Hello, Neighbours!
Normally I would be telling you about all of the spring programs being offered by the PCA this year. Rather, I am writing this article in a moment in time where there is uncertainty, instability and fear.
While we may not be organizing traditional community events like soccer or Family Day, we are creating opportunities to support the community in less traditional ways. For example, the Neighbourhood Window Walks started on March 17 with clovers in the windows. Symbols in the windows have carried forward to include silly faces, jokes, and animals. On April 4, we held Parkdale Cares, which was initiated by a resident and our Events Director to celebrate the health care workers in our community. We have also connected many residents to one another. Our Communications Director has done a great job matchmaking community members who need help and who want to help.
While playgrounds, rinks and community centres are closed, we are still working hard to build our accessible outdoor rink. We released the tender package for the rink to a number of construction companies for their response. We are looking for a partner who shares our vision to create Calgary’s first accessible outdoor rink and community space (Parkdale Hub). Our Rink Director has been focused on delivering a new rink by the end of this year.
As you are aware, we have worked hard over 2019 to make the PCA financially stable and sustainable. Our partners Nifty Fifties, Morpheus Theatre and, now, Mosaic Montessori Academy contribute to our success. With the uncertainty of our programs, rentals, and services that we provide, we have been extremely prudent to make sure we will recover by the end of the year. That being said, this is a difficult time and I don’t know what the future holds. We need our community members more than ever. Whether it is renewing your community membership, donating your soccer registration fees back to the PCA or simply making a donation to maintain operating the PCA, we appreciate everyone’s help in supporting Parkdale. And more importantly, look for ways you can support your neighbour while social distancing.
To close, I leave you with this quote from Mister Fred Rogers – “In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”
Stay safe. Stay well.
Amanda Affonso
@AffonsoAmanda
