Patricia and Tamana are neighbours in one of Calgary Housing Company’s properties. Patricia is well known in her building as a kind neighbour, always willing to lend a hand. She was nominated for the first Nominate a Neighbour award by Tamana. 
In Tamana’s own words “She was (the) first face we saw when we moved in. She came out from the community space, with a kind tone and smiling face. She offered to help us find the best way to move in. She’s inspired me to become involved in the community. My English is not good but has gotten better since getting to know her and meeting with community members in group activities.”
“Tamana helps me a lot too, we are both really positive people” says Patricia. When asked about what she’d like to see next at her building, she mentions a child care program. “Even if it is only for a few hours and with volunteers, it would help my neighbours a lot.” She would also like to start a healthy eating program to help her neighbours manage conditions like diabetes a bit better.
Patricia and Tamana both play an active part in the community building in their property. They run a fitness class together for residents. The building hosts a weekly coffee chat, but someone was needed to run the event. Patricia asked Tamana if she could host it and she said yes. She describes the wonderful job Tamana did the first week, “she was so positive, eager, and smiling. She served everybody and the room looked amazing!”
Patricia is the Calgary Dollars ambassador for the building. She helps connect people and their skills to each other to build community. She actively helps her neighbours find work and connects them to resources and supports. “I try to help people where I can. I can’t not help people.” She says that helping her neighbours has enabled her to meet many different people.
The Nominate a Neighbour award celebrates community building in CHC properties, as well as the ways our neighbours can encourage and inspire us. There will be a new winner announced each month, so please send your nominations to chccommunications@calgary.ca before the end of the month to be considered. You must be a CHC resident to nominate a neighbour. Learn more and access the nomination form here.
The Nominate a Neighbour Awards celebrate community building at Calgary Housing Company properties. They recognize people that encourage and inspire others, even if it is in a small way. Winners will receive a grocery gift card, and nominators of the winner will receive a gift card as well. Patricia is the first winner in 2024.
