Community:
“A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.”
“A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.”
I have lived in St. Albert for over 35 years and can say with absolute certainty that it is the best community. When the opportunity came to provide custom homes and renovation services in the area to my neighbours and fellow citizens, I knew I had to jump on it. I have had such a great time so far with Alair Homes St. Albert and all the clients we have served so far.
I have also been homeschooling my daughter for 4 years and have received an abundance of support and mentorship from all those who have done it before me. They provided me with guidance and answers to my unending questions, when I felt confused or anxious, assuring me that I could do it. Some parents have always known they were going to homeschool and others due to the pandemic, got sort of thrown into it with no idea where to start. Most parents cherish the support and guidance that they get from others, but almost all need and want the relationships and connections that contribute to our sense of community and belonging.
As such, I felt it was my privilege to pay it forward and help those who were looking for resources, friendships, support and an opportunity to ask questions and get guidance.
I am very fortunate to have some incredible women in my circle who helped me organize a Welcome Picnic at Lions Park for the homeschooling community in the area. They all were invested in making sure this was the best event ever and were so quick to take responsibility for various tasks and getting it done. In short – these ladies made me look good and I can’t thank them enough for their help and contributions.
On September 10, 2021 we held the Inaugural St. Albert and Area Welcome Picnic for Homeschoolers. And it was a success!
We had the St. Albert Public Library in attendance with activities, the Roaming Rec Crew from Servus Place facilitated tug of war, hoola-hoops and other recreational games and sports, the city’s waste management crew showed up to provide colouring books and information on recycling and personal responsibility for the environment, St. Albert Art Gallery, Dominelli’s School of Music, The Gathering Tree, and of course Alair, had tables with activities and information about their resources. An exciting addition was Silverlight Studios who showed up to take Not Back To School photos. We enjoyed some of the most wonderful food from the food trucks: El Santo, Guilt Free Eats and Go Nuts For Doughnuts, and we were blessed with great weather.
Through the course of the day around 400 people enjoyed the activities and were able to get acquainted with each other and receive the camaraderie that they needed. We received such fantastic feedback and I felt so pleased that we were able to connect new homeschoolers and new residents with much needed resources and mentors. I am fortunate that I am surrounded by so many people who lean on each other to help create our village.
I am organizing it with my team again next year and it will be my pleasure to do so for my community.
I love community building and I love building in my community.
– Kara Murray, Partner at Alair Homes St. Albert