Calgarians are invited to a Free Money Party

For Immediate Release June 15, 2015

On Friday, June 19, Momentum is hosting a Free Money Party to encourage all parents of young children
to take advantage of a $500 provincial grant slated for cancelation on July 31.
The Free Money Party will help families open an RESP account before the deadline. All of the big 5 banks
will be present along with ATB Financial, Servus Credit Union and First Calgary Financial, ready to open
RESP accounts and apply for government grants on the spot. In addition to the ACES grant, families may
be eligible for additional federal grants that can total up to $2,500.
When a child imagines what they want to be when they grow up, every possibility should be open to them
regardless of how big or small their parents pay cheque might be, said Jeff Loomis, Executive Director of
Momentum. To all Calgary families with children under six years of age: If you dont have RESPs open for
all your kids, get it done before July 31.
Event Details:
What: Free Money Party, an RESP sign up event
When: Friday, June 19, 2015 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Momentum, 2936 Radcliffe Dr SE
What to bring: Parents must bring government ID for themselves and their child to open an RESP
The ACES grant cancelation was announced just before the end of the winter legislature session. At this
point we have to assume that the cancellation of the ACES grant will continue despite the change in
government, said Mike Brown, Public Policy Coordinator at Momentum. We want to ensure that all
parents are aware of the ending of the ACES program and get their $500 grant before its too late.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi also encourages parents to take advantage of the ACES grant: When we
speak about a city of opportunity for all Calgarians, that includes access to post-secondary
education. Opening an RESP is one way we can personally invest in the future of our children
andby extensionour community.
Parents who cannot attend the Free Money Party can begin the process of opening an RESP by going to
www.GetMyACES.ca or meeting with their bank of choice. RESPs are generally free to open.
The soon-to-end grant is a great incentive to begin saving for post-secondary education, says Momentum
participant Bibiana Diaz Duran: [The ACES grant] is a great start! $500 is significant for a lot of families. I
would like the grant to continue. The economy might be poor but this money is too important.
-30Media inquiries may be directed to:
Mike Brown
Public Policy Coordinator
403-204-6184 or 403-605-5835
mikeb@momentum.org
Since 2009, Momentum has worked with over 4,000 low income Calgary families and helped to open over
1,200 RESP accounts at financial institutions across the city.
16, 2936 Radcliffe Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta T2A 6M8

Main 403 272-9323

Fax 403 235-4646

www.momentum.org