Best of Calgary is a celebration of the people, places and voices that make Calgary an amazing place to live and call home.

Written by: Kelsey Woods

As restrictions are lifted and we slowly work towards getting back to 'normal' here in Calgary, we still have a long way to go before things return to the way it once was. From musicians and frontline workers to small business owners and outstanding individuals, we are blown away by the kind, generous souls who have volunteered their time and resources to help those in need over the past few weeks. Here are five more local heroes to whom we are eternally grateful.

Laura Halvorsen

Laura is a Calgary-based musician and performer who recently released her debut solo album, Sunday, that "reflects on times of love, loss, freedom and angst through a lens of acceptance,” says journalist Michelle Magnan McIvor. On top of being a talented, motivated artist in a difficult time, Laura has decided that all proceeds will go directly to artists who are in need, those suffering from cancelled shows and loss of income, struggling to pay for their essentials. You can stream this album for free, or pay the suggested $9.00 donation on Bandcamp to help support our local artists.

Rose-Ann Normandeau

Rose-Ann Normandeau is a co-owner of Normandeau Window Coverings, normally offering residential and commercial window coverings including blinds and hardware, automation lift systems, drapery, shutters and wallpaper. When COVID-19 hit Calgary, Rose-Ann quickly realized they had something to offer, so her employees pivoted and started making face masks out of their hundreds of showroom designer fabrics, distributing and delivering them around the city for free. Volunteering their time and resources, this group of dedicated employees made well over 400 masks for the Calgary public by mid-April. Rose-Ann was also one of the first to lose a loved one during these uncertain times, saying goodbye to her mother who lived in the heavily effected McKenzie Town Continuity Care Centre. Rose-Ann is a community leader and a person of action, believing we each have a part to play in helping our community get back to a thriving lifestyle and economy.

Bootsma Bakery

Bootsma Bakery opened in the Acadia Shopping Centre in September 2019, only just having got their hands in the dough before this pandemic hit. While they are struggling to stay open like any other small business, they are also paying it forward by baking weekly bread for The Mustard Seed and The Alex. They have started a Go Fund Me campaign to stay afloat during these times and to 'break bread with those in need,' asking anyone who would like to donate to their cause so they can continue to provide our local shelters with bread. Whether you're craving fresh bread, moist cake or delicious donuts, Bootsma Bakery offers $5 next day delivery or free curb-side pick up.

Tara Wilson, owner of Pulse Studios

Tara is the owner of Calgary's only hip hop exclusive dance studio, and is a genuine beam of sunshine and pure positive, loving energy. As soon as Calgary was declared a state of emergency, Tara initiated a daily dance party on Instagram live at 11:30 am, leading anyone looking to move their body. She also secured guest teacher Sho Tyme to lead a class every Friday at 1:30 pm, a NYC dancer who has choreographed/collaborated with artists like Gwen Stafani, SYTYCD Canada, Jay-Z and Jennifer Lopez, again offering this for free. Long before COVID-19, Tara established the Gateway Project to give underprivileged youth access to the arts, helping them build confidence, have fun and express themselves through hip hop. Many people have been offering to pay Tara for her daily dance parties hosted on Instagram Live, but she continues to direct them to the Gateway Project, which many people have done. Tara and Sho's classes are powerful and uplifting, making many people's day every day of the week.

Elyshia Seipp

Elyshia is an essential worker who has continued to work at Costco throughout the pandemic. Every day, she shops for anyone in Tuscany who needs items from the store and then delivers the order directly to their house. Elyshia has been going above and beyond the 'helpful neighbour' role by helping people outside of her regular scope. She is always willing to lend a helping hand - we appreciate your service to the community, Elyshia.

If you notice someone going above and beyond for their neighbours or spot a local business who has pivoted and provided for their community during these uncertain times, we want to know! Nominate these local heroes so we can give them a shout out and continue to spread positive news.

Nominate a Local Hero

Kelsey Woods is the Content & Editorial Manager for Best of Calgary.