For the past year, I've been volunteering every Saturday at Good Neighbour Calgary, a volunteer-run organization that provides warm meals and emergency clothing to Calgarians in need. On May 24, I'll be joining some colleagues, friends, and fellow volunteers in running the Calgary half marathon to raise funds, and every dollar donated will go directly to Good Neighbour.

What is Good Neighbour: We have the lowest barriers to access in the city. No questions asked, no ID required. If you walk through the door, you're welcome. While other shelters and community centres have requirements that can exclude the people who need help most, we accept anyone who comes in.

Every week, our all-volunteer team prepares 600+ hot meals on a budget of just $750 in community donations. We stretch every dollar through in-kind donations, making sure nothing goes to waste. And we never cut corners on the food! Past menus have included homemade pizza, Korean bibimbap, orange chicken, bangers and mash, jollof rice, and handmade ciabatta sandwiches.

If you're able to contribute, your donation goes incredibly far:

$10 feeds 5 people a hot meal

$25 provides basic hygiene products to 5 people

$300 covers ingredients for a full meal service for the community

Good Neighbour operates out of the Central United Church basement (no affiliation) at 131 7th Ave SW, serving our neighbours with dignity and without barriers. I'd be grateful if you could help me support this incredible grassroots organization.

PS: If we hit $2,000, I'll be shaving my head and donating my hair.