by Lee Hunt
In a recent Herald article, Calgary Olympic skier and Canadian Hall of Fame inductee Ken Read wrote about “Calgary’s secret weapon – our volunteer ethic.”
I think that this “volunteer ethic” is very active in Brentwood. Just survey some of the volunteer driven projects already completed – fence murals, the new playground at Captain John Palliser School, and the large community murals painted by local youth. Brentwood Cares coordinates weekly food deliveries for the Calgary Food Bank and also operates the Little Free Food Library at 3624 Boulton Road NW. The majority of our Brentwood sports teams are coached by volunteers, while our entire Brentwood Community Association (BCA) Board is made up of volunteers.
Now is your opportunity to volunteer – by helping out with the 60th anniversary celebration of the BCA. Good-natured volunteers are still needed to help with the Neighbour Day Block Party, the Banquet and Dance, plus Music in Blakiston Park.
Where are your strengths? Planning, decorating, supervising the bouncy castle, stringing up lights, setting up tables, helping with the bike parade? Or perhaps you sing or play a musical instrument? There is a role for everyone! The BCA 60th Anniversary Committee is looking for more volunteers. Why not sign up now? Your skills are needed.
It doesn’t matter how long you have lived in Brentwood – for two months or 20 years or more. As current volunteers told me, one has lived in Brentwood for two years, while another was born, raised, and is still living here – and she is now over 55 years of age!
Echoing Ken Read’s sentiments, committee member Lisa told me that, “It is important to engage with all residents to keep the community alive and thriving.” Cam added that, “In today’s increasingly isolated society, the 60th Anniversary will be an opportunity to connect, have fun, and build new connections.”
When asked why they are helping out with the 60th, Bonita replied, “I enjoy organizing events that are fun for the kids and adults alike.” Melanie added, “The nice thing about a special event such as the 60th is that the time commitment is finite and limited… it is a chance to jump in, try something new, and maybe make a new friend or find a new interest.”
So… how about it? Prove Olympian Ken Read correct about Calgary. Become part of the “secret weapon” to help Brentwood remain one of the top scorers in Avenue Magazine’s annual list of Best Neighbourhoods.
Volunteer today to help create a fun and memorable 60th Anniversary for the BCA. To sign up, just email Linda at [email protected] or call her at 403-284-3477, ext. 2.
