Strangers buying each other groceries and other random acts of kindness by Calgarians

Throughout the month of December, CBCstations across the countryinvite you to helpMake the Season Kindas we celebrate the kindness of others with special programming and acoming together in support of local charities.

In Calgary, for 36years, residents have been donating to the Calgary Food Bank through CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Food Bank Drive, raising more than $21million. This year, fromDec. 3 to 24, join us virtually for special broadcasts, events, auctions and online sales while helping us go above and beyond our goal of $1 million to the Calgary Food Bankfrom the comfort of your home.

Put a smile on yourface and the faces of others by sharing your story of how you showed or received an act of kindness this year, and be entered to win a local prize pack. Your act of kindness may even be featured on CBC Calgary.Maybe you or someone you know picked up groceries for an elderly neighbour? Organized a virtual play date? Got a call from a long lost friend that made your day? Sewed homemade masks, or sent coffee to your local front-line workers?

No act of kindness is too big or too small.

• Clickhereto donate to the Calgary Food Bank

Here are some of the wonderful stories we've received so far, with thanks to all who wrote or called in to CBC Calgary and even more, to all of those who are carrying outthese random acts of kindness in the community. We'll share more of these heart-warming acts that have been shared with usin the days ahead, on theCalgary Eyeopener, The Homestretch, the CBC Calgary's website and social media.

From Aditya Chaudhuri:

I witnessed this act of kindness at the downtown Superstore earlier this month. There was a person checking out at the cashier with a moderate amount of groceries. Once the total amount was calculated, the person started putting back a few items while counting the cash in her hands. As I realized she was probably unable to afford everything that was rung up, I slowly thought of how I coulddiscreetly offer to pay. But before I could, the person bagging his groceries ahead boldly came up and just tapped his credit card, immediately paying for it all. Then he looked at her and smiled, said, "Happy Holidays" and walked away with his groceries. His warm, jolly, and grand stature gave off such a Santa Claus vibe and not only made her day, but also the cashier's and mine.

From Amanda Halek:

My 11-year-old son was suddenly admitted to the Children's Hospital for a week-long stay in the spring with a serious but treatable bone infection. Afterwards, he had a PIC line for IV antibiotics for a month. It was an incredibly stressful and challenging time for our family especially as we are from the United Statesand all of our family is there and couldn't easily travel to help due to pandemic restrictions. Our school and neighbourhood friends rallied around us, bringing food and meals and care packages to the hospital. These acts of kindness and caring made a big difference helping our family get through a most difficult time.

From Kristen Schmidt:

After buying my friend lunch one day, she reciprocated with a surprise box of ice cream from Made by Marcus! It was totally unexpected and such a kind gesturewho doesn't love ice cream in December?

From Irene Forsey:

I shovel my neighbours' sidewalks whenever we get snow as they are older and less able to do their own snow clearance.

From Brooke Wymer:

Every time I donate to the National Kidney Foundation, it helps people that are dealing with a kidney disease get the help and care they need to fight it. I amfighting a kidney disease myself so I know how hard things can be. I am glad I am able to donate and help those out in need.

From Joanne Schmidt:

I am a volunteer race director for the Calgary Women's Run.A week and a half out from the race I realized I had very few volunteers despite multiple call-outs.I put out twodesperate pleas on a local trail running Facebook page and on my running club's page, and the messages flooded in!Suddenly I had 25 volunteers, and they were the best volunteers on the planet!Katie especially not only donated product to the swag bags, but took on"gopher extraordinaire"on race day, doing any and everything I needed setting up tables, helping other volunteers, putting out pylons and so much more. And Jennot only came early, but then when the truck with our tents and tables had some issues she went to the storage locker to pick some up.When the generator had no gas, she ran to get gas.She ran the music, gave away prizes and so much more.My heart was full and the race was amazing.

From Kim Troung:

This summer, on the day of my daughter's 13thbirthday, we went to the nearby Co-opto pick up a cake for little miss's birthday. On the way to the checkout, Emilie ran across a cartoon bear which contains the jellies in its tummy(a product imported from Japan). As she's obsessed with most things from said country, she asked me if she could have it. When it was my turn to pay, I asked for a price check since there was no price tag to be seen. I told Emilie she could have it since it's her birthday. Upon hearing this, the man next to us in line said he'd pay for the purchases. We were both touched by the gesture, but I thanked him and his partner for their kindness and said I got this. He insisted, however, and at the end, Emilie was gifted with the cake and her bear. The pleasure in his voice was unmistakable as he wished her a happy birthday! I asked if they could take a picture with her, as I wanted Emilie to remember them and their absolute sweetness every time she looks at the photo for years to come.

FromJocelyn Kabatoff:

In 2021, I moved out of Hillhurst to a neighbourhood that was much more car-centric.It was difficult! I'm 47 years old and hadn't ridden a bike since my age was in the single digits. I have a network of friends who are committed cyclists, who enthusiastically supported my new curiosity in cycling. My friend, Rebecca even loaned me her Brompton, which I nicknamed the "Mighty Pink Bike." With a little practice and a lot of courage soon I was cycling back to Kensington every day. The 16thStreet hill is my favourite. I had so much fun this summer on that bike. Now it's winter and I'm still riding (and learning) bundled up in handknits. Yay,bikes!

From Jill Franka:

When I go in and purchase my groceries, I always buy one of the prepackaged food bank bags of food. When I get groceries, they get groceries. I have been very fortunate that I have never needed the food bank growing up or in my adult life, so I will continue to support them when I get my own groceries. I also support the food bank when the white bag comes to the door to fillit, and the Veterans Food Bank when we were in the office.

Again you canshareyour storywith us of how you showed or received an act of kindness this year with an online formhereor by using the hashtag#CBCFeedsYYC on Instagram or Twitter. You can also share your act of kindness by calling and leaving a message for the Calgary Eyeopener at403-521-6209 or The Homestretch403-521-6244.

You'll be entered in a chance to winprize packs that include:

• Julie Van Rosendaal'sCookies I Have Lovedcookbook.
• A limited-editionMilk Jarcandle.
• A $50 gift card toBowtie Pizza.
• A 36-piece box of salted caramel chocolates fromMaster Chocolate.
• A chocolate gingerbread person fromcochu Chocolatier.
• A wooden CBC-engraved tree ornament.
• A 12-ouncebag of One Gray Knight coffee beans fromFratello Coffee Roasters.
• A limited-edition One Gray Knight coffee mug.
• CBC Calgary winter swag (retro socks, toque, scarf, mittens).

• See the full schedule of events, contests, auction items, partners and more for theCBC/Radio-Canada's annual Calgary Food Bank Drivehere.