We can’t say it enough: Thank you! But let’s start somewhere—thank you! This past weekend was a milestone twenty years in the making, and none of it would have been possible without you—this incredible community. To everyone who joined us on Sunday in the Indoor Park to celebrate in the spirit of Kapwa, you’ve filled our hearts to the brim! And to everyone who shared, liked, told a friend, or simply smiled while thinking of twenty years together—thank you, too!
Kapwa—to see oneself in another. It’s that beautiful, empathetic act of recognizing our shared humanity. This powerful Filipino word, meaning “kindred” or “neighbor,” was gifted to us by Mural Artists Harvey Nichol and Tiffany Cuffley. Not only did they collaborate with each other and the community to bring a mural to life that’s as vibrant, impactful, and diverse as you are, but they also taught us the meaning of Kapwa. Little did they know the lasting impact it would have on us. So here we are, warmly and excitedly declaring our twentieth year the Year of Kapwa!
From our groundbreaking beginnings to reaching capacity, expanding, and now celebrating twenty years—we owe it all to you. When we first opened our doors in the fall of 2004, we were serving a community of 79,000. Fast forward to 2024, and we now proudly serve over 180,000 of you—an amazing, diverse, and vibrant community. Vivo means “to live,” and thanks to your ideas, needs, and dreams, we have the privilege to do just that right here in North-Central Calgary.
During the event, we saw once again how truly magical this community is. People of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and cultures came together to celebrate and enjoy activities side by side. To paraphrase Mayor Jyoti Gondek’s beautiful words, Vivo (and this community) invites you in and reminds you that the world can indeed be a good and beautiful place. Every day, we witness this magic—from a toddler taking their first wobbly steps in the Indoor Park to seniors building connections and friendships. It’s these big and small moments that leave us in constant awe.
As our friend and Knowledge Keeper John Chief Moon Jr. reminded us, “the people are a community’s most valuable resource.” For the past twenty winter moons (as the Blackfoot People beautifully mark time), we’ve had the privilege to grow alongside this fantastic community. Without each and every one of you, Vivo wouldn’t be here. So let’s keep walking together in the spirit of Kapwa—holding space and empathy for one another as we continue to experience all that life has to offer.
To top it off, Make Me Creative worked hand in hand with Vivo and our community to create a video that captures the energy, emotion, and history of these twenty incredible years. In it, you’ll spot familiar faces—friends, past and present members of the Vivo team, partners, and community groups—every one of them has helped shape who we are today. The video premiered at the event, but if you missed it, or just want to watch it again, you can check it out right here.
Here’s to twenty years of you!
Thank You Vivo Community.