Big Hearts
 
Oftentimes the news can be very disheartening. There are constant reports of natural disaster, violent crime and world economic turmoil that seem to paint a sad picture of the world in which we live. What is often underreported, however, are the victories that are achieved when individuals open their hearts and communities pull together in the service of others.
 
Nowhere has this been more apparent over the past couple of weeks than in Airdrie.
 
Two weeks ago, local musicians, elementary and high school choirs, entertainers, churches and volunteers banded together to put on an inspirational evening of performances dedicated to raising funds for destitute children in Haiti. Literally hundreds of hours of selfless volunteering went into preparing for this ‘Concert for a Cause’, and through those efforts over $11,000 was raised. I want to thank everyone who planned, organized, performed, and donated – it was a truly wonderful evening to behold.
 
But Airdrie’s selfless spirit didn’t end there. Last week, a terrible fire in Airdrie destroyed 4 homes. Thanks to the efforts of our fire fighters as well as the heroism of neighbor, Tyler Laton, no one was killed or seriously injured; however, several families were left homeless.
 
It would have been easy to simply express sympathies and offer to help if needed – but no – not in Airdrie. Led by the McEwing family, our community immediately went to work organizing a fundraiser the first Saturday after the fire raising $13,000 and presenting the affected families with everything from kitchen supplies to children’s toys. I couldn’t believe the extent of the generosity when I arrived only 5 minutes into the 4-hour event. There had to be at least 30 volunteers scrambling around setting things up, cooking food, and making sure everyone was pulling in the right direction. And it was a good thing too as the parking lot was filled to capacity with cars lining up all the way down the street (I am sure it only got busier after I left).
 
And then there was the recent quick thinking of Airdrie’s Superstore manager, Laura Robinson, resuscitating and saving a man’s life in the store’s parking lot. After thanking her for her efforts, she humbly told me over the phone it was ‘no big deal’ – she was only doing what anyone else would do.
 
The fact is the people of Airdrie are exceptional. They never cease to amaze me with their kindness, volunteerism, charity, humility and quiet heroism. The world could use less passive observers and a lot more…well…Airdrie; and I’m sure our City will find a way to make that happen. Thank-you so much for your big hearts!