Check out these images of how Albertans are keeping it positive during the COVID-19 crisis
Calling all Calgarians and residents of southern Alberta! The COVID-19 crisis is one of economic uncertainty and social isolation — but it's also a prime time to get to know one another and share how we're all navigating this unfamiliar time together.
Photos from our community of people who are adapting, helping and staying positive
CBC Communications ·
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Thank you to everyone for sharing your photos. As we move in to summer planning we will be updating this page less frequently. You can still share your photos to calgaryphotos@cbc.ca.
Calling all Calgarians and residents of southern Alberta! The COVID-19 crisis is one of economic uncertainty and social isolation — but it's also a prime time to get to know one another and share how we're all navigating this unfamiliar time together.
While we practice social distancing, we have an opportunity to connect. That's why CBC Calgary launched We're In This Together, a campaign to amplify positive voices during these challenging times.
A lot of us, stuck at home, have hidden talents and big hearts. And we want you to share them with the rest of us!
Can you play an instrument?
Have you trained your dog to do a nifty trick?
How did you recently support a neighbour?
Have you resorted to unique home schooling tactics or workouts?
Have you turned your kitchen table into an extraordinary makeshift office?
Grab your camera and show us your best photo or video. Please provide a quick explanation of what's happening, who you are and where you live so we can share.
Send your submissions to calgaryphotos@cbc.ca or tag us on social media using @cbccalgary #cbccalgary.
Because we're all in this together, Calgary. And Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, and Brooks, Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Taber, Vauxhall, Warner, Banff, Canmore and Nanton.
Let's hang out and get to know one another. Even if it is online.
Medical professionals and frontline workers are the new superheros. 10 year old, Jhanna Mariel Villanueva, and her 2 year old brother Justin Villanueva, dress up as medical professionals to show their support from their home in Saddlebrook, Calgary. (Ann Villanueva)
Calgary-area visual artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec returns with some of the final drawings from her COVID-19 sketchbook. (Debbie.lee Miszaniec)
Calgary-area visual artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec returns with some of the final drawings from her COVID-19 sketchbook. (Debbie.lee Miszaniec)
Calgary-area visual artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec returns with some of the final drawings from her COVID-19 sketchbook. (Debbie.lee Miszaniec)
When Susan Mucciacito walks her dogs she looks for rocks and then brings them home to paint them with messages of hope and positivity. (Susan Mucciacito)
Katrina is in Grade 10, and lives on a ranch with miniature horses who recently gave birth. Meet Corona and Cupid, new additions this spring. (Dawn Sprung)
Homeschooling 101. Emily does her Grade 8 course work from her home on a ranch just outside of Okotoks with a snack and surrounded by her dogs Tucker and Bentley. (Dawn Sprung)
We want to amplify positive voices.<br><br>Send your photos and videos to calgaryphotos@cbc.ca or tag us on social <a href="https://twitter.com/CBCCalgary?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cbccalgary</a>.<br><br>Show us how you are adapting, staying positive, being creative or helping others <a href="https://t.co/WgCWzVSRSP">https://t.co/WgCWzVSRSP</a> <a href="https://t.co/5NWogM79yP">pic.twitter.com/5NWogM79yP</a>
“Jaxson and Sadie have been keeping us smiling during this difficult time. His smiles and energy know no limits and he just wants to play and embrace his first real summer. Sadie is his bud and bodyguard helping him get into mischief. We have started biking a lot, going for walks and playing in the backyard. He loves the outdoors!” said Sterling. (Leah & James)
This art project is located in lower Mount Royal, Calgary and features two freestanding doors with wood frames — one door has many knobs and handles and one door has many locks and keys. The couple wanted to put a message of hope in their yard that neighbors and passersby could see. Something visually quirky and fun, but also something that provided some inspiration and a reminder that this will pass, and that we will someday once again have options and opportunities again that we are missing right now. (Ann Mansolino & Taco Van Lepere)
Calgary photographer Shannon Hutchison has been capturing and collecting images for a series called “Photos of Hope.” (Shannon Hutchison)
Over the last 6 weeks, Allison crocheted 277 granny squares and sewed them together into a message for the community that she put up on her balcony. “I’m still working full time, and it took me about 50 hours to create this. I hope it brings some joy to other people,” said Brown. (Allison Brown)
This thank you message for community workers and doctors hangs in a front window. “We are observing our month of fasting and all our Canadian community and people all over the world are in our special prayers,” said Rahila. (Khan Rahila)
The ICNA Sisters Calgary have prepared and distributed scrub bags to nurses and cloth face masks for senior homes. In addition to these ongoing projects, the kids of their community created this collage of appreciation. (ICNA Sisters Calgary)
This sign, likely written by a child, has been taped to the side of a permanent garbage bin in a park near the King’s home in S.W. Calgary. (PJ King)
Cyrstal Hancock of Brooks, Alberta created this chalk drawing in her driveway to show her appreciation for front-line workers. She has also began promoting other positive art on her "Thank You From A Distance" website and Instagram page @thankyoufromadistance. (Cyrstal Hancock)
Jennifer Tremblay from Bowness, Calgary is back with another cartoon submission. Since the outbreak, Jenn has been doing one or two cartoons a week to improve her skills and hopes to illustrate her own children's books in the future. (Jennifer Tremblay)
These skeletons are located outside a house in West Hillhurst. A neighbour said “that house always has the best displays for the holidays with huge blow-up characters at Easter, Halloween and Christmas. This current display must be their 'celebration' of the pandemic.” (Pat Fogg)
This photo collage was made by Marigold Mioc, aged 10, and her friends from Vancouver Kids Fashion Week. They met last year and they continue to connect virtually through chat groups to combat isolation. (Lily Ahonen)
Everything has a silver lining. Even this pandemic. The Watson family is now safe and sound in Calgary as a new family of four. “Our adopted son’s Canadian citizenship was completed months before we were expecting it in order to get our family back home to Canada as we were stuck in Accra, Ghana,” said Watson. The family was able to actually enjoy their two week quarantine period as they were able to get their new son adjusted to his new home and dog. (Nicole Watson)
A supportive message from this grade 5 class at Calgary Islamic School. They all want all frontline workers to please stay safe. (Shakeel Raja)
The Girl Guides of Canada 205th Sparks group shared this message for essential service workers during this difficult time. <a href="https://t.co/PPzcMwp3eB">pic.twitter.com/PPzcMwp3eB</a>
Rola Bathory shared this photo of her 6 year old son Aydin from Brentwood, Calgary. Aydin loves to chat with any delivery personnel that come to their house but he hasn't been able to lately. He wanted to say thank you in some way, so he decided to share all his favorite treats. (Rola Bathory)
With sun in the sky and no snow in the forecast to wash away their hard work, local artist and entrepreneur Stephanie Krahn bought the largest box of sidewalk chalk she could find and took her kids to the driveway. “We drew pictures and messages for our neighbours and all the people out walking around our neighborhood. Joni and Jake drew hearts and rainbows, and I did the lettering,” said Krahn. (Stephanie Krahn)
Mary Willott had a good laugh when she saw this masked dino appear on a neighbours lawn in North Haven, Calgary. (Mary Willott)
Jhanna Mariel Villanueva shares the four rules to fight COVID-19. (Ann Villanueva)
Calgary-area visual artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec is back with more drawings from her COVID-19 sketchbook. (Debbie.lee Miszaniec)
Calgary-area visual artist Debbie.lee Miszaniec is back with more drawings from her COVID-19 sketchbook. (Debbie.lee Miszaniec)
Tetiana and her family can’t wait for spring any longer. They decided to create this snowwoman in the hope of her bringing sunshine to McKenzie Lake, Calgary. (Tetiana Bezugla)
Spring has been mixed with bouts of snowfall so Charlene’s kids decided to get creative. Julianna and Nolan pose beside their snow rooster in Springbank. (Charlene Procyshen)
Richard Smith shared this photo of his dog sled crew. “Reliving our Canadian history, heritage and culture refreshes the mind. There’s nothing like spending time with your best canine buddies this time of year to chase away all that is happening,” said Smith. These were taken along the forestry truck road near Ram Falls. (Richard Smith)
Calgary-based artist Edward Michell sent us photos and step-by-step instructions to his new self-care haircut grooming routine. 1) Experience a world pandemic. 2) Wash your hair and cover with a towel. 3) Use whatever scissors you have in the house. (Edward Michell)
Calgary-based artist Edward Michell sent us photos and step-by-step instructions to his new self-care haircut grooming routine. 4) Balance length and width. 5) Texture and add a little mousse for body, re-wet cut and cut some more. 6) Wash, rinse, condition and style. (Edward Michell)
Jhanna Mariel Villanueva, is 10 years old and is from Saddlecrest, Calgary. Here she uses signs and a variety of outfits to deliver her positive message. (Ann Villanueva)
Jennifer Tremblay from Bowness, Calgary has been cartooning since childhood. Since the outbreak, Jenn has been doing one or two cartoons a week to improve her skills and hopes to illustrate her own children's books in the future. “It keeps me and my family giggling. I feel like it's a small way to give back to the world while we're all cooped up inside and worried about what life is going to look like in a couple of months.” (Jennifer Tremblay)
(Jennifer Tremblay)
(Jennifer Tremblay)
Michelle Piper Berman has been busy dressing up and recreating her own famous movie characters. (Michelle Piper Berman, Chelsea Broos)
In an attempt to stay busy and social, Chelsea Broos has been dressing up as famous movie characters and sharing the photos online. Here are a few examples of her recreating Tom Cruise, Cousin Itt, and John Cusack but she has a lot more on her Facebook group "What Character are you Today?" (Chelsea Broos, Michelle Piper Berman)
These little boys will keep you smiling. On the left, is Grandson Casey Witteman in Strathmore, on FaceTime, showing his Grandpa Simon Witteman in Wetaskiwin, the LEGO fire truck he made. On the right, is Liam Parks finding fun after dinner during quarantine. His play dates are now limited to his favourite household friends like Pablo the penguin. (Diane Witteman & Holly Parks )
Xenia, 7, decided to spread some positivity by putting up a poster at her school with the message “Let's show St. Marguerite our gratitude and love” and encouraged others to leave a message for school staff. The photo on the left is from day 1 and the second photo is 10 days later. (Kaylie Rodriguez)
Jo Williams shared this photo of his son Kerry and their dog Peso after a frolic in the snow. “This period with everyone at home has made our family value our dog that much more. We call her a walking love sponge, she asks for little and gives so much,” said Williams. (Jo Williams, Michelle Piper Berman)
A thoughtful poster of support has been placed in the lobby of Cedarbrae Gardens, an apartment complex in West Hillhurst, Calgary. (Drew Anderson)
Superheroes Wyatt and Jordyn Seemann of Caroline, Alberta found a unique way to spend the day, while bringing smiles to friends. Their mother, Janelle, helped them get dressed up and put together gift packets of crafts, games, and fun family ideas to deliver to friends driveways in the community who are also self isolating. (Kellyann Rude)
Keith was diagnosed with cancer a couple of weeks ago and although the prognosis is good, he and his partner Sarah didn’t want to wait until the COVID-19 crisis is over to get married. Last Sunday, Keith and Sarah tied the knot in their home in the Calgary community of Legacy. Lori Giese, Sarah’s best friend, officiated remotely and in attendance was immediate family members Finn, Ella, Haiden, Liam, Jack and their dogs Bowie and Molly. Congratulations and best of luck to the Sveinson family! (Keith Sveinson)
Asari is 8 years old and she always sleeps with her sleeping mask on. Yesterday, when she woke up, she had the idea to reuse her sleeping mask to cover her nose if she needed to go outside. She doesn’t know if it will work to block the virus but she got her sister, who has asthma, to also try it out. (Maythrie Daniel)
Physiotherapist Shannon Leydon, made a comfortable makeshift office chair for her husband after he found himself sore from suddenly working from home on a hard kitchen chair. She used a portable tie-on high chair and attached pillows. According to her husband, it has been a game changer. See the before and after pictures. (Shannon Leydon)
Calgarian Amy Whitmore, just learnt about winter seeding so she decided to give it a try. She is making mini greenhouses out of milk jugs and has been keeping active with home workouts. (Amy Whitmore)
Scott MacFarlane, Director of Operations for Arcurve Inc. sends a cheers with his coffee as he gets accustom to working from home. (Donna MacFarlane)
This neighbourhood sign shows appreciation and support for Alberta Health Services. (Unknown)
Colleen Janssen Hood and her daughter Vienne had an excellent craft idea. Learn how to crochet while creating a timely game with an educational message about avoiding contact and washing your hands. You can't touch this. (Trish Exton-Parder)
Rick Shoemaker found out about his daughter Auria doing this in class one day, so this past week he challenged both Auria and his wife Jacquie to do the pencil challenge. 51 pencils was their record. (Rick Shoemaker)
Shannon Colle and her friend desperately needed to go for a walk so they repurposed a couple hockey sticks with duct tape. Introducing the Canadian social distancing stick! (Shannon Colle)
This drawing of the COVID-19 siege was submitted by a family who now has the picture hanging in their window. (Bruce Warren)
This Calgary-area visual artist started a COVID-19 sketchbook and then shared her work online. The response has been enthusiastic, people are finding the drawings entertaining and thoughtful. (Debbie.lee Miszaniec - One Life Fine Art)
Here are some sidewalk signs with funny and inspirational messages on them for people to read while on walks. Although we may not be together, we are in this together. (Ashleigh and Penn Alder)
Local artist Emily Beaudoin has been working on a series of paintings called 'Shelter', to help folks stay positive and thankful for their homes. (Emily Beaudoin)
Neighbours in the community of Evanston missed the Calgary Zoo so much that they made their own homemade version. (Ashley Thompson, Sarah Carriere, Nicole Barcelo-Doig)
