Short storytelling brings a connection to seniors
The world is dealing with a coronavirus pandemic, but difficult times often bring out the best in people. Neighbours help neighbours. Strangers help strangers. Here are a few of the things Calgarians are doing to lift each other’s spirits or make a difference during this challenging time.
STORYTELLING FOR SENIORS
To combat the isolation some senior citizens are feeling, Storytelling Alberta (Calgary chapter) has launched an ideal service. They are setting up 20- to 30-minute phone calls with a performing storyteller and community volunteer for seniors 65 years of age and older. The storyteller shares a short story and then asks the senior if he or she has a story to tell from the past. The volunteer then talks to the senior to see if there are other needs that should be addressed and connects the senior with other services, if required.
“It is a one-time intervention meant to decrease stress and isolation, connecting through short, mutually shared short stories,” writes Mindy Woolcott, with Storytelling Alberta. This “storyshare” can be offered as a gift by a friend, family member or pastor. Details are at 587-5STORY0 (587578-6790) or storytellingalberta.com/storyshare-by-phone.
CHARITY STARTS AT A YOUNG AGE FOR THESE SISTERS
The Rempfer sisters may be young, but they certainly know you’re never too young to help those around you in need. Dakota, 13, Payton, 11, and Breeana, 10, have been raising a lamb which they’re going to auction off at the end of the month, to raise money for Ronald Mcdonald House — an organization that supports families of sick children in hospital.
“Our (4-H) club chose the Ronald Mcdonald House because it means a lot to us all to help the families when they need it the most,” said Dakota.
The sisters were selected to raise the “charity lamb” by the Irricana Beef & Multi 4-H Club, of which Dakota is president. To help the sisters raise what they hope will be at least $1,000, the Wheatland Equestrian Center donated the lamb and feed was donated by Irvine Tack and Trailer, Val and Shirley Senger from Oxbar Farms and the Rempfer family. The auction occurs May 28-31.
WHAT CHARACTER ARE YOU TODAY?
Chelsea Broos and Michelle Piper Berman are two Calgarians who certainly know how to brighten other people’s day. The friends started a Facebook page called What Character Are You Today?, for which they dress up as famous movie or TV characters, post photos and get their friends guessing who they are dressed as.
“Social distancing has been difficult, especially for us extroverts,” says Broos. “I live in the community of Tuscany, which is a busy community full of great, energetic people. I was missing the connection to my friends.”
To stay connected, she and Berman started the character challenge. It was popular to the point that other friends and their children also started dressing up as characters and posting pictures. It became a fun distraction from the worries of the day.
FREE NUTRITIONAL ADVICE
Isolating at home can lead to unhealthy food habits, increased grazing and excessive snacking. But two Calgary registered dietitians have started a free support community for Calgarians called Well@home. Kristyn Hall and Cheryl Strachan are addressing topics ranging from emotional eating and eating behaviours to food cravings and snacking. Details are at energizenutrition.ca/wellathome.