PJ Library welcomes Edmonton families to annual Popsicles in the Park Event

By Mira Campbell

(AJNews) – On July 12, PJ Library Edmonton’s annual Popsicles in the Park event welcomed more than 50 participants to Wedgewood Playground for an afternoon of sunshine, connection, and fun.

The park was bustling with activity as children enjoyed the playground equipment, created summer crafts, blew bubbles, and, of course, cooled off with icy popsicles that provided a welcome break from the heat. The event also welcomed two new families to PJ Library and Jewish life in Edmonton, reflecting the program’s role in fostering connection, community and a sense of belonging.

A special highlight of the morning was the attendance of two members of Na’amat—Edmonton Tikvah Chapter President Maya Feldman and a past president Gail Milner—along with their families.

Maya and Gail presented PJ Library programmer Mira Campbell with a generous $1,500 donation to help enhance PJ Library programming and create additional opportunities for Jewish engagement.

They expressed their appreciation for the important work PJ Library does in fostering Jewish learning, traditions, and relationships through its books and activities. As grandparents, they also value the opportunity to spend quality time with their grandchildren while participating together in Jewish holiday celebrations and other family-focused experiences.

Maya spoke about Na’amat Canada’s mission and the organization’s longstanding commitment to empowering women, strengthening families, and building resilient communities. She highlighted Na’amat’s extensive work in Israel, including the operation of 125 daycare centres, nine technological high schools, youth villages supporting more than 1,000 teenagers, women’s and children’s centres, and many other vital social service programs.

She also noted that Na’amat Canada’s impact extends beyond Israel through numerous initiatives across Canada that support women and children while fostering Jewish identity.

Jewish Federation of Edmonton and PJ Library are grateful for the Edmonton Tikvah Chapter’s generous contribution, which will support future opportunities for local participants to connect with Jewish traditions, learning, and one another.

The Sunday morning gathering reflected the spirit of PJ Library, bringing people together through shared experiences while strengthening the relationships and support that help Jewish life thrive in Edmonton.