the SPSF. These funds will allow SPSF to provide Cheer Crates twice a year for the next 3 years.

Recipients

SPSF makes as many crates as funding allows. This Thanksgiving, that number was 600. 

Our school staffs identify how crates are dispersed. As the heart of their school communities, they typically know where the needs are and are well placed to extend offers of support.

We're really proud of how we're able to support our families, and grateful for the SPSF and community support that allows us to do so.