Fresh sourdough for quarantining neighbours and other random acts of kindness by Calgarians
Read heart-warming acts of kindness shared with CBC Calgary as part of our annual Food Bank Drive
Throughout the month of December, CBC stations across the country invite you to help Make the Season Kind as we celebrate the kindness of others with special programming and a coming together in support of local charities.
In Calgary, for 36 years, residents have been donating to the Calgary Food Bank through CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Food Bank Drive, raising more than $21 million. This year, from Dec. 3 to 24, join us virtually for special broadcasts, events, auctions and online sales while helping us reach our goal of $1 million to the Calgary Food Bank from the comfort of your home. Or attend one of our drive-thru coffee and mug sales to make a donation and receive this year's limited edition mug.
A new report says food banks in Canada have seen a major surge in visits throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the high cost of living and ongoing economic disruption is bound to create countless new clients in the months ahead.
- Click here to donate to the Calgary Food Bank
Many of us have been impacted financially by the pandemic, limiting us in ways we might traditionally contribute. But there are many opportunities to spread generosity and kindness aside from making monetary donations. You can also put a smile on your face — and the faces of others — by spreading acts of kindness in your community.
WATCH | Calgarians make a coffee run to help the Calgary Food Bank
Share your story with us of how you showed or received an act of kindness this year and be entered to win a local prize pack. Your act of kindness may even be featured on CBC Calgary. No act of kindness is too big or too small.
Maybe you or someone you know picked up groceries for an elderly neighbour? Organized a virtual play date? Got a call from a long lost friend that made your day? Sewed homemade masks, or sent coffee to your local front-line workers?
Here are some of the wonderful stories we've received so far, with thanks to all who wrote or called in to CBC Calgary — and even more, to all of those who are carrying out these random acts of kindness in the community. We'll share more of these heart-warming acts that have been shared with us in the days ahead, on the Calgary Eyeopener, The Homestretch, the CBC Calgary's website and social media.
From Adrianne Busch:
"On July 10, 2021, my husband suffered a severe heat stroke due to an intense run. Someone found him in a state of suffering and called an ambulance. We are so thankful to that person and EMS for taking care of him that day. After an ICU stay on a ventilator, several days in hospital and a few weeks recovery at home, he made a full recovery. We are so thankful to the Good Samaritan that called the ambulance, to EMS, the doctors and nurses in ICU and on internal medicine. We are also especially grateful to my husband's company for supporting us, to our sweet friends and family for their support and to my parents for stepping in to care for our kids. So much kindness to be thankful for."
From Karen Condon:
"I would like to nominate Helen for this contest for her act of kindness. I met Helen because the place where I am employed had an employee pass away that was Helen's neighbour. Helen and I have been working together for the past few weeks on helping her neighbour's son navigate all the things that need to be done after his father's death. Helen has done so much and continues to do so and she amazes me. This nomination is the least I can do for such an incredible human being."
From Mathilde Denier:
"In spring, when my neighbours came back from Mexico, I offered to go and pick groceries for them during their quarantine. They declined the offer because they got some delivered by some family members but I made a nice loaf of sourdough bread for them. I delivered it on their doorstep and they loved it. My neighbour even posted a photo of my bread on Facebook to thank me!"
From Len:
"Reciprocal thoughtfulness: People we know save their turkey/chicken carcasses in their freezer and we pick up, make vats of soup, then take containers of homemade soups to people living on their own or caregivers of handicapped/ill family members. We usually have half a dozen 750 ml containers in the freezer we can pass over at any time to people who could use an easy meal when they're in a bind."
Again — you can share your story with us of how you showed or received an act of kindness this year with an online form here or by using the hashtag #CBCFeedsYYC on Instagram or Twitter. You can also share your act of kindness by calling and leaving a message for the Calgary Eyeopener at 403-521-6209 or the Homestretch 403-521-6244.
You'll be entered in a chance to win prize packs that include:
- Julie Van Rosendaal's Cookies I Have Loved cookbook.
- A limited-edition Milk Jar candle.
- A $50 gift card to Bowtie Pizza.
- A 36-piece box of salted caramel chocolates from Master Chocolate.
- A chocolate gingerbread person from cochu Chocolatier.
- A wooden CBC-engraved tree ornament.
- A 12-ounce bag of One Gray Knight coffee beans from Fratello Coffee Roasters.
- A limited-edition One Gray Knight coffee mug.
- CBC Calgary winter swag (retro socks, toque, scarf, mittens).
Deadline to enter to win is Friday, Dec. 17, at noon MT.
- See the full schedule of events, contests, auction items, partners and more for the CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Calgary Food Bank Drive here.