Northern Lights recipient – Be the Change YYC

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Location: Calgary, Alberta

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” The words of Mahatma Gandi have been transformed into action to help Calgary’s homeless citizens by the dedicated team of volunteers with Be the Change YYC in Calgary. Founded in 2015 by Chaz Smith, who has experienced the challenges of homelessness first hand, Be the Change YYC stepped up its efforts as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted available shelter space in the city.

Along with food, water, clothing, hygiene supplies and personal protective equipment, Be the Change YYC has provided tents, tarps and ponchos – a measure of shelter against the elements. Three times each week, volunteers, including a social worker and a registered nurse, venture out to deliver essential supplies and make critical connections with those who are too often overlooked.

Be the Change YYC is working to meet not just the physical needs of some of Calgary’s most vulnerable people but to also advocate for change, bringing the concerns of the homeless to the public and to elected officials. For in the words of Ghandi, “In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”