Neighbours helping neighbours and other 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 coming together in support of local charities.

In Calgary, for 37 years, residents have been donating to the Calgary Food Bank through CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Food Bank Drive, raising more than $22 million. This year, from Dec. 2 to 15, join us for special broadcasts, events, auctions and online sales while helping us reach our goal of $1 million to the Calgary Food Bank. Or attend one of our coffee and mug sales to make a donation and receive this year's limited edition One Knight Only mug and coffee beans from Fratello Coffee Roasters.

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.

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.

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? Someone shoveled your walkway? Got a call from a long lost friend that made your day?

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, News at 6  and the CBC Calgary's website and Instagram.

From Meagan Podilchak:

There's a few of us neighbours on our street who are snow angels for our half block. My kids, though, get the biggest smiles — sweet angels of 11 and eight who are highly motivated to get out the door early, stay bundled upon returning to school so they can shovel as much as they can whenever they can.

From Charnelle Fulcher:

I had my students create and choose 12 acts of kindness for our school. They decided [what] we were going to do and, with my help, they wrote kind notes on lockers and gave out treats for our caretakers. It's a great time of year to spread a little extra kindness.

From Nicole Adam:

I like to pay for people behind me in the drive-thru. My favourite this year was a lady who honked to get my attention, waved and mouthed thank you. It made my heart happy.

From Mathilde Denier:

My neighbours have been super nice and have been picking up parcels left on my doorstep while I am away. They are super nice and it gives me peace of mind knowing my parcels won't disappear if they are left outside for too long.
 

From Pam Beebe:

I signed up to donate to the Alpha House from my weekly paycheck and volunteered this past weekend at Magic of Christmas, which happens every Christmas Eve. I plan to help out my sister-in-law as well as she takes care of her grandkids all the time.

From Kajsa Erickson:

While working full time, I've increased my volunteer hours this year. The volunteer spirit is one of the many things I love about Calgary, and part of the reason I stay here. Some of the organizations I enjoy helping are the Calgary Foundation and Kids Up Front Calgary. When I moved into my new neighbourhood during the pandemic, neighbours were so warm and welcoming. In turn, I help welcome new neighbours with small treats as they move in.

From Kylie Fitzpatrick:

We recently moved and our new neighbours helped so many times by letting cleaners in and out of the house, snow-blowing our driveway for movers, and helping with repairing things like our garage door that broke on day one.

Again — you can share your story with us of how you showed or received an act of kindness this year through our online form here. 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: 

• A wooden CBC-engraved tree ornament

• A limited-edition One Knight Only coffee mug

• CBC Calgary winter swag (socks, toque, scarf)

Deadline to enter to win is Thursday, December 15 at noon MT.