The Scona Initiative is founded upon our values of helping and serving our community. As a part of our school culture, we are able to continuously make lasting impacts on communities around the world. Since 2008, Scona Initiatives have raised a total of $3.5 million and provided support for those in need.

Last year, Scona Lords came together and raised over $241,000 for Sombrilla, an organization dedicated to bringing access to higher levels of education for rural areas of Honduras. The goal for the 2025-26 Initiative is to raise over $250,000 for one of the following four charities.

Bissell Centre

The Bissell Centre supports individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness in Edmonton. For over 115 years, the organization has worked to remove barriers and help people build stability and independence. Its programs include housing and employment support, childcare, and access to basic needs such as food and clothing. Guided by a community-based, strength-focused approach, The Bissell Centre collaborates with partners to address the root causes of poverty and promote lasting social change.

Edmonton’s Food Bank

Edmonton’s Food Bank provides food assistance to over 43,000 people every month and supplies roughly 500,000 meals and snacks through community organizations, schools, shelters, and soup kitchens. Nearly 40% of food hamper recipients are children, and the Food Bank works with more than 100 schools across the city. In addition to emergency food programs, it supports long-term food security through initiatives like community gardens, collective kitchens, and the Seed Bank, recognizing that food insecurity is closely tied to poverty.

Innovative Canadians for Change (ICChange)

ICChange is an Edmonton-based organization focused on improving quality of life and security for vulnerable communities around the world. Founded over 20 years ago by a group of graduate students, it develops sustainable solutions in food, health, and economic stability that have reached millions globally. Current efforts support CeraMaji, a social enterprise providing affordable water filtration systems in Kenya. This project works with schools and pharmacies to expand access to safe water, improve health outcomes, and strengthen community resilience.

WINGS of Providence Society

WINGS provides transitional and long-term housing for women and children escaping domestic violence. Families can live at WINGS for six months to two years while accessing wraparound supports, including trauma-informed counseling, life skills and employment training, financial literacy programs, food security supports, and on-site medical care. Specialized childcare and youth programming help children heal and grow in a safe environment. WINGS focuses on stability, empowerment, and independence to help families build lives free from violence.