Your Weekly Dose of “Feel Good” Calgary News
Best of Calgary is a celebration of the people, places and voices that make Calgary an amazing place to live and call home.
Written by: Kelsey Woods
Finally some warm weather here in Calgary - we hope you’re able to get out and enjoy the sunshine this week! As we settle in to social distancing, solo grocery shopping and going for two-metres-apart walks, it begins to feel like a new routine. We also bet you’ve talked to or Facetimed almost all of your family members and friends, ordered several things from your local shops and picked up a new hobby or two. Since we don’t know how long this lifestyle change is going to last, why not lean into it and see what we can be grateful for?
These five Calgarians and their local businesses have pivoted to offer you, their community, something unique this spring:
1. Junction 9 Yoga & Pilates
If you’ve wandered the streets of Inglewood, then we’re sure you’ve seen or at least heard the Junction 9 buzz. Combining movements from yoga and pilates, this workout studio welcomes people of all fitness levels to join them in celebrating health and wellness through personal achievement and community. During their temporary studio closure, Junction 9 has been live streaming their classes completely free of charge, so that you can or anyone you know can simply follow along at home. With an online library of over 40 videos now, you can take your pick of classes from hatha flow and meditation or mat pilates and embodied movement.
2. Revv52
If you like music and live events, then Revv52 is for you. This Calgary-based live performance aims to entertain, inspire and energize its audience with each and every show, whether you’re catching an original or a popular, beloved song. Generally, people buy tickets to Revv52’s shows or they are hired by local companies, however, they are unable to perform with the current situation. But, have no fear: the talented group of performers at Revv52 have created a virtual choir on YouTube for you to tune in and enjoy live music from the comfort of your home. Visit the Revv52 website for more information on how you can get involved with this local creative company.
3. Farm + Fork Catered Events
Farm + Fork, a local catering company, is widely known by Calgarians for their positively scrumptious meals. For weeks now, this company has been running a ‘Buy One, Gift One’ initiative to help our community. For every Survival Meal Kit purchased, Farm + Fork has been donating a meal (which feeds two people) to healthcare professionals and frontline workers who have been tirelessly working. They have given away countless meals to nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, EMS works and police officers. As if this wasn’t enough, Farm + Fork has also been donating meals to the Ronald McDonald house once a week and are currently working with Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids to get meals out to them. They have truly stepped up to help their Calgary community during unpredictable times by spreading food and positivity as far as they can. Check out Farm + Fork’s local offerings here.
4. Jean Claude Munyezamu, Soccer Without Boundaries
Jean Claude is the executive director of Soccer Without Boundaries (SWB) and a whirlwind of activity who embodies the great Calgary adage of “get ‘er done.” He has jumped at lightning speed to assist new Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis, pivoting from SWB’s traditional drop-in soccer programs for low-income families to helping community members adapt to educational challenges, layoffs and employment matters by accessing government services and navigating systems of support. The populations that SWB serves are difficult for mainstream organizations to reach, so Jean Claude is leveraging a decade of community relationships to ensure people are helped. From grocery deliveries and assisting with EI support to laptop drives and internet services among others, Jean Claude and SWB are working diligently to help them adapt to Canadian society and provide support while they are disconnected due to social distancing.
5. Sweat Science Boxing
Another local hotspot located in Inglewood, Sweat Science Boxing provides fast-paced group boxing classes with functional body movements, plyometrics and high-energy music tailored it to first-time boxers. With the COVID crisis hitting Calgary hard, this fitness studio had to close its doors temporarily like countless others. Even though they are not making a dime right now, this studio continues to live stream their noon classes, keeping their dedicated customers striving for a normal, healthy routine at home, indoors, while nothing else feels normal. Learn more about Sweat Science Boxing who met Calgarians where they were and continues to provide a free service to keep their community strong together.
If you notice someone going above and beyond for their neighbours or spot a local business who has pivoted and provided for their community during these uncertain times, we want to know! Nominate these local heroes so we can give them a shout out and continue to spread positive news.
Kelsey Woods is the Content & Editorial Manager for Best of Calgary.