Community-builders in COVID-19: Brianna and Olive's story

Join the millions of people around the world who are choosing to spread a little bit of joy and seeking to amplify the connections that are happening, in neighbourhoods and communities, despite the distance we find between ourselves these days. 

We are watching as community members share acts of kindness, generosity and ways to connect – amidst this crisis. Let’s showcase the stories of just some of the people in our community who have done community-minded acts. 

During these challenging times, here are some stories of amazing people promoting connection and going above and beyond to support their community. 

Four simple questions 

To learn a little bit more about some of the people making a difference in Strathcona County, we have reached out and posed four simple questions to those who are actively building community during the crisis. 

Q1: Could you tell me a little bit about yourself? 

I’m Brianna. I’m 26 years old and have lived in Sherwood Park for seven years. I have a daughter, Olive, who is four. 

I’m active in the community – as much as I can be – mainly through social media. I just try to make a positive impact on people in whatever way I can. 

I understand what it’s like to go through hard times and I don’t want people to feel sad or alone, right now. Just want to be positive, share advice and contribute with the limited time I have. 

Q2: You did something very generous of spirit during a very difficult time for our community – can you tell me why you and Olive decided to create encouraging signs on the front of your house? 

The reason why Olive and I created signs telling people that self-isolating was so important and put them in our front windows –is because school is closed and she was sad and she wanted to make people happy while everybody is stuck inside, at home. My daughter wants to make people happy and feel better. 

Personally, I don’t want people to feel like their time is wasted by self-isolating – that every little thing they’re doing by staying home, social distancing, practicing good hygiene is saving lives. You know, some of us may be okay, but there are many people who can be affected by the spread of this virus. So, our window signs were meant to cheer people up and as a bit of motivation to others, to say: “It’s important, you’re saving lives and it’s appreciated”. 

Q3: Can you tell me what community means to you? (follow up: What inspires you about our community?) 

It's people coming together, not necessarily a place. Community is collective, like-minded people, who work together for the betterment of each other and their community where they live. People building each other up and working together. 

Sherwood Park is so great for community. I love Sherwood Park and it’s really special – you can tell, as so many groups that have formed on Facebook, to help with the crisis and just to help each other when things are normal. 

Also, It's nice and quiet here. 

Q4: If you could ask fellow Canadians to do one community-minded thing during this crisis, what would it be? 

I would ask them to be kind, forgiving and be gentle. It’s really easy to get caught up in negativity and stress. While we’re stressed we can forget other people going through the same thing. My sister is an essential worker (she manages a drug store) - and she experiences a lot of this everyday – has a lot of grace for the hard times others are going through as well.