'A Park is a Place Everybody Can Call Home'

by Dave Maffitt, Volunteer Airdrie

One of Volunteer Airdrie’s biggest supporters over the past year has been the Airdrie branch of Mattamy Homes. We are very thankful for their support, but not surprised, as one of their core values is “to build a sense of community”.

As with many relationships, the Volunteer Airdrie/Mattamy Homes partnership started with a chance encounter at a social event.  I was attending the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City Address with Mayor Peter Brown and happened to take a seat next to Joe Case, Mattamy’s Manager of Land Development.  After introducing ourselves, the conversation quickly moved to what each of our organizations was doing to make Airdrie a better place to live.  It was exciting to hear that our organizations had so much in common.

According to Mattamy Homes: “We believe that our communities are just as important as our homes. That’s why we ensure all of our neighbourhoods not only offer parks and play areas, they also provide access to local health care and recreation facilities. Through the Mattamy Homes ‘Community Is Our Home’ program, and the Peter Gilgan Foundation, we are proud to play our part in supporting local charitable organizations towards the creation of vibrant, healthy communities. From the community-based cancer support centre, to the neonatal clinic, to the university athletic centre, or a youth skills-development program, we contribute important funding to build long-term community facilities that enrich people’s lives.”

An organization’s culture starts at the top and Mattamy Homes is no exception.  Founder Peter Gilgan says: “I believe, we all need to give back in any way we can. Every hour helps, every cent counts. Whether you sponsor a family member in a fundraising event, get involved yourself, write a cheque or give your time, everyone can do something to give back.”

Over the past year, Mattamy Homes has built, delivered and donated five large picnic tables that were used at last September’s airdrieFEST.  These picnic tables are now in Volunteer Airdrie’s Picnic Table Painting Program and are being creatively painted by local artists Veronica Funk, Melissa Bruglemans, Ron Roffel, Patricia Pile and Brenna Miller.  Veronica’s table is currently on display at Genesis Place Recreation Center and the others will be strategically placed throughout Airdrie as part of the new City of Airdrie “Great Places Plan”.