How long have you lived in Bridgeland-Riverside? What do you like about living here?
We moved to Bridgeland-Riverside 8 years ago. We bought a little century home that we are raising our two children in. There are so many things I love about Bridgeland. Firstly, the people! There are so many amazing people in this community that make it awesome! I love that you can walk anywhere! You don’t even have to leave the community! From your local hair stylist, to good eats, to fitness, to banking…it’s all here! We also really appreciate the proximity to all the pathways that Calgary has to offer. With little ones at home, we are always looking for new places to explore!
How did you get involved in volunteering in our community?
I originally got involved volunteering when another local artist and friend, Andrea Lau, invited me to be part of the amazing BRCA Farmers Market Committee and the rest is history!
What kind of volunteer activities have you done?
Good question! Well, I started off volunteering with the Farmers Market, doing any task that needed to be done, and at the end focusing on the music that we organized every week. Obviously, like so many other people in the community, our family has been part of the annual clean-up for many years.
As a local artist, I have been fortunate to be part of some of the most recent creative projects including the large BACK TO THE BOW mural at Riverside Park, the BRIDGELAND sign on Memorial, and the most recent project; the engaging 9A Park initiative organized by local volunteers. I had a lot of fun bringing community members together to knit tree cozies and creating an art series for the park. Ya team!
What ideas do you have for volunteering in the future? What interests or excites you?
I have too many ideas, that is a problem. I always have big dreams for places and spaces…just need the time! I would love to continue to do the small things like clean up, weeding and helping with different creative projects. Anytime I can help people come together through arts or music, I am in!
What would you tell others in the community about volunteering?
I guess I would say that volunteering is a fabulous way to meet people in your own community. It feels good bringing people together, helping to bring positivity and diverse experiences to the community. “Many hands make light work”!
What do you like most about volunteering for the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Association?
The people!!! The BRCA is so lucky to have so many volunteers that are so dedicated to keeping Bridgeland awesome!
During the pandemic are you still able to do volunteer activities in a safe manner?
Volunteering looked a little different this year. I did more things on my own or with my cohort, wore masks if I needed help. I managed to bring over 20 people together to knit tree cozies all through emails and social distanced pick-ups and drop-offs! It’s totally do-able!
What is a hidden gem in Bridgeland-Riverside that you have discovered and would like to share?
Aw, there are so many gems in Bridgeland! Not to sound biased, but I would have to say Riverside Park! My kiddos and I love going down to the baseball diamond, checking on the mural, biking around the pathways and playing in the rose garden! Also, we love gardening, and CNIB scent garden is a gem! Thank you!
You can learn more about Janel Nail at janelnail.ca and on Instagram @janelnail.