We are living in curious times. The persistence of the pandemic, the ongoing fight towards equity, the impacts of climate change and economic headwinds, and the pressure to reinforce our democratic values, have left many of us feeling depleted.
However, the reality that we live in one of the most livable cities in the world, in one of the best countries on earth, allows us to gather strength from the decency of our collective work towards meaningful change.
But perhaps most importantly, and especially at this time of year, we must also take time to recharge ourselves in the company of friends and family. I hope your circumstances allow you to enjoy the holiday season with people you love.
From your Team Ward 9 and our families, with love and fellowship, we wish you and yours peace, respite, rejuvenation, and all the best for 2023.
Ward 9 Holiday Giving
As we've done in the past, in lieu of mailing traditional holiday cards, the Ward 9 office has instead opted to donate to several notable local charities. For 2022, our focus is to support just some of the organizations doing the difficult work of tackling food insecurity in Ward 9 and throughout Calgary.
Through partnerships with the Compost Council of Canada and the City of Calgary, Highfield Farm has transformed a 15-acre vacant lot into a vibrant and productive urban farm, producing regenerative locally grown food, land and soil restoration, and strengthening our communities.
With the understanding that everyone deserves to be well-fed, especially during challenging times, Calgary Meals on Wheels delivers fresh, nutritious, and affordable meals to Calgarians experiencing any kind of hardship.
Alongside Red Seal chefs and wraparound social supports, YCAP teaches at-risk, unhoused youth employment skills in the culinary field. The YCAP Market serves as a social enterprise, selling a variety of made-from-scratch food created by YCAP clients.
A not-for-profit social enterprise focused on creating new, innovative ways of providing dignified food access to as many Calgarians as possible. Through their Mobile Grocery Stores, Fresh Routes brings fresh and affordable food into several Ward 9 neighbourhoods facing food access barriers.
Ward 9 Community Pantries
Ward 9 is currently home to six Community Pantries. Similar to a Little Free Library, but for food, community pantries provide easy, dignified access to food for anyone who needs it. No questions asked, no referral needed. Community members can collectively donate food to the pantry for their neighbours in need to utilize.
Our office purchased a variety of non-perishable, nutrient-dense food and delivered items to each community pantry in Ward 9.
Erin Woods Community Association - 83 Erin Park Dr SE
Forest Heights Community Association - 4909 Forego Ave SE
Greater Forest Lawn Victory Outreach - 1840 38 St SE
Inglewood Community Garden Pantry - 2297 17 St SE
Inglewood Love with Humanity Community Panty - 1817 9 Ave SE
Penbrooke Meadows Community Association - 6100 8 Ave SE
