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

Last week we focused on small local businesses who were stepping up to help serve their community; this week, we're highlighting certain individuals who have been going above and beyond during this time of need. From local heroes and frontline workers to dedicated employees and caring citizens, Calgary has no shortage of people who are willing to step up and help their fellow neighbours. Here are six local Calgarians nominated by their friends, family and coworkers who are serving the community in the best ways they know how.

Dustin Hawkins

Dustin Hawkins of 310-DUMP, a local junk removal service, has continued working during these uncertain times. He is still regularly collecting businesses' garbage bins even after just having a baby girl on April 1. Dustin, we commend you on your service to our city and congratulate you on your new daughter.

Chris Curry

Chris stepped up for his community of Coventry Hills and donated his time, tools and materials to build birdhouse kits for all the neighbourhood kids. He then delivered these kits to their doorsteps, giving parents a way to entertain and teach their kids while everyone was at-home indoors. Chris even made a YouTube video explaining how to assemble the kits so that this whole project could be done while maintaining social distancing. Throughout the whole process, Chris never once asked for money; since then, some people have donated towards his endeavour to educate the neighbourhood's children. Chris has promised that he will keep building these kits as long as there are kids in the community who want them. The only request Chris has is that once the birdhouses are built and decorated, that a photo be posted online to share the creativity and spirit that is alive in the neighbourhood. If you would like to contact Chris, you can email him at gizmothing@gmail.com or ask to join the Facebook group Coventry Hills Rants and Raves where his original post can be found.

Jaymar Tapang

Jaymar works at the Calgary International Airport and was also the individual responsible for starting the Facebook group COVID Warriors of YYC. When the government initially asked many of us to stay home, Jaymar was one of the first to think of our elderly and vulnerable people. Starting on Day 1, she gathered friends and colleagues to help out, aiding over 30 families in the first seven days, whether they needed help getting food or had other errands to run. Since then, many more families have been helped and Jaymar continues to organize her warriors to help those in need while maintaining her job at the airport.

Cat Bauce

Cat has been a true Calgarian and has remained an avid supporter, protector and enhancer of our city throughout the COVID pandemic as she has always been. She wholly loves Calgary for the city that it is and will continue to do so for as long as she can. Cat has graciously given her time through volunteer work, helping the homeless, cooking outstanding Italian food and now assisting families to stay ahead of their financial goals. Cat has an incredible drive and passion for helping others, which has been evident throughout her whole life, and we are happy to recognize her now in these difficult times. Keep it up, Cat!

Kali Wilfur

Kali works at the Society for Treatment of Autism and was nominated by one of her coworkers. She cares so much about her clients and, despite these uncertain times, always shows up to work with a smile. Kali goes above and beyond for this organization, working incredibly hard day-in and day-out. It's people like you who keep this city running smoothly, Kali.

Patty Infusino

Patty is the patient care manager of the ICU at the Peter Lougheed Hospital. She has worked tirelessly since the pandemic started, planning for the surge of new patients. When the province stopped allowing visitors into hospitals, her focus shifted to finding alternative ways for family members to see and communicate with their loved ones. She has a strong background in Patient and Family-Centred Care activities and she is the chair of this committee at Peter Lougheed. Patty is a dedicated individual, paving the way for family members to connect virtually with their loved ones while visiting in-person is not an option.

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.

Nominate a Local Hero

Kelsey Woods is the Content & Editorial Manager for Best of Calgary.