Giving Back in 2023: Lending My Hands To Community Support

In 2023 I was given the gift of being able to support the community every single month. That’s 12 opportunities to support the community! Giving back and supporting the community is something that has always been close to my heart and it is something that I intend to keep doing going forward – Helping where there is a need.

That being said, I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the ways that I was able to give my helping hands in 2023.

The Airdrie Food Bank

The Airdrie Food Bank is committed to collecting and distributing food to those in need. Their mission revolves around finding sustainable solutions to hunger-related issues while treating individuals with dignity and respect. Everyone is human!

They have set their core values as being non-judgmental, supportive, and make a huge effort to keep community engagement. The role of community engagement is what the Airdrie Food Bank needs to successfully give to those in need.

Volunteers also play a pivotal role in the operation of the food bank, contributing their time, skills, and passion to ensuring that those in need can get the help they deserve. 2023 became a testament to the strength of unity, compassion, and a shared commitment to the community.

All in all, the community really rallied behind the food bank this year!

I personally believe that everyone should have access to nourishing food. It has been immensely eye opening and such a massive blessing to be able to be a part of helping people gain access to food in their time of need.

The Honest Box PJ Project

This is an initiative close to my heart. This unique project aims to collect goods for 11 emergency shelters across the province. They hope for essential items such as: Pajamas, socks, toiletries, etc.

There are local drop sites at convenient locations for individuals to drop off their chosen donations. Making it a simple and accessible way to donate. Along with people like myself who take the time to go and pick up donations personally from those who wish to donate but maybe can’t make it to a donation drop off site.

I think it really emphasizes the community’s collective power to make a positive impact for those who are experiencing harder times. 

This project has become a favorite among community members, myself included! I have had many great experiences with the people who gather to put these care packages together once items have been donated. It fills me with joy to be a part of caring for the community in a way that may make every day life a little easier for the people who need these donations most.

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society

Animals will always be near and dear to my heart!

Cochrane and Area Humane Society stands as a pillar of compassion for unwanted, surrendered, lost, and unclaimed animals. Beyond providing basic needs like food and shelter, they offered medical care and prepare these loving animals for adoptions to their forever homes.

They also do their best to teach responsible pet ownership through educational programs and rural spay/neuter initiatives.

The community has shown its unwavering support for the Humane Society through volunteerism, sponsorships, memberships, and generous donations of food, supplies and monetary donations. The collaborative efforts of the community ensures that the humane society can continue its vital work. So that they can keep making a HUGE difference in the lives of animals and the community.

Any time that I get the opportunity to help care for animals, is time well spent to me. Not to mention all the cuddles, BONUS! These animals are waiting for their forever home and honestly if I could, I would take them all home myself! But like most I cannot take in hundreds of animals myself. However, you can still help the Cochrane Humane Society in other ways as mentioned above.

As I reflect on some of the highlights of giving back in 2023, the Airdrie Food Bank, the Honest Box PJ Project, and the Cochrane & Area Humane Society all stand as powerful reminders of the impact that collective compassion and community support can have on the world and lives around us.