Your Weekly Dose of “Feel Good” Calgary News
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
Local businesses left, right and centre are still going above and beyond for their communities, even though we are seeing regulations change and things slowly return to the way they once were. We want to give a shout out to these five local companies who are serving Calgarians during this time, whether you need a laugh, want to shop or runs some errands.
If you know a business or individual who deserves a shout out, get your nominations in now as Best of Calgary 2020 will be kicking off again for another year very shortly. We want to celebrate all of those who helped get us through the 2020 global pandemic and come out stronger on the other side. Here are this week's heroes:
Mitchell Eye Centre
The employees and doctors working at this office truly go above and beyond for their patients. At the Mitchell Eye Centre, the technicians, testers, receptionists, managers and doctors have kept working throughout COVID-19, helping to maintain their patients' vision without thinking twice. They have been and still are seeing countless patients every day, assisting everyone from babies to seniors. During self-isolation, this group of working individuals are often the only source of outside contact for many seniors who are quarantined to their homes. The staff at Mitchell Eye Centre help give them a little time to laugh and a chat with someone who they don't normally see. From emergencies to regular check-ups, the staff here have continued working tirelessly with minimal protection while sitting inches from patients day-in and day-out. As a line of healthcare workers who perhaps get overlooked at times, we commend you on your service to our city.
FOUR20
After being named an essential service by the government, FOUR20 immediately pivoted to ensure their staff and customers felt safe when they visited the store. They installed plexiglass and social distancing stickers, as well as started a daily COVID communication cadence and monitoring system. Having a doctor on staff has been integral to ensuring the comfort of their employees during this time. FOUR20 also started paying hazard pay to their employees on the front lines every day and have been offering 10 per cent off for frontline workers in their stores. Thank you for stepping up and serving our city while taking the necessary precautions to protect your workers.
CIP Office Technology
This local technology company has been around since 1980. The staff here always go above and beyond for their clients' needs, and during this pandemic, they have been extremely flexible in helping them out in any way possible. CIP also has a community copier program, aiding local non-profits by helping them get a printer or copier for their organization, paying for usage but not the copier itself. CIP Office Technology does things a little bit differently than other printer companies, and we're happy to recognize them for it.
Oxeye Floral Co.
Oxeye Floral Co is a local company specializing in creating designs made from pressed flower art. Born and raised Calgarian, Ayla Graham, started this company years ago, harnessing her artistic flare and creating a business out of it. During these times, this local maker is offering printable "quarantine cards" for $2.00 each with all proceeds going toward the Calgary Food Bank. We love seeing our Calgarians showcase their talent and give back, especially in times of need. Thank you for making things just a little bit prettier, Oxeye Floral Co.
Hip Image
This female duo pioneered the mobile Volkswagon photo booth in Canada, focusing on Calgary and the surrounding area. The ladies at Hip Image hop in their van and drive to it to you, props, camera and all, to record whatever event or gathering you need. COVID-19 has unfortunately halted the event world, but these ladies pivoted and continued to offer photoshoots outside of the van, bringing smiles and joy to the faces of people wherever they go. The mobile nature of their work allows them to cruise around in their blue and white van named Buttercup and continue to do what they love. For Mother's Day, Hip Image drove around the city taking photos of mothers on their special day, and they are currently expanding to offer photoshoots to graduates and more this summer. Thank you for bringing a ray of old-school sunshine into our lives, ladies!
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.
Kelsey Woods is the Content & Editorial Manager for Best of Calgary.