Why I Love Alberta

On Saturday night I made my way down to Nanton for a fundraising event in support of the Nanton Community Emergency Fund. What made me drive an hour south of Calgary for a small town event? Perhaps you saw about the Nanton prairie fire on the news. If not, check out that link to the news story. My family was one that was affected by the fire. Luckily all the people in the area were unharmed but there was extensive property damage. Some people lost their homes while others lost important pieces of their business. Nanton is a very small town that has an established farming community surrounding it. I wanted to show my support for my family as well as the others affected, as well as try to help out.

The event was focused on replenishing the funds that were used during the emergency. Which gets me to why I love Alberta and the people that call it home. When I showed up to the Nanton Community Hall, the place was packed. I swear that most of the town came out for the event. Everyone knew everyone else by name. Just being in that type of atmosphere was an amazing thing to see. There was a silent auction, a live auction as well as drinks, food and music. Folks opened their hearts and wallets to make sure that the Nanton Community Emergency Fund is ready for whatever might come its way in the future. 

Even though the event was for a good cause, that didn't mean it wasn't a good time. Even though I was the unknown city slicker, there was always someone willing to have a conversation with me. The live auction was the first I've ever been involved in and that was a heck of a time. I engaged in some fun bidding wars over a new recliner, an autographed Oilers jersey (even though I'm more of a Flames fan... The spirit got to me) and a new tablet. 

The silent auction was chock full of great stuff that was donated by people looking to help out. I managed to pick up a pretty sexy looking BBQ kit, complete with travel case, just in case I need to make an emergency call to someone's backyard this summer. Once you were done bidding, there was some beef on a bun and beer to enjoy with the good people of Nanton.

Overall it was a great event and it further affirmed the strength, caring and ability to overcome that many Albertans share. It was heartening to see everyone come out on a Saturday night for a good cause. The power that a community holds when it comes together is stronger than any fire.

That is why I love Alberta,
Dex