How long have you lived in Bridgeland-Riverside? What do you like about living here?
We have lived in Bridgeland for seven years. The best thing about Bridgeland is the people we meet when we are out and about. Bridgeland offers both natural and urban environments which encourage us to get outside to enjoy and be part of our community.
How did you get involved in volunteering in our community?
During our early days in Bridgeland we took part only in the annual spring clean-up day as we had busy work and family lives. We retired and have time to be more active volunteers. Our “volunteering genes” developed in the fourteen years we lived in the small family-oriented community of Sparwood, B.C.
What kind of volunteer activities have you done?
Our volunteer experiences include: attending open houses about Bridgeland development plans, attending BRCA meetings and forums, joining the Beautification Committee, weeding of Murdoch Park beds, rejuvenation of Murdoch and Riverside Parks rose gardens, organizing the BRCA Volunteer Potluck dinner, helping make on-line self-directed walks which invite Calgarians to discover Bridgeland, keeping General Plaza clean and tidy, and helping repair the Wayfinder Ls for repainting. Our volunteering has many benefits: being part of a team, contributing to and learning about our community, and healthy exercise outdoors!
What ideas do you have for volunteering in the future?
Our future volunteering activities will continue our work to maintain Bridgeland outdoor spaces in fantastic condition for all to enjoy. We have achieved results through team efforts by our Beautification Committee in collaboration with resources from the City of Calgary, especially the Parks Dept.
What would you tell others in the community about volunteering?
We need more Bridgelanders to become active volunteers. Volunteering is fun! Volunteering can help lower COVID related stress. For young parents it is an opportunity to show young children the value of getting involved and lending a hand. For retirees, it’s a way to stay connected and active. It does not have to be a big commitment to make a difference. We have found volunteer work is an opportunity to learn skills and meet people. It is also a way to give back to the community and also see the fruits of our labours.
What do you like most about volunteering for the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association?
Getting to know Bridgelanders. Satisfaction of doing a good job and being part of our community.
During the pandemic are you still able to do volunteer activities in a safe manner?
We are still able to do volunteer activities safely in these COVID times. Our Beautification Team meetings and work activities have been outside with social distancing maintained and wearing masks if necessary.
What is a hidden gem in Bridgeland-Riverside that you have discovered and would like to share?
Tyndale Park is a Bridgeland gem. The pathway running up to the ridge gets the heart pumping and the view overlooking the city is spectacular.