On Oct 21, Mayor Nenshi launched the Three Things for Calgary initiative, urging all Calgarians to take on three things, big or small, that would benefit their neighbours, community and city. After all, to make a community into a better place, we as citizens have to do our part. To that end this is my three things that I would like to do as a contributing member of my community.
1. Give my neighbour a gift on the holidays.
Since my neighbour moved in, every year she would bring us gifts on Christmas and souvenirs when she comes back from travelling. This year I want to repay the favour and give them something in return.
2. Shovel the sidewalk for my neighbours.
Many times during the winter, myself or my parents would walk outside prepared to shovel the sidewalk and find it already done, which is always a pleasant surprise. My parents have repaid the favour many times but I’ve never done it myself so next chance I get I’ll be shoving the sidewalk for my neighbour.
3. Make presents for children in the hospital.
At my school, Henry Wise Wood, I’m part of a club called Creativity in Action. We are essentially an art club but we also wanted to do things that expanded beyond just drawing and crafts. We have embarked on a project to create handmade presents for the Children at the Alberta Children’s Hospital for the Christmas season to brighten up their holiday season and show that people care and support them.
I really look forward to being an active participant in my city. It really makes you feel like you’ve done something and that you’ve made a difference in your community when you actually start to contribute to a cause greater than yourself, and there’s no feeling quite like the feeling of achievement. So, without sounding too preachy, I urge you all to participate in this initiative.