Good Neighbour Stories

 

Halifax is awesome

 

(Originally published in The Coast, Thursday, Februrary 25, 2010, LETTERS & COMMENTS, pg 5)

I just moved here and I am still waiting for someone to come and slap me out of this nice, mellow dream world.

Dear residents of Halifax: Have you ever thought about how lucky you are? I mean seriously, you have a wonderful city and are the nicest, friendliest people in the whole world and you sometimes overlook it. I just moved here and I am still waiting for someone to come and slap me out of this nice, mellow dream world.

Coming from Ottawa, where wearing a hoodie in the middle of January is never possible, people never say "please" or "thanks" and getting flipped off or sworn at is a daily occurrence, this place is a dream world. People here are actually nice. Like legitimately nice. They actually care about your day or about helping you out (my neighbour ploughed the end of my driveway when we got that snow last week! Still blows my mind, the weather here, by the way). This is amazing. Even just walking down the street and having people say "Good morning" or randomly talking to you in grocery stores (I have to admit, I'm still not used to people coming up and having a friendly conversation; back in Ottawa people only came up to you to ask for money or where to score some weed) is truly, truly awesome.

The crosswalk is one of the biggest changes I've had to face. Sure we had them in Ottawa, but they were more of a Frogger-type experience. I still run across or make sure that car is really stopping before I cross.

I thought only a select few of our civilization learned manners, but it's good to see that it is still an ongoing concept and actually used. I have met some of the nicest, friendliest people who would do anything to make me feel at home. I know I still have a lot of things to adjust to (like adding an s to certain words, like "anywheres" or "over theres") and saying "for shore" instead of "for sure" or learning not to be in a hurry to go nowheres. But this is home. Seeing the ocean every day or taking the ferry or seeing the local artist: I look forward to it all.

Next time you feel horrible about Halifax, think about all of the little wonderful things we take for granted. I feel like Indiana Jones, who's just found a lost city.

- Joseph Armstrong, Halifax

 

Good News Stories From the United Way

In my daily work in this community I see the truth in the United Way
statement Everyone needs help and everyone can offer help. This fall
I've met several individuals who are drawing on their own remarkable
personal courage and helping build a stronger community where everyone
can participate:

Megan's Story...

Earlier this fall, a slightly nervous, soft spoken twenty three year old
woman stood in front of 300 managers and directors from HRM. Megan
bravely described a difficult time in her life when she was first
diagnosed with mental illness. You could hear a pin drop as individuals
strained to hear every word. Their faces mirrored concern and empathy.
"By involving myself in programs at Laing House, Sea School and
Humanities 101, I've found new hope for my life." Megan said. "I now
have real goals for a better life. I'm a living example of how United
Way's Community Fund can greatly inspire and enrich a whole community.
Now, in turn, I'm able to continue the cycle and give back. I've gained
confidence in myself and I've become a leader." With that, the audience
rose and Megan realized she had received her first standing ovation!

Mike's Story...

Landlord, Mike Burgess shares a different story but the theme is the
same. After a rash of violence in Dartmouth North, he decided he had to
step forward and make a difference by asking for help. "People were
feeling trapped and isolated in their own homes. We were frightened and
concerned and we had no idea how to react," he explains. Mike formed a
group of likeminded landlords who received one of many small grants from
United Way's Action for Neighbourhood Change initiative. They hosted a
BBQ for neighbours to come together in the spirit of peace and
friendship. "In spite of the pouring rain, 200 people huddled together
under make shift tents," says Mike. "Neighbours who had never met,
became friends."

Since that date Mike and many others have been involved in countless
community activities all aimed at building resilience in their
neighbourhood. Mike adds "There's less garbage, more curtains, more
people speaking to each other and more people coming home at the end of
the day with a lunch box in their hand." But he is struck by a
symbolic incident on the day of the BBQ. An elderly lady who had
resided in the neighbourhood for 30 years was afraid to leave her home.
She hadn't been out in months. But Mike made her a promise. "If you
come, I'll stand by you and I won't let anything happen to you." Then,
despite the weather, the brave soul joined the fun calling out, "Hey
Mike, I'm here!" "I knew then that whatever else happened in Dartmouth
North, we'd just made our first really important step forward."

Mike and Megan inspire me. Because of them I believe in possibility.
Right now volunteers and staff of United Way are working harder than
ever to raise $6 million for this community - an audacious goal in
difficult times. Still, we share a genuine passion for social change
and we know that the strength of our community is up to any test.

-United Way of Halifax Region

CAO's Awards of Excellence


HRM wishes to recognize outstanding employees (individuals and teams) who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their ability to make HRM the best place to live and work! 

Kim Blenkhorn and Peggy Allen are two HRM employees who received the Good Neighbours, Great Neighbourhoods Award which is given to HRM employees for their dedicated contributions to HRM and the community at large. They demonstrate all the characteristics of a Good Neighbour and its people like Kim and Peggy who are contributing to building great neighbourhoods in HRM! Congratulations to them both!

 

Kim Blenkhorn, Community Development

 

Kim has been nominated for this award for the many activities she does which fall outside of her regular work duties. She initiated a “Pay it Forward” initiative at her work location. By contacting various agencies within HRM and determining what they need, she sets out to find ways to obtain those items through donations and fundraising initiatives. In addition, Kim helps raise funds for families in need at Christmas time, has initiated a blood donor drive at her work location and coordinates HRM’s United Way Campaign’s Day of Caring. Her passion for helping others is contagious resulting in significant support to the community. Kim is also the proud recipient of the CAO's Award for GNGN and the CAO's Outstanding Employee of the Year Award.

 

Peggy Allen, Community Development

 

 

During the recent fires in Purcell’s Cove, Peggy took the lead in coordinating the opening of Captain William Spry Centre as an emergency shelter for the families who were evacuated from their homes. She arranged food and lodging and ensured communication between families and HRM. She went above and beyond to make this difficult time more bearable for all. Her compassion for people is recognized by all who know her.

 

 

Good deeds … priceless

(Originally published in The Chronicle Herald, Wednesday, August 19, 2009, READER’S CORNER, A10)

I found Monday’s letter to the editor on “paying it forward" so timely, I felt I had to add my two-cents worth as well.

On Sunday, I took my daughter to see the movie Up. As we approached the teller, a young Chinese couple stepped up and offered us two tickets and popcorn vouchers, as the friends who were sup­posed to join them had cancelled. Despite my offers to pay them, they insisted that we take them free of charge. I looked at my six-year-old daughter and said, “OK, now let’s find something nice to do for someone else today."

As we were standing in line waiting for our free treats, she suggested that we share one of the pop­corns and give the other coupon away. After a while, she spied a little Malaysian girl in line with her grandmother and handed it to her. The language barrier was there, but smiles are universal.

Later, as we left the parking garage, there was a young Indian couple who did not have the correct change that was needed for the ticket machine. I made up the small difference and, after they had gone and I paid my fare, I found an extra $5 in the receipt slot! My daughter dropped it in the Malay­sian children’s orphanage donation box at the su­permarket later that day. At bedtime, I was rewarded with a hug and a “What a LUCKY day we had today, Mom!"

The day was priceless. We, as Canadians in a foreign country, were afforded a kindness and, in turn, we passed it on to several people of different races and religions over and over, all in one amaz­ing day. I can only imagine the ripple effect if those people had a chance to pay it forward as well.

In the end, my daughter and I felt good all over. It was a valuable lesson in the value of a simple, ran­dom act of kindness. Amazing.

By Sandra MacCoul, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (formerly of Truro)

Thank you

Thank you Dale and Lorraine for being our wonderful next door neighbour, and for helping us out when the snow gets too much. You are both very kind, and do not hesitate to offer to help , if you see it is needed. You are always there for anyone in the neighbourhood, whether it's plowing side walks or driveways. You are are a very positive force in our neighbourhood, and we appreciate all that they do for us . Your friends: Gordon & Dorothy Submitted: 2010-01-25 15:38:18

By Dorothy

Random Acts of Kindness Prevail In My Neighbourhood

Being a person working two jobs I sometimes wished I had a magic wand I could wave and my lawn would get mowed in the summer and my snow shovelling would get done in the winter. Well, I never got my magic wand -but I did get my prayers answered in the form of my wonderful next door neighbour who keeps my lawn mowed and my driveway shovelled, & helping me get my car 'unstuck' in the snow. He is very kind and does not hesitate to offer assistance if he sees it is needed. He is always there for anyone in the neighbourhood. Whether it's assisting others in shovelling their driveways, caring for neighbours lawns when they are away or taking neighbours to Dr's appointments - John is a very positive force in our neighbourhood. I appreciate all that he does for us and sincerely wish him all the best always. Thank you for providing this forum so others see that HRM is really a great place to live. Submitted: 2009-11-24 14:15:33

By Hilda Gmyz

Wonderful gesture

(Originally published in The Chronicle Herald, Monday, August 24, 2009, A9) Thank you to the driver of the silver Sunfire who paid for my $5.45 coffee or­der on Friday morning, Aug. 14, at the Ultramar Tim Horton’s on Herring Cove Road. The cashier told me the driver had it done for her once. What a wonderful gesture. After telling my co-workers, for whom some of the coffees had been bought, I was told to watch Pay It For­ward, which was a beautiful and in­spiring movie. I plan to “Pay It For­ward," whether it is paying for the or­der of the driver behind me or helping someone who needs it. Maybe we should all do something nice for someone just out of the kind­ness of our hearts, and not look for any­thing in return. What a happier society we could live in. I know it sure put a smile on my face and made me realize there are people out there who just want to make someone’s day a little nicer — and it did. Let’s all Pay It Forward. Debbie Riley, Halifax Submitted: 2009-08-26 11:07:06

By Debbie Riley, Halifax

Free Outdoor Community Family Movie Night

With lots going on across the HRM during Canada Day the Rockingham Residents' Association hosted its 2nd free outdoor community family movie night and it was a huge success. Over 100 people attended the event, which was kicked off around 6pm with the "bring your own picnic supper" to D.J. Butler Park and enjoy Canada Day cake and lots of children's games. Around 8:30pm, with the rain holding off, we launched the movie. The parents and children all loved it. This event costs the RRA about $250 (that covered the rental of the popcorn maker, candy/pop/juice). All the equipment including the projector and 8foot screen and speakers were brought and donated by neighbours that night to help make this event free. It was such a great success the RRA is thinking of doing it again at the end of the summer. The community loved it and it was a small thing that brought lots of smiles on the children's faces. Submitted: 2009-07-06 20:34:17

By Renee Field

building a great neighborhood

Hi there, I just wanted to share my story... As a kid, I grew up in a sub division that had street parties. The whole family was invited. The members of the sub division would organise these parties once or twice a year. They would ask for donations of food (hostess potato chips, hamburgers, hot dogs, pop, etc) and the kids would all decorate their bikes, then parade them for everyone. there would be face painting, prizes, music, food, drinks, ice cream... Let me tell you, that was a great way to get to know everyone around you. It was also good so the kids would know the neighbors so if anything went wrong, they would have someone to trust to go to. ie. Block Parents. Your neighbors would keep an eye on your place when you would go away on trips. Really makes the neighbors feel like family. this should happen more often... Maybe these days more people are working with no time to relax and enjoy life. Something to think about! Enjoy life everyone. Your kids will thank you. Submitted: 2009-01-19 15:33:43

By Robyn M

Neighborhood BBQ brings people together for more than one day...

Recently, I moved to a new neighborhood and while doing some yard work met my new neighbor, we struck up a conversation about having a neighborhood welcome party. We thought now that the street had finished construction and everyone had moved in, the timing was perfect. A few weeks later a bbq and friendly faces met just outside their doors to meet their new neighbors. Aside from getting to know each other on a HELLO basis, some friendships were made. One story that makes me so happy we had the bbq is that a young mother of two would be seeing her husband off to Afghanistan and would be home for the winter by herself, a few of the neighbors on the street organized a snow removal plan so she wouldn't have to worry, we also set up babysitting services to support the family. It's so good to know there are people in HRM that truly care about one another and offered up ongoing support! I am proud to say I live in a Good Neighborhood with Great Neighbors! Submitted: 2008-09-30 09:56:34

By Nancy Tissington

Theresa & Heather

Theresa and Heather run the country store in my neighbourhood. This is a country store in the true sense of the word. You can find EVERYTHING there. In addition to running this neat store they are fantastic supporters of their neighbourhood and the Eastern Shore in general. On September 13th they hosted a fun day at their store. They arranged for a bouncy castle, big pile of hay and lots of games and activities for the local children for the entire afternoon.They had fabulous prizes and lots of giveaways. They went above and beyond with this free event! My daughter loved it. But this is not all they do, they are active the entire year round. They are involved with the annual Kite Festival at Conrad's Beach, they are organizing an Eastern Shore scavenger hunt for September 27th, they get involved with the Christmas shopping event, and they "loose their minds" decorating for Halloween. These ladies are terrific neighbours! http://www.easternhrm.com/theresa-heather-general-store.htm Submitted: 2008-09-19 15:58:21

By Deanna Wilmshurst

Never Too Busy

I live on a cul-du-sac and all my neighbors are very helpful to each other. I am thankful to be a part of such a great neighborhood. One neighbor that stands out above the rest is Bill. He is never too busy to help any of us with anything that he can. While one neighbor is away for an extended period he picks up the mail, waters the plants and mows/plows the necessary areas and keeps a general eye on the property. At the same time he may be mowing/plowing for others on the cul-du-sac just because he is home when we are working. He does handyman jobs for all of us and is ready to help on larger projects if needed. Everyone needs a neighbor like Bill, I hope he knows how much we appreciate him! Submitted: 2008-08-25 15:41:21

By Marjorie

Giving back to Single Parents

As a part of the PALS Program, which is run through Saint Mary's University, we are able to get to know under priviledged kids and parents. Many of these families are unable to have the confidence they need to go to job interviews, parties or formal functions because they have a lack of proper clothing. Recognizing this need Megan went to various companies to get Business Attire donated for the single mothers. We were then able to get the various sizes and distribute them to the mothers who needed them. They now have the confidence they need to "fit in" with regular society-- without fears of being judged based on their attire. I just want to say THANK YOU to Megan for her selflessness and ability to recognize the need in our community. Your heart is in the right place, and we just wanted to acknowledge you. Submitted: 2008-06-29 16:09:32

By A Good Neighbour

Skateboard Prayer Answered

When I was 4 years old, my parents gave me a skateboard for my birthday and I used to ride it everyday, I remember always looking up to the bigger kids doing tricks, thinking that I would one day learn how... I used to draw skateboarders and ramps all day in class! I was getting ready to go out for a ride with my friend Mike one day, but I couldn't find my skateboard anywhere... I looked high and low, but the skateboard had mysteriously disappeared. I was devastated. I remember praying every day that the board would turn up, but not until after six months of prayer, I was finally rewarded with a knock on the door, The door swung open, revealing a older gentleman, he had something in his hand, and asked, "Does this belong to you?" I looked down in relief to see my skateboard - still in the same shape as the day it went missing! Turned out he bought a camper from my parents in the summer, the board was tucked in the storage area for half a year until the guy cleaned it up and fou Submitted: 2008-06-18 10:34:37

By Grant

Lake Charlotte Community Newsletter

Chris from Lake Charlotte has taken it upon herself to gather information and produce a community newsletter. This monthly newsletter is delivered by hand at the beginning of each month. It is also put in several community gathering spots along the Eastern Shore. I want to thank her for being such a good neighbour to the entire community! The newsletter is a valuable way for everyone in her community to know what events and community news is going on! Submitted: 2008-06-13 14:42:37

By Lee

Random Acts of Kindness

I would like to recognize my good neigbhour Valerie for the many things she does here in our neighbourhood. Whether it is offering to take our dog for a walk if we're stuck in the city for the day, returning stray pets to their owners, providing an understanding ear to local children, checking on a house while the owner is traveling for the week, extracting wild racoons from another neighbours chimney or stepping in to help in any emergency - small or large. We are lucky to have her living on our street, helping to create a great neighbourhood. Thanks very much Valerie! Submitted: 2008-06-02 13:04:05

By Cora

Community Clean-up

I leave near a small lake in Timberlea. The end of the lake was getting very dirty and littered with debris after a long winter of snow and wind, e.g., garbage, recycling bags, old plant pots, etc. There is a lady in the subdivision who works very hard throughout the day caring for children yet she found the time one day to clean-up the debris around the end of the lake. The area looks much tidier and I'm sure it is much safer for the heron, loons and ducks that have been feeding there this past month! Submitted: 2008-05-30 13:46:24

By Angela

Best Neighbours

As former Director of one of Halifax's emergency shelters in Halifax's old North End we were blessed with some of the best neighbours in the world. Mr. B., a retired gentleman would not only shovel his own sidewalk for every winter storm but also made sure ours was done too. It wasn't unusual for Mr. B. to be out shoveling at 5 in the morning. He says the secret is to get it while it's fresh before it starts to freeze up. That might be the secret to shovelling snow. But there is no secret about who is one of the best neighbours in HRM - it's definitely Mr. B! Another of our neighbours on Brunswick St. was Mrs. C. During the aftermath of Hurricane Juan Mrs. C. boiled a pot of water every morning and brought it over to the shelter to ensure that the residents had water for tea and coffee. Some people wonder why those of us who work and live in the old North End are such staunch defenders of it. Well that's because we see more than the media does. We see Mr. B. and Mrs. C. Submitted: 2008-05-30 10:41:02

By Shirley O'Neill

Heartwarming Actions

First responders from both the police and fire service were dealing with a fire on the fourth floor of the apartment building located at 1991 Brunswick Street in early April 2008, resulting in citizens being displaced. Mr. P, a parking attendant at the Citadel Halifax Hotel, approached several seniors who were waiting on the sidewalk and offered them the opportunity to stay warm and comfortable inside the hotel. His actions were truly heartwarming. Submitted: 2008-05-26 15:11:06

By Halifax Regional Police

Water Damage Averted

In late February 2008, Mr. S took the time to advise Constables Martin Cromwell and Jeff Leblanc about possible water damage at a jewellery store on Barrington Street. Based on his actions, the officers were able to alert the business owner who attended and prevented extensive damage from occurring given that the water heater had ruptured. Mr. S left a lasting impression both on police and the business owner. Submitted: 2008-05-26 15:06:05

By Halifax Regional Police

A Good Neighbour in North Preston

Donna started a Majorette and Drum-Line group for North Preston youth. There are 30 Majorette girls and six Drum-Line boys along with six youth leaders. She teaches youth life skills to become leaders within their community and encourages them to be outstanding citizens. In order to remain on the team they must be in good academic standing and show respect for their leaders, friends and family members. Donna encourages parents and family members to be involved by attending practices and motivating their children to participate. The group has become a huge success with extremely positive feedback from the participants, their families and the community. Through her innovative approach to leadership, Donna is a role model in her community. She is also a leader in the local youth group choir and assists in the community church and elementary school. Her motivation to volunteer is indicative of her dedication to helping improve the lives of youth in the Preston communities. Submitted: 2008-05-20 15:39:05

By Connie Morse

It was about 4pm on March 19/08. Out my living room window I saw a commotion going on at Morash Pond. Grabbed my coat,crossed the street & saw a black lab who had gotten loose from it's handler splashing in the cold dirty pond water. It had jumped onto the ice chasing ducks & had raced across the ice from Woodlawn Rd area to where it had fallen through near the other end of the pond. The dog still had 10ft of ice to go and then 10ft of open water to get to the end of the pond. Tim came down Guysborough Ave in his van, got out, walked to waters edge & walked into the pond fully dressed. He went at the ice with both hands raised over his head bringing them down several times to break the ice to get to the dog. Grabbed the lead, and headed for shore. He gave the dog to the handler,walked to his truck soaking wet,got in. Earl,a neighbour ran to the van to ask his name & thank him. I stood on the street clapping for this man who did such a wonderful act. Then Tim just drove off & went home. Submitted: 2008-05-08 13:23:03

By Joanne Ross

I have a neighbour in my Cowie Hill neighbourhood by the name of Denis, who really cares about his community. During the many snowfalls this winter you could hear Denis outside with his shovel, removing snow from his neighbours walkways and parking lots before you even moved from your bed. Once I tried to repay his kindness with a small gift and he refused it. Denis is also known for cleaning up litter from our neighbourhood on a regular basis. Being a windy area garbage always strays during our curbside pick up - but Denis is out cleaning up the litter left behind. Inviduals who have been under the weather have also benefitted from a plate of 'scoff' as Denis put it. We're very lucky to have Denis as a caring neighbour who is always ready to show a kind example in our neighbourhood! Submitted: 2008-05-08 12:46:58

By Peggy Allen

We needed to have our roof redone in a bad way. My father-in-law Smokey, has a very good friend, Freddy, in Stellarton who is in the roofing trade so we set a Saturday aside for Freddy to come over and help us out. On Friday Smokey and I went up and peeled the old shingles off half the roof so we could get a fresh start on Saturday morning. Shortly after we finished cleaning the roof off on Friday evening it started to rain...very hard. My neighbour, Ian who is a self-employed general contractor, saw the mess we had gotten ourselves into and came right over. We were new to the neighbourhood and didn't know that many people. He brought huge tarps and strapping and got right up with us and sealed up the exposed part of the roof in a matter of minutes. I've never been so relieved and filled with hope. My wife and I are very pleased with how the neighbourhood has reached out to us and given us kindness and help in need. We couldn't be happier in any other neighbourhood. Submitted: 2008-05-08 12:44:40

By Ryan Agroff

Bike Race

I remember once when I was younger there was a huge hill in front of my house. In the winter time me and the other kids would meet at the top and race on our bikes to the bottom. One time, I was going so fast that when I slammed on the breaks, to see how long of a skid mark I could make, my tire blew... luckily my neighbour was there to help... Submitted: 2008-05-07 09:06:03

By A Good Neighbour