Idea to recognize emergency services gains traction

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Strathmore businesses, local organizations, and good Samaritans are throwing their support behind a benevolent notion to acknowledge unsung community heroes – an idea that started snowballing after its inception two months ago and now needs volunteers.
The idea of recognizing emergency services, such as police, ambulance services, and firefighters, was devised by Strathmore resident Chris Morgan. While he originally intended to bring the community together to interact with authority in a social setting, the event gained exponential interest from the community, much to Morgan’s disbelief.
“It’s growing by leaps and bounds, it’s unbelievable,” said Morgan. “I’ve always been in the sales industry and there I am with my hand in your pocket trying to take money out, and what I wanted to do was put some back and just say thank you to all the people that actually go out and do their job every day.”
Twenty-five groups, including Boston Pizza and the Royal Canadian Legion #10 in Strathmore, have already committed to lend a hand. As the word is quickly spreading around Strathmore and the area, Morgan’s been receiving numerous phone calls from individuals offering their services, whether it’s bringing down a petting zoo or doing a demonstration with the Jaws of Life.
While the event will involve short speeches from delegates and captains, the vision is to allow the event to morph into its own style of celebration. Morgan hopes it could include racing with the hose on their shoulders and a visit from the Helicopter Air Watch for Community Service (HAWCS) helicopter.
“It might be a pipe dream, but I honestly think that this Town of Strathmore has a whole lot more to offer than just being a place outside of Calgary that nobody ever really thinks about,” he said. “I’m just thinking that it’s only going to go up from here. Anytime that you meet up with any of these guys, it’s because something crappy has happened. It hits you right between the eyes, and you expect these people to come out and be professional. What I’m trying to do with this, is give them a reason to smile, saying that these people in Strathmore and the area, actually do like the idea of having people like this in our community.”
As Morgan’s brainchild is growing in popularity, seniors are encouraged to also take part and meet with the powers that be. However, volunteers are still needed to help push wheelchairs and ensure the festivities run smoothly. In his attempt to invite community members, Morgan was surprised by the feedback and willingness to assist.
“Chris didn’t ask for anything for himself, he didn’t ask for donations, and he just said hey come down,” said Paul Gaasenbeek, general manager at the Boston Pizza, who offered items such as tickets to be auctioned off. “I think, in a smaller community especially, I think it’s important to have trust. We have given to so many charities, and I’m a real strong believer you have to appreciate your surroundings.”
The event will take place on Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Kinsmen Park. For more information or to volunteer, contact Chris Morgan at 403-901-1712.
While the event will provide a learning opportunity, Morgan was clear in his intentions: “I want it to be educational, but I also want these people to actually get their hands shaken and being said a proper thank you.”