W9R: Good News You Need To Know - COVID-19 Edition
The last few weeks have been incredibly hard for all of us. It can be difficult to feel hopeful right now or take a break from the news. Many of you might be feeling stressed, anxious, uncertain, confused, or a combination of it all. Know that you’re not alone, and we’re feeling it too.
Rather than sending out our usual updates, we wanted to switch gears this weekend. It might not be an escape from COVID-19, but it’s full of GOOD news.
Good things are happening in our communities, and it makes our team feel hopeful to be reminded about them.
We hope it brightens your day and does the same for you!
Calgary Fire Department Offers Drive-By Birthday Wishes
Is it your birthday between now and the end of May, 2020?
Do you need a way to celebrate while respecting the rules of physical distancing?
Are you between the ages of four and 12, or over the age of 75?
If so, the Calgary Fire Department can drive by your house in their trucks with flashing lights and sirens to help you celebrate your birthday!
'Porchraits:' Calgary photographer capturing family moments during COVID-19
Calgary photographer, Neil Zeller, takes photos with a long lens to maintain physical distancing! You can take a look at his shoots here, or book your own appointment!
The helping hands keeping Calgary informed during the COVID-19 crisis
So who are these helping hands on CEMA’s stage? Here’s a little more from a virtual interview (the new-norm in maintaining physical distance), with a couple of the familiar faces connecting Calgary’s deaf and hard of hearing community through-out this crisis.
Calgary woman's compassion during COVID-19 crisis draws international attention
Lourdes Juan founder of Leftovers Foundtion which rescues unsold food from participating businesses and delivers it to those in need in Calgary. On one of her regular food delivery runs last week, Lourdes Juan had a new acquaintance come along for the ride. David Mercer, a correspondent for the Al Jazeera Media Network, was there to chronicle one of the “feel-good” stories of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Calgary craft brewer Annex Ales going into the hand sanitizer business during coronavirus pandemic
Calgary craft brewer Annex Ale Project is pivoting their city business to shore up a tight supply of hand sanitizer in the wake of an ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Using a recipe provided by the World Health Organization, Annex Ales co-founder Andrew Bullied said they wanted to spring into action.
Sprawl Kids: What I Love About My Street
This is a special section by local kids, for local kids. We're asking kids to share their own stories of what they're experiencing right now. The Sprawl is crowdfunded, ad-free and made in Calgary.
‘An amazing group of people’: Transit drivers coping during pandemic
Calgary Transit has been one of the hardest-hit organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the frontline workers keeping the buses and trains running are staying focused on the job.
While ridership has dropped an average of 80 per cent over the last month, operators still remain some of the most vulnerable to being exposed to the coronavirus.
Free Turk! Wild police chase to help beloved Ramsay turkey drives bird to Beltline
After a brush with the law, the Ramsay turkey trotted around in a new community over the weekend.
The wild turkey has been a neighbourhood legend since last May, and his 2,000 plus followers are always hungry for more 'Turk' — as locals have nicknamed the bird — content. Daily photos, videos and even musings about when and if the handsome male turkey will find a mate.
In Dark Times, We’re Building Hopeful New Norms
Urban life in a pandemic is hard — but has silver linings.
'An obligation just like safety': Employers urged to keep workers' mental health at forefront
Large and small businesses are being urged to put formal plans in place to care for their employees’ mental health as it becomes apparent the COVID-19 crisis is likely to last months, not weeks.
The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is encouraging employers and managers of all its member businesses to reach out to their team members individually and ensure they are holding up during this time of intense stress.
'Lean on me': Loved ones serenade seniors outside care home with COVID-19 outbreak
They stood on the sidewalks or leaned out of the sunroofs of their cars, swaying to the music and waving at the windows of the McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre.
"Lean on me, when you're not strong. And I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on," they sang along, the lyrics blasting from one of the car's speakers, serenading their elderly loved ones from afar.
Leading with her heart: Long before COVID-19, Deena Hinshaw was making an impression
Hinshaw's heart is part of what makes her an outstanding doctor and public health leader, and it, too, has been firmly in place, all the way back to her days as a medical student at the University of Alberta.