Neighbour Day Photo for media
Neighbour Day Photo for media
Mayor Naheed Nenshi stands in front of Whitehorn community hall
Calgary, AB,
19
June
2020
|
09:52
America/Denver

Mayor Nenshi encourages citizens to celebrate Calgary’s first ever virtual Neighbour Day, June 20

Tomorrow, Saturday, June 20, Mayor Naheed Nenshi encourages citizens to celebrate Calgary’s first ever virtual Neighbour Day by connecting with their neighbours through virtual events and other online challenges and activities available at Calgary.ca/NeighbourDay.

“Neighbour Day is going to look and feel a little different this year, but the spirit behind it is stronger than ever,” says Mayor Nenshi. “This is an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the community spirit that so many of us needed to get through the difficult days of the pandemic. Calgarians’ ethic of support and generosity has been proven time and again, through whatever tests we’ve faced. So however you mark the occasion this year, I hope you remember how much stronger we are together.”

Neighbour Day started in 2014 to celebrate the incredible outpouring of support and generosity neighbours demonstrated that helped spark the rebuilding process for communities after the 2013 floods. Seven years after the flood, Calgary is better prepared for flooding and the city’s flood risk has reduced by half through continued investments in flood mitigation, including the recently completed installation of higher gates at the Glenmore Dam.

The City of Calgary encourages citizens to celebrate Neighbour Day 2020 by taking part in these challenges and activities, while practicing physical distancing:

Host virtual Neighbour Day celebrations via video conferencing - Hosting a virtual event via video chat or phone is the safest way to connect with your neighbours this year. Mayor Nenshi and Members of Council will be popping into virtual events taking place across Calgary.

Share a Neighbour Day Pledge Card - Take a photo of your pledge card and share how you plan to celebrate Neighbour Day using #yycNeighbourDay.

#SupportLocalYYC - Use your pledge card to share how you plan to support local business this Neighbour Day. Order take-out from a local restaurant, purchase a gift from a mom-and-pop shop, or visit Calgary.ca/covid-business and click #SupportLocalYYC for other ways to support business in YYC. Print your pledge card or share your Neighbour Day plans with participating Calgary businesses to unlock special Neighbour Day deals and discounts.

Get funding to hire a local artist to create art in your neighbourhood - apply to receive between $500 and $4,500 to fund your idea for a community-run public art project. Inspire Calgarians and support local artists that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more at Calgary.ca/artistopportunities.

Join the Neighbour Day Scavenger Hunt - Print the card from Calgary.ca and see how many activities you and your neighbours can check off.

Decorate your yard in red and white - Gather your family and decorate your yard, window or door in red and white using lights, balloons and crafts – don’t forget to leave your decorations up for Canada Day! Colouring sheets, crafts and activities available online.

Make a new connection with a neighbour with a Connection Card - Print a connection card, fill it out, then drop it in your neighbour’s mailbox to introduce yourself.

Citizens choosing to gather in-person must adhere to the most recent Alberta Health Orders and Guidelines.

Calgarians are encouraged to share their Neighbour Day experiences using #YYCNeighbourDay and visit Calgary.ca/NeighbourDay to learn more.

-30-

Neighbour Day Video Profiles: The City of Calgary is featuring community groups and residents who are finding creative ways to connect with their neighbours amid the COVID-19 pandemic: