Calgary 
These days, it’s easy to get dragged down by negative news and find yourself overwhelmed by stories of hardship. But, if you look beyond those headlines, it’s just as easy to find uplifting stories full of hope and helping hands. Here are just some of the ways Albertans are coming together (while staying far apart) to help out their neighbours.
Massive Amounts of PPEs to Other Canadian Provinces
Alberta government is sharing much-needed supplies to British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec to help address unprecedented demand in those provinces for personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators. Alberta is sending 750,000 N95 masks, 4.5 million procedural masks, 30 million gloves, 50 ventilators and other supplies to the provinces in short of PPEs.
Support for Seniors
The COVID isolation measures have hit some Calgary seniors hard with side effects of loneliness – but organizations such as Calgary Senior Resource Society are on the case. With over 150 new volunteers in under two weeks, this organization not only helps to deliver food, medications, and hygiene products to seniors in need, they also drop them off with a smile, wave, and handwritten card to let recipients know someone is thinking of them.
Delivery Drivers
Alberta-based Wolfe Automotive Group is making good use of the cars at their disposal. The group, which owns car dealerships in Edmonton, Calgary, and Canmore, are delivering groceries to seniors and families with kids who may have a hard time getting to the store themselves through their Helping Hands program.
Youth HQ
Red Deer’s Youth HQ shelter has taken steps to ensure the safety of the high-risk youth that have found a home at the facility, but the outbreak has put a damper on their fundraising capabilities. Luckily, The Optimist Club had their back. The club donated over $1,800 to Youth HQ from their own recent events, allowing the shelter to continue their 24/7 support for youth in need.
Birthday Parades
Drive-By Birthday Celebrations:
The Calgary Fire Department is adding their own twist by offering to help Calgarians to celebrate their birthdays while respecting the rules of physical distancing by bringing Drive-By Birthdays to people between the ages of 4-12 and 75+.
Protective Costumes
Alberta film workers may not be working on the sets of big movies right now, but thee costume departments are staying busy. They are working with Calgary Costume Academy to create protective gear and gowns for organizations such as the Calgary Drop-In Centre and frontline healthcare workers. From outfitting Holywood stars to healthcare stars!
Window Walks
Communities across the province have moved beyond the fridge door to showcase their artwork, instead turning to their front windows. From kids’ drawings to painted murals, these window art galleries provide a treasure hunt for those walking through the neighbourhood. Follow #neighbourhoodwindowwalk for pics of your community artists bringing fun to fellow families.
Veggies for Front Line
Calgary’s Dashmesh Cultural Centre found a unique way to help out front line workers and first responders. Knowing these individuals are putting themselves at risk to help and protect others, the centre is offering them free vegetarian meals. These hot meals can be delivered right to their front door work workplace.
The Sound of Music
Going out to the symphony is usually a night on the town – but it’s now a night in at home. Musicians with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic have put together incredible virtual concerts from their own homes you can watch and listen to online in the comfort of yours. They hope to lift spirits and keep people feeling the community involvement no matter where they are.
Making Masks
Masks are in high demand with the recent recommendations from Alberta Health. And, textile artists are answering the call. Partnering with Rimbey Craft ‘N Chat, the Rimbey Art Club is making non-medical masks following the safety guidelines the province has laid out and donating them to local nursing homes and at-risk groups. More and more volunteers are joining them in their efforts each day.
Socks for Food Banks
Calgary sock designers Friday Sock Company have come up with a unique way to support local food banks: COVID-inspired footwear. The socks, which feature designs of toilet paper and hand sanitizer will not only provide you with a souvenir of the pandemic, but 100% of the proceeds go towards Canadian food banks.
Snow Angels
Make Some Noise
It’s a growing trend around the world, and communities across Alberta has embraced it with open arms. Well, clapping hands, anyway. Every night at 7:00 p.m., people are going out to their balconies, decks, front steps, and more to clap and cheer for healthcare workers and other frontline workers in their communities to show their thanks for their work.
High Spirits in High Level
The parade may have been cancelled due to the pandemic, but residents of High River weren’t prepared to skip the feelings of community spirit it brings. The main parade float, featuring a message of “High River Strong,” sits proudly on Main Street. Neighbours may not be meeting in person, but are definitely coming together in spirit.
Physical Distancing Midday Dance Party
With streets and parking lots devoid of traffic, a group of smart Calgarians got together at an empty parking lot and had a blast with a midday dance party, all while following Alberta’s social distancing rules!
Distilling Something New
Strathcona Spirits in Edmonton may be known for their award-winning gin and vodka, but they’re branching out in a new direction these days. Their Scona Sani is a brand new line for the distillery: hand sanitizer made with aloe so it doesn’t dry out your skin. Plus they’re giving it away for free to organizations and families in need.
