Neighbours help out a Calgary family with a sick child, for months, and other heart-warming acts of kindness

Throughout the month of December, CBC stations across the country invite you to help Make the Season Kind as we celebrate the kindness of others with special programming and a coming together in support of local charities. 

In Calgary, for 35 years, residents have been donating to the Calgary Food Bank through CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Food Bank Drive, raising more than $20 million. This year, from Dec. 4 to 24, join us virtually for special broadcasts, events, auctions and online sales while helping us reach our goal of $1 million to the Calgary Food Bank.

We know how much the community has stepped up this year, and — as part of our Food Bank Drive — we want to hear all about it. No act of kindness is too big or too small.

Maybe you or someone you know picked up groceries for an elderly neighbour? Organized a virtual play date? Got a call from a long lost friend that made your day? Sewed homemade masks, or sent coffee to your local front-line workers? 

Share your story with us of how you showed or received an act of kindness this year and be entered to win a local prize pack. Your act of kindness may even be featured on CBC Calgary.

Here are some of the wonderful stories we've received so far, with thanks to all who wrote or called in to CBC Calgary — and even more, to all of those who are carrying out these random acts of kindness in the community. We'll share more of these heart-warming acts that have been shared with us in the days ahead, on the Calgary Eyeopener, The Homestretch, the CBC Calgary's website and social media.

From Maureen Souply and her husband, Bret Souply:

The Souply family, who live in the Calgary neighbourhood of Renfrew, wanted to thank their neighbours Keitha and Kelly Gritner and Ed and Karen Doyle:

"Thanks for the opportunity to share our story. I would call but I have a hard time talking about it without crying. One of our sons was hospitalized several times over the spring and summer with complications from COVID. On the second night in hospital, one of my neighbours, Keitha, called to ask me if everything was OK since she saw my husband with our other two kids and my car was gone. I explained what was going on and she sprung into action. Not only did she cook meals for my family, but she informed our other neighbour Karen and several others who then also made meals and emailed us gift cards for delivery services. My husband works full-time, I work part-time, we have no other family here, and of course with the COVID lockdown, we couldn't bring in extra help. Our neighbours provided meals, muffins, wine, etc., for us for months since we were at the hospital at least once a week for nine months. They also took our three-year-old to help water their gardens, pick vegetables, and go for walks to help us with the kids. We truly couldn't have made it through this year without their support and true, selfless kindness. Thank you."

From Gerald Krabbe:

"Tuesday, Dec. 1, a friend will help deliver a load of firewood for free to someone who lost her husband two years ago."

From Larissa Wankel:

"My nine-year-old son and I stopped at our local Shoppers Drug Mart the other evening to run into the post office and mail a Christmas parcel to Grandpa. When we got out of the car, we noticed another vehicle in the parking lot with the hatch wide open and no one inside or anywhere nearby. The trunk was full of various items that looked liked recent purchases. I didn't want to close the hatch in case it set off an alarm but I was also worried that someone could come by and take everything. It was dark and my son was getting chilly but we waited to keep an eye on the open trunk and all its goodies until the person it belonged to returned. She was extremely grateful and stated it was all donations for the food bank. I was just glad for the opportunity to 'do the right thing' and provide this valuable example and learning opportunity for my son!"

From Lorraine H:

"My friend has set up a vegetable drop-off for me and my kids. It is helping us so much, so I would love to win this and get it sent to her."

From Nic Gibson:

"Called my best buddy from Winnipeg, Krista. Krista was a part of a Best Buddies chapter I started in Winnipeg helping those with intellectual disabilities create meaningful relationships with university students."

From Joanne Underwood:

"My 'girl' friend (we're both in our 70s) and I decided a few years ago to no longer exchange Christmas or birthday gifts. Instead, all our knitting and sewing projects are given to Ujamaa Grandmas for their annual sale, which was necessarily cancelled this year. At the end of November, I received a large package in the mail — an advent calendar from an Edmonton yarn shop, full of all sorts of knitterly items. In just the first three days, I've opened some knitting needles, a ball of yarn, a pair of scissors and a pattern to make star ornaments. Of course these will be donated to the Grandmas for next year's sale! My friend is making the first 24 days of December exciting and something to look forward to in the absence of family members visiting!"

From Sasha Mallya: 

"I make sure to share a sincere Thank You and Happy Holidays with EVERY person who works at my local grocery store in Kensington. The person sanitizing the baskets, security guards, shelf stockers, and checkout clerks. They are total heroes for keeping us safe during the holiday season and throughout this pandemic."

From Holly Hamilton:

"I keep $5 or $10 in my jacket pocket and when I see a person in need, I hand them some cash or buy them a sandwich. It's my personal Food Bank attempt. They have always been so appreciative."

Again — you can share your story with us of how you showed or received an act of kindness this year with an online form here or by using the hashtag #CBCFeedsYYC on Instagram or Twitter. You can also share your act of kindness by calling and leaving a message for the Calgary Eyeopener at 403-521-6209 or the Homestretch 403-521-6244.

Whichever way you choose, you'll be entered to win a local prize pack, which include: 

• A limited-edition CBC Calgary x Local Laundry holiday crewneck.
• A 36-piece box of salted caramel chocolates from Master Chocolate.
• Julie Van Rosendaal's Dirty Food cookbook.
• An Inspirati tea towel.
• A Milk Jar diffuser.
• A $50 gift card to Bowtie Pizza.
• A 12 oz. bag of One Gray Knight coffee beans from Fratello Coffee Roasters.
• A limited-edition One Gray Knight coffee mug.
• CBC Calgary winter swag (blanket, toque, scarf, mittens, retro socks).

Click here to donate to the Calgary Food Bank.

See the full schedule of events, contests, auction items, partners and more for the CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Calgary Food Bank Drive here.