The 91-year-old who shovels his neighbour's driveway and other random acts of kindness by Calgarians

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 35 years, residents have been donating to the Calgary Food Bank through CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Food Bank Drive, raising more than $20 million. This year, from Dec. 4 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.

We know how much the community has stepped up this year, and — as part of our Food Bank Drive — we want to hear all about it. 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? 

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.

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 Cheryl Fraser:

"At the end of January, I slipped and fell on the ice and needed surgery to repair my broken leg/ankle. My 91-year-old neighbour, Dave, not only lent me his wife's wheelchair (she had recently gone into a care facility), he walked my dog for me every day until I could walk again (mid-April). It didn't matter what the temperature was, he ensured that my dog got and had some exercise. When it snowed, he even cleared my driveway on occasion. He's an incredible man who would give you the shirt off his back, and even more amazing that he continues to give and think of others at his age. He is so kind and would be so worthy of a little extra appreciation as his kindness is limitless."

From Valerie Turbak:

"This past summer, my Dad was suddenly diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. His health rapidly deteriorated and he passed away after a very short battle with the disease. No one but my mother, sister and myself were able to be with him during his last days in the hospital due to COVID restrictions. There was a service at the Foothills Hospital called "Patient Well Wishes" where anyone could email a message to my Dad, who was a man who has so many good friends and family. We put the word out about this and I was blown away by how many messages he would receive daily from near and far. We read him the most heartfelt messages from old friends, my childhood friends, distant family members, and even friends who didn't really know us but had compassion for what we were going through. It was such a sad and heavy time for my family, but these messages poured light into the darkness. I am so grateful that people took the time to write into those 'patient well-wishes' and tell my Dad how special he was to them. I know he loved hearing them! Also, instead of flowers we asked people to donate to the Food Bank in my Dad's obituary because he'd always felt that was such an important cause."

From Lynda Greuel:

"Our church, St. Stephen's Anglican, wanted to connect with our parishioners — and that has been tough to do while we were closed. So when we sent out our annual stewardship package (where you share your time, talent and treasure with the church), we sent out face masks, customized with our logo "Be Real, Be Safe, Belong, Believe it." Parishioners were so delighted to receive a gift of caring — here is what parishioner Jennifer Garrison said on Twitter: "@StStephenYYC is doing things right: cancelled in-person services weeks and and sent members masks (complete with rainbow-flag print!) This is what Christian caring should look like."

From Michael Newton:

"Donated to Calgary Library Foundation and local radio stations. Supported our local Scouts by buying a beautiful Christmas tree from them!"

From @macleanpaddy:

"A few months ago in early COVID lockdown I started 'Project Have a Heart.' I would paint a unique heart and then gift it to the next person who needed some kindness or who impacted me. #CBCFeedsYYC."

From Nancy Ross:

"My name is Elizabeth and I live in McKenzie Lake. The other day I was shopping at the Chinook Mall and noticed a washroom attendant. She looked so tired and I started thinking of all she did every day for everyone. I went to my favourite store, L'Occitane, and purchased some hand cream for her. When I went back to the washroom and gave it to her, her face lit up. She was so sweet. I thanked her for all she does everyday to keep the shoppers safe and healthy."

From Janet Wees:

"I am a senior with health issues and a friend and neighbour, Jack, always picks up my meds and any fresh produce I need when he goes to get his. He chooses produce he would eat himself so I know I will get fresh food."

From David Brooke:

"I would like to give a shutout to my good friend Cyril Wong: he is running a Food Bank Challenge to our business networking group, BNI Southern Alberta, which will help out Food Banks in Calgary, Lethbridge and Red Deer. This challenge goes out to about 500 small business leaders in southern Alberta. My act of kindness is helping families in need in Deer Run and Deer Ridge with a Giving Christmas Tree. We are collecting donations for families in SE Calgary and will wrap and distribute those presents just before Christmas."

• To read more heart-warming stories like these, see: Neighbours help out a Calgary family with a sick child for months, and other random acts of kindness

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.

Whichever way you choose, you'll be entered to win a local prize pack, which include: 

• A limited-edition CBC Calgary x Local Laundry holiday crewneck.
• A 36-piece box of salted caramel chocolates from Master Chocolate.
• Julie Van Rosendaal's Dirty Food cookbook.
• An Inspirati tea towel.
• A Milk Jar diffuser.
• A $50 gift card to Bowtie Pizza.
• A 12 oz. bag of One Gray Knight coffee beans from Fratello Coffee Roasters.
• A limited-edition One Gray Knight coffee mug.
• CBC Calgary winter swag (blanket, toque, scarf, mittens, retro socks).

Click here to donate to the Calgary Food Bank.

See the full schedule of events, contests, auction items, partners and more for the CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Calgary Food Bank Drive here.