With the passing of the fall equinox comes gratitude for the summer gifts and the abundance of the fall harvest. While we all settle into shorter days and longer nights, we acknowledge the new season and welcome it with open arms. The passing from October to November is often marked with the start of Giving Season – but what does this mean?
What is Giving Season?
Giving season is often only thought of as monetary and while that is one piece, we believe it is important to note that it is so much more and that anyone can take part in this season of collective giving. In the spirit of communal connection, we invite you to gift the spirit of Kapwa this giving season.
Fall marks the harvest – a time to gather all of the generous bounty that Mother Earth has provided us. While gathering the harvest we all give thanks for the gifts received that we know will sustain us throughout the colder, darker months. We recognize the interconnected relationship shared between us and Mother Earth. In the past, this was certainly a time of preparing food for the winter – while things have changed in many ways, we still believe this remains a time to feel and share our gratitude.
This fall, we are reflecting on twenty years in the community. Our hearts are so full after kicking off a celebration together and declaring this year the year of Kapwa. Kapwa is a Filipino term that translates to “kindred” or “neighbour”. It is used to describe the act of seeing oneself in another, the empathetic act of recognizing our shared identity, and it perfectly describes how we feel in this community. We learned of Kapwa through mural artists Harvey Nichol and Tiffany Lee Cuffley – their mural covers a large part of the east side of Vivo and embodies the community or North-Central Calgary. This year, our twentieth year, we are stepping forward in the spirit of Kapwa and we are beyond grateful for the gifts, dreams, and learnings that the community has always shared with us.
Gift the Spirit of Kapwa and Be a Part of Giving Season with Vivo
There are so many ways to be involved – truly an option for anyone!
- Donate to Vivo. If you are in a position to, we are always welcoming donations! You can donate online, in-person, or if you are interested in more – chat with our Philanthropy team about other ways that you can donate or partner with Vivo to raise healthier generations together. Throughout the months of November and December all donors who gift a minimum of $5 will receive a constellation to place on the wall at Vivo, recognizing your donation as well as Vivo’s 20th Anniversary Colouring Book! Donate today! https://www.vivo.ca/donate/
- We absolutely encourage you to be involved by simply choosing a mindset of gratitude. It’s simple – start your day by writing or thinking about three things that you are grateful for! This simple act sets you up for a day ripe with moments of gratitude. Share with us your #iamvivo moment. We want to hear what healthier generations means to you – you can even tag us @vivoyourlife #iamvivo and join in the conversation on social media.
- Become a Vivo Member. That’s right, becoming a Vivo Member is a gift to you and the community! We are a charity, so your Vivo Membership fees go directly back into the community through things like programs, services, and maintenance of the facility. Learn more about becoming and Vivo Member and what it means that Vivo is a charity. You can also give the gift of Membership with the upcoming Vivo Winter Pass. This 4-month pass will be a great way to get your toes wet as a Vivo Member and makes for a perfect stocking stuffer! This pass is eligible to be upgraded to a Continuous Pass and can be activated once it has been given!
- Are you an active or retired service member of the Canadian Military or First Responder? Be sure to visit during Veterans Week (November 10 – 16) for complimentary entrance for you and a guest, or ½ price admission for households, to Vivo. This is our way of thanking YOU for your service. We extend this complimentary week to those that serve to keep us safe and protect us. We welcome members of Police, EMS, and Fire this week as well.
- Tell friends and family about Vivo. With your help we can spread the word both that Vivo is a charity and that Vivo Centre is a great option for individuals and families to pursue their healthy living goals. If you don’t already, give us a follow on social media (@vivoyourlife) and share our posts – this is a cost-free way to join Giving Season and help others understand the vital work Vivo is doing to raise healthier generations.
- Bring a Food Bank donation with you to Vivo! We are officially a collection spot for the Calgary Food Bank. Your donation ensures that neighbours in need are able to access proper nutrition. Look for the Calgary Food Bank bins on-site at Vivo!
How ever you choose to be involved with Giving Season – we thank you for stepping into the community and contributing in whatever way you are able to. Thank you!