One Student’s Idea, Ten Years of Giving
In 2016, a Grade 3 student became Head of School for a Day at River Valley School. With the chance to make something happen, she chose to think about others.
Her wish was simple: help local families enjoy a holiday meal. What if our school community collected food together, with each day focused on something families could use?
That idea became 12 Days of Giving. Ten years later, it remains a much-loved part of the holiday season at River Valley School.
From November 30 to December 15, 2026, we’re celebrating its 10th anniversary with a challenge: match or beat the 1,600 pounds collected during our first campaign.
Small acts, lasting kindness
According to the Calgary Food Bank, River Valley School families have donated more than 11,000 pounds of food over the years. Our community has also supported other organizations along the way.
Behind that total are so many everyday acts of kindness. A child choosing cereal at the grocery store. A family adding extra cans to their basket. Students organizing donations and watching the collection grow.
These moments help children understand that caring for others can begin with something small, and that their contribution matters.
It started with a student
Our student leadership group, STU-GO, continues to help lead the campaign, just as it helped bring that first idea to life.
There’s something special about knowing this tradition began with a child who saw a way to help and spoke up. The school community listened. Together, they created something that students and families are still part of a decade later.
We recently reconnected with the founding student’s family to share the anniversary news. Hearing how much it meant to them was a lovely reminder that the connections made here continue long after students leave our classrooms.
Join us this holiday season
This year, we’re inviting our Bowness neighbours to join our students, families and staff in supporting the Calgary Food Bank.
Our daily themes offer a fun guide to giving. Give what you can, when you can. Any requested item is welcome on any collection day.
- Day 1 – November 30: Rise & Shine Lower-sugar cereal and oatmeal
- Day 2 – December 1: Pasta with a Purpose Regular or gluten-free pasta
- Day 3 – December 2: Let’s Get Saucy! Canned pasta sauce and canned tomatoes
- Day 4 – December 3: Small Grains, Big Impact Rice, barley and quinoa
- Day 5 – December 4: Spread Some Kindness Peanut butter and other nut butters
- Day 6 – December 7: Caring for Little Ones Infant formula, baby cereal and diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6 are more needed!)
- Day 7 – December 8: Snack & Share Granola bars and individually packaged school snacks, including gluten-free and nut-free options
- Day 8 – December 9: Soup-er Giving Canned soup
- Day 9 – December 10: Pack in the Protein Canned fish or meat; canned or dried beans, chickpeas and lentils
- Day 10 – December 11: A Rainbow of Kindness Canned fruit and vegetables
- Day 11 – December 14: Paws for a Cause Unopened dog or cat food, pet treats, pet toys and new or gently used towels
- Day 12 – December 15: Everyday Essentials Shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, deodorant and feminine hygiene products
Whether you bring one item or participate throughout the campaign, thank you for helping care for local families this holiday season.
Ten years ago, one student shared an idea. This November, we get to carry it forward together.
Have questions or want to participate? Contact community@rivervalleyschool.ca to learn more!
