Help keep Free Play free
Share your story with City Council
We need your help. For the last 8 years, the City of Edmonton has helped fund Free Play for Kids. This year, Free Play is not included in the City's proposed 2027–2030 budget, and without that support, some of our free after-school programs could be at risk.
On November 23, Tim Adams, Founder of Free Play for Kids, will ask City Council to continue its support. The most powerful thing we can bring is letters from families like yours.
Last year, 96% of Free Play families told us Free Play had a positive impact on their family's finances. You're not alone in what this program means to you, and we want City Council to hear it.
We've written the opening and closing. All you need to do is fill in the middle with your own story.
Here's the letter template
Dear Mayor Knack and City Council,
My name is ________. I live in ________ (neighbourhood), and my child attends or attended Free Play for Kids at ________ School.
In your own words, tell City Council about your family. You might write about:
What after school looked like before Free Play, and what it would look like without it
How Free Play helps you work, study, or manage your family's budget
Changes you've seen in your child at home or at school
Please continue the City's support for Free Play for Kids in the 2027–2030 budget.
Sincerely,
________ (your name and neighbourhood)
Example only, please write your own story
Dear Mayor Knack and City Council,
My name is Maria. I live in Abbottsfield, and my son attends Free Play for Kids at Abbott School.
Before Free Play, I had to leave work early every day to pick him up, and I couldn't afford after-school care. Now he has a safe place to play every afternoon with coaches he trusts, and I can work full shifts. That extra income goes to rent and groceries.
He used to get very frustrated and shut down when things were hard. This year his teacher told me he's calmer in class and he hasn't missed a day of school.
Please continue the City's support for Free Play for Kids in the 2027–2030 budget.
Sincerely,
Maria, Abbottsfield
How your letter will be used
We'll send letters to the Mayor and your City Councillor ahead of the November 23 meeting. We may also share parts of some letters on our social media to help more people hear your story, using only your first name and neighbourhood. If you'd prefer we don't share your letter on social media, just let us know when you send your letter.
Send us your letter
Email support@freeplayforkids.com with your completed letter by Sunday, November 15.
Click to email us with your letter
Prefer to write by hand? Give your letter to your child's coach, and they'll make sure it gets to us. Need help writing in English? A family member or one of our staff can help. Just ask your child's coach.
Thank you for being part of Free Play.