The Art For Aid Project

06/22/2026

Thank you to the wonderful youth from the Rotary Adventure in Citizenship Program who arrived by train from Toronto and donated 8 jam-packed suitcases of art supplies. Some of the supplies donated will benefit Island Lake First Nation youth this summer! Miigwetch!

06/22/2026

When I created Art for Aid over 13 years ago, I never anticipated it being anything more than a support project that ships a few boxes of art supplies to a few fly-in communities each year.
It's grown from a basement initiative to a reliable art supply resource for under-resourced schools.

We have never received federal funding and have remained a grass-roots, volunteer run project that serves schools across the country.

By collecting new and gently used art supplies Art for Aid diverts quality art tools from the landfills and put them into the hands of young artists. I love this part of the job. You'd be impressed by some of the materials we get to send up north. I personally feel honored when we are given the tools of an artist who has passed, and who has dedicated a lifetime to their craft. There's comfort in knowing that young hands will use those materials to learn and grow - its a wonderful legacy gift.

We already have 14 schools listed for shipments this fall and winter. That's the highest number of pre-registered schools we've ever seen. The tremendous increase in the cost of shipping has impacted our budget significantly this year.

Today I'm reaching out to invite you to consider making a donation to Art for Aid in order to help us meet those demanding shipping and operations costs that we'll see this fall.

Here's how your can help...
- donate
- check our website for needed items and donate art supplies.
- do an art supply drive
- do a fundraiser
- do some shopping at one of our retail locations (see website)
- invite us to talk to your group in a Lunch and Learn Session in person or by zoom

Your support means the world to us.
Chi miigwetch. Thank you.

Colleen

https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/the-art-for-aid-project-colleen-grayhttps://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/the-art-for-aid-project-colleen-gray

06/11/2026

Congratulations James Aubichon on winning a place in the FORED BC contest with your beautiful artwork!

Art for Aid will be supporting James this summer with periodic shipments of art supplies to help him expand on his impressive skills! Art for Aid sent a shipment of art supplies to the Rossignol High School in Ile-à-la-Crosse, SK this year.

Way to go James! We're proud of you!

To support the work Art for Aid does please consider making a monetary donation through our donation portal. We depend on public support to ensure that students have access to art supplies in some of the most remote communities in Canada.

Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/the-art-for-aid-project-colleen-gray

06/06/2026

https://www.artforaid.ca/post/wrapping-up-the-2025-2026-season

Art for Aid had a productive season.

06/06/2026

Art for Aid is deeply grateful to International model Ashley Callingbull. Proceeds from this project will benefit Art for Aid. We're thrilled to be supported by such a brilliant powerhouse! Below is Ashley's vision brought to life in this magnificent dress.

"My vision begins with a rock, symbolizing the sacred medicines that grow from the earth and our deep connection to Mother Earth. Imprinted on it is a bear paw, representing courage, resilience, and our responsibility to protect our lands, people, and way of life.

The Medicine Wheel reflects the four directions, balance, and the teachings that guide us. Within it is an eye looking forward, symbolizing our responsibility to future generations. Eagle feathers surround it, carrying our prayers to the Creator, alongside sweetgrass, representing healing and community.

A cloud represents the sky and universe, honoring the belief that our people originated from the stars and recognizing our ancestors, whose spirits continue to guide us as they dance across the northern lights. Together, they reflect our connection to land, ancestors, and future generations.

These three blocks were created as healing elements for Project 1492, launched in 2017 to share the truths and lasting impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples. While that project reflected our history, those struggles continue today. That is why this piece is called , a reminder that our journey of healing, resilience, and reclamation is ongoing.

Still1492 reflects the belief that our culture is our strength and that healing comes through our traditions, spirituality, connection to the land, and the medicines gifted to us by Mother Earth. This piece was also born from love, the love shared between Fidia and me. Across different cultures and life experiences, we found connection through art, respect, and storytelling. That love became part of the creative process itself, woven into every detail, reminding us that when hearts come together with purpose, they can build bridges, inspire understanding, and create something meaningful that lives beyond us."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DZDoooikrO0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

05/28/2026

Chi miigwetch. Thank you! The fair was a huge success this year.

Each spring Zion Memorial United Church and Art for Aid host a fund...

05/23/2026

Saturday May 23, 2026 -

Today 8 students demonstrated the power of youth supporting youth through Art for Aid.

The students are on a week-long stay in Ottawa as part of the Rotary Club’s annual Adventure in Citizenship (AIC) conference in Ottawa. The conference gathers nearly 200 high school students from across Canada to explore Canadian citizenship and democratic institutions.

This Art for Aid collection initiative was ignited by the group learning about Art for Aid and wanting to support our work. The Rotary Interact Clubs of Burlington, Oakville and Waterdown, helped to get the youth to the Ottawa train station with 8 remarkably STUFFED, large suitcases filled to the brim with all manner of art supplies.

Many thanks to students: Diyana Sanghera, Kaitlyn Ha, Lilliane Vien, Maya Basnet, Noora Allam, Pari Gupta, Peijle Xia, and Tatiana Markova for bringing this incredible array of art supplies all the way from Burlington! The group is pictured holding their Art for Aid Certificates of Participation.

While our shipments have gone out for the season, we expect to receive calls for art supply shipments if forest fires up north cause families to evacuate their homes for hotel stays in the nearest cities. There’s not much to do for young people who have to spend several weeks away from home. A few boxes of art supplies can help alleviate some of the boredom.

Since 2013 Art for Aid has been shipping art supplies from September to May annually to remote, resource challenged Indigenous schools and youth art programs. Art is a powerful tool to support positive mental health, break isolation and keep youth busy exploring new ways to create. But we can’t do this successfully without public engagement. It’s beautiful initiatives like the one we saw today that put Art for Aid on the map. Our program is entirely volunteer run and we do not charge the schools for our support services or for the significant shipping costs to get the boxes out to them.

Art for Aid is volunteer powered and we raise all our own fund for shipping and operations. To support our work you can make a monetary donation to our project here: https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/the-art-for-aid-project-colleen-gray or you can donate new or gently used art supplies. Our needs list is at www.artforaid.ca. Please read it carefully before beginning a collection. To support our work through our Shopify fundraising store, go shopping at www.artforaidshop.ca

Art for Aid is a non-profit project under the Canadian registered charity, Soaring Circle.

05/16/2026