Parkland Cares is a community-based organization of families and neighbours committed to helping others.
We are hoping to set up a modified Birthday Bags initiative in April/May this year. In 2019, we donated a whopping 220 bags! We would be focusing on bags for the 9- to 11-year-old age group, which often has little to no bags available. Of course, all bags for all ages will be accepted.
Birthday Bag kits are available through the Calgary Food Bank for children aged one to 12, who might not otherwise enjoy the luxury of a birthday party. Each Birthday Bag kit would contain a card, party supplies, books, art and school supplies, games, toys, a cake mix, icing, balloons, and candles. Drop off location and dates are to be announced.
To support a COVID friendly event, here’s how you could participate:
- Build and donate your own complete Birthday Bag(s): Reconnect virtually with colleagues, neighbours, friends, and family to divide up the contents – work together to collect everything needed and donate the bag(s).
- Donate birthday supplies you already have: This includes new or used (excellent condition) birthday bags big enough to hold everything, unopened toys/gifts, a book, balloons, or other party supplies.
- Be a smart shopper: Find a great deal on kid’s socks, games, Lego, or books? Find balloons or party plates on sale? Donate any treasures you find, and we’ll assemble bags on the Food Bank’s behalf.
Due to ongoing restrictions, we have limited volunteer opportunities available at the moment. Here are a few you could look into in our community:
Volunteer opportunity: Deer Park United Church Thursday Food Relief Hamper sorting and delivery. Ongoing. Please sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f4aafab2da4fd0-dpuc2.
Volunteers still needed at the Calgary Food Bank. Ongoing. https://www.calgaryfoodbank.com/volunteer/.
Canadian Blood Services: There are many ways to help CBS: blood, plasma, platelets, financial donations, by joining the stem cell registry, or registering your intent to be an organ donor. https://www.blood.ca/en.
Calgary Seniors Resource Society. Help provide essential services to seniors. https://www.calgaryseniors.org/volunteer-with-seniors.
Please contact us if you have ideas for ways to encourage strong community connections, or if you would like to help with any of our planned events.
