At the Sgt. Hugh Cairns VC Armoury, on October 6 and 7, volunteers packed crates with turkey and stuffing, pancake mix and syrup, milk, cheese and butter alongside books and activities. Each "Cheer Crate" represents a little extra support for one Saskatoon Public Schools family over the Thanksgiving break.

Through its Cheer Crate program, the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation (SPSF) provided more than 750 crates for families this Thanksgiving, with donors, volunteers and members of the 38 Combat Engineer Regiment helping make it possible.

The timing is intentional. Extended school breaks can leave some students without access to food programs and other supports they receive at school. Having heard from schools about the need during these periods, SPSF initiated Cheer Crates to help address the gap.

“This is a really big initiative that we do twice a year for students, and it’s something that brings joy to the family through extended breaks,” says Zeba Ahmad, SPSF’s chief executive officer.

SPSF is an independent charity that works in partnership with Saskatoon Public Schools to support students, schools, and teachers. Its work focuses on literacy, wellness and innovation while recognizing the vital role public education plays in society.

Cheer Crates bring those priorities together, pairing food for family meals with books and activities that encourage learning and connection beyond the classroom.

Support that starts with schools

Twice each school year, all 58 Saskatoon Public Schools identify families who could use a little lift during an extended school break. The foundation then secures donations to fund the crates and coordinates the effort to pack and distribute them. Ahmad says rising costs have made that support especially meaningful.

“We know that this is a really tough time for a lot of families,” she says.

The foundation received almost 900 requests for Cheer Crates this fall and was able to provide more than 750. Ahmad also highlights support for 150 high school students, underscoring the need at both elementary and secondary schools across the division.

Longtime supporter Canpotex was joined by other community donors in funding the Thanksgiving crates, turning community generosity into practical support for students and their families.

A community effort

Preparing hundreds of crates takes many helping hands. At least 30 volunteers helped each day during two days of packing at the armoury.

Members of the 38 Combat Engineer Regiment assisted with packing and transporting the crates. Ahmad, who serves as the regiment’s Honorary Colonel, wore her uniform as she joined the effort.

From school staff identifying families to donors funding supplies and volunteers preparing deliveries, Cheer Crates reflect a shared commitment to caring for students beyond the school day.

“We could not do it without the generosity of our volunteers and our donors,” Ahmad says.