Bear necessities found among Dalhousie friends
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.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
Marilee Sharpe, who is sharing toys and books with her Dalhousie neighbours, set up a picnic when the neighbourhood had a recent “bear hunt.” The neighbourhood had organized “window walks” for families, so that kids could look for artwork and displays centred around a theme of the day while they were out walking.
“In this pandemic, we do what we can,” says Sharpe. “I offered up what we had for our young family neighbours to borrow, as a little ‘something new’ for the kids and parents who have been in isolation. Books and art supplies made for some happy kids who were otherwise yearning to go and play with friends.”
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
For a feel-good moment of the day, check out the video on Youtube of the song This Too Shall Pass, composed and sung by Marvin Matthews. To make a good thing even better, Matthews worked with students at Blessed Marie-rose School to allow them to share inspiring messages and posters of hope, as the song plays.
“I wrote this song to offer support and strength to all front-line workers and those affected by the virus,” Matthews said. “Be well.”
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Marleen Morrison had a perfect way to remind people how far to distance themselves from each other. She put a hockey stick on her door to provide a fun visual reminder of the new rules.
“I hope it puts smiles on the faces of those passing by and helps us remember one of the key rules for our COVID fight,” she says. “Everyone loves hockey, or at least the idea of hockey.”
PAINT FOR GOOD
The Urban Painter and Benjamin Moore have been busy with their Paint4good program, which is offering $50,000 worth of free painting services across the city. Calgary-based charities, community spaces and religious spaces applied for the free paint job. Ten recipients are receiving $5,000 worth of painting work as a result of the program.
“Our mission is to create colourful communities inside and out, and we wanted to find a way to give back to those who have given so much,” said Jon Bryant, chief of colour at The Urban Painter.
David Reis, Benjamin Moore’s area sales manager, added: “We are proud to collaborate with The Urban Painter to bring some colour to the lives of community members in need.”