News and Archives

Mark Your Calendars… Our Book & Art Sale is Coming Up!

April 27, 2017 | Events, News

Join us this weekend! 

Books, art and coffee… is there a better way to spend the weekend? Stop by our first annual book sale this Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm at the HUB at West Canadian in Inglewood (1601 9 Avenue SE) and stock up on your summer reading. Books are being sold for $1 to $4 each and all proceeds go towards our SAGE program.

More than just books.

Pre-loved books, client artwork and crafts that celebrate Indigenous culture will be available for sale with all proceeds supporting our SAGE program, helping vulnerable women start again. Join us for more than just books!

  • Client artwork and handcrafted goods for sale
  • Author readings throughout the day including Susan Smith, Ghada Al Atrash, and many more
  • Specialty coffee beverages handcrafted by Monogram coffee
  • A chance to learn more about our work in the community

Our programs help give women a second chance.

Your support will help us! Visit our Facebook event for more details and to share with friends. See you this weekend!


Don’t miss it! Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover Book Sale

March 27, 2017 | Events, News

On April 29 and 30, 2017, EFry Calgary is holding its first ever book and art sale at the HUB in the West Canadian building (1601 – 9 Ave SE). Pre-loved books, client artwork and crafts that celebrate Indigenous culture will be available for sale with all funds raised going towards our SAGE program, which helps women transition from incarceration to community by creating better futures through education and employment. We will also have local author readings throughout the day and a coffee bar serving delicious refreshments.

For vulnerable women those released from incarceration, there are many barriers that exist that prevent them from securing employment. Through the SAGE program, women are provided with consistent programming supports to assist them throughout their journey to personal success. It also supports vulnerable women who have had challenges in employment and education, empowering them with the skills they need to move forward.

Do you have any books that you’d like to donate for the sale? We are looking for fiction, non-fiction cookbooks, children’s books and more (but no textbooks please). Get in touch for drop-off and pick-up details. Contact reception@elizabethfrycalgary.ca or call the office at 403-294- 0737.

Pick up your summer reading and help us help women in our community!


Elizabeth Fry – The story behind our name

September 13, 2016 | Blog, News

Have you ever wondered who was Elizabeth Fry? We are often asked that question and want to introduce you to the incredible woman our agency name honours.

Meet the real Elizabeth Fry

Elizabeth Fry has been referred to as the “angel of prisons”, and was a major proponent to make the treatment of prisoners more humane. Elizabeth Fry was born into a wealthy and socially prominent English family in 1789 and was determined to contribute to those less fortunate.

She took an interest in the poor, the sick and prisoners. She began visiting female inmates at London’s infamous Newgate Prison in 1813 and was horrified by the conditions these women lived in. Elizabeth took action and began her life of humanitarian work and prison reform. She achieved significant reform first in England and then over time in prisons across Europe. Her work expanded to include support of the poor, mentally ill and hospital systems and was even credited with influencing health care providers such as Florence Nightingale.

Canadian Societies Working Together

The Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies is built on the foundation of Elizabeth Fry’s work of women’s rights in prisons: the right to equality, opportunities and programs in the justice system, and justice without fear of prejudice and discrimination. The Calgary society was founded in 1975 and one of 24 member societies across Canada that meets the unique needs of our communities and collaborates to address poverty, racism and other forms of oppression affecting women.

Celebrating 50 Years in Calgary

This year, Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary is celebrating 50 years of working with thousands of Calgary’s vulnerable women and youth. These women are all unique in their stories, but are linked together by common themes of poverty, abuse, addiction and trauma. With our help and support, these women and their families get another chance.

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary is rich in stories of hope and change for women and children in the justice system. We’re honoured to continue to carry on the legacy of Elizabeth Fry, a passionate advocate for those without a voice and a champion of prison reform.