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November 21, 2025
News
A record 395 people took in TIES’ (The Immigrant Education Society) annual Family and Children Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) Sign-Up Event on Nov. 20th.
“We, the MoneySmart Team, are absolutely thrilled,” TIES Manager, Settlement & Financial Literacy Noha El Tanahi said of the turnout.
“Seeing 395 participants and their children so deeply engaged with our partners was truly inspiring.”
Families crowded into the Wingfield Golf Course to get first-hand information from financial institutions, post-secondary schools, government and community partners.
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Among the attendees, Mayzen, who was there with his wife and his 8-month-old son.
“I’m not living forever, I have to save money for him,” the Syrian native said. “Then when he is 18, he has money to go to university.”
“I save for him. Nobody save for us — I save for him.”
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As a newcomer herself, El Tanahi knows that is the immigrant dream — to give their kids a better life than they had. That’s why she’s so passionate about this event.
“This empowers parents by providing the tools and knowledge needed to save for their children's post-secondary education. And it’s all in one spot.”
The event is usually held at TIES’ Westwinds location, but due to last year’s overwhelming response (250 attendees), the 2025 event was changed to the golf club.
Anyone in Calgary was welcomed, but a majority of those who attended were newcomers from TIES LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes.
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“In other countries, culture is different. Education is different. Everything is different,” student Soraya pointed out.
“So, when you live in a country, it’s important to learn about everything — language, work, economy.”
Aside from the venue, the event also had another big change this year — the inclusion of post-secondary institutions.
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) and Bow Valley College (BVC) were both on hand, helping parents plan ahead and understand program costs and benefits.
Ashley Wilson, Pathways Projects Officer at BVC, acknowledged that Canada’s education system can be “complicated”.
“Every country has their own education system,” she pointed out. “Learning how the system works here is really important so that they can navigate it.”
“Being here to support the students in each of the steps and letting them know what they need to do next is really important — so that they can be successful.”
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The event enabled people to sign-up for RESPs right on the spot or to book a future appointment with the financial institution of their choice.
El Tanahi said she was very pleased with how many people took advantage of the opportunity.
“A substantial number of families made the informed financial decisions to book appointments right here at the event and start saving for their children’s eduction.”
El Tanahi added that most newcomers don’t know that they can open a RESP account, without an initial contribution, and still get government grants.
“By them opening this RESP, this is actually an opportunity for them to get this money and start saving.”
“Investing in education is investing in the future,” TIES President & CEO Sally Zhao says.
“Every dollar saved today builds a brighter future tomorrow. RESPs are not just savings; they’re seeds for future opportunities and success.”
The TIES RESP Sign-Up Event has been held since 2012 and is part of the organization’s financial literacy program.
TIES would like to thank all of the organizations that participated.
Financial institutions: ATB Financial, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, RBC
Post-Secondary institutions: University of Calgary (UCalgary), Bow Valley College (BVC)
Community Partners: AIMGA (Alberta International Medical Graduates Association), ENMAX, gateway
Government agencies: Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA), Alberta Securities Commission (ASC)
And thanks to our media friends at CBC Calgary and Livewire Calgary.
Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:
Tomasia DaSilva
Media and Relationship Strategist
Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca
Phone: 403-291-0002
Get involved with TIES on our social media platforms.
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