When I think of summer, it brings to mind a cool breeze on a warm bright night. In this sun-filled vision there is a sizzling grill, corn on the cob dripping with butter, and someone is splitting a juicy watermelon for all to share. Kids are running and playing, and one of them is inevitably wielding a super soaker. The teens are cracking croquet balls through the grass – and, of course, at each other. The adults? They’re gathered around the BBQ, ice cubes are clinking in glasses, and laughter fills the air.

Does this sound like something you would enjoy?

As the Neighbourhood Connector for Abundant Community McCauley, one of my main missions is to make sure that our community has the opportunity to connect at gatherings, just like the one I described above.

Did you know that the City of Edmonton and the McCauley Community League have put together “Block Party Kits” exactly for this reason? Did you know that we also have access to $250 to pay for food and beverages through the Small Sparks Grant which was, in part, developed exactly for this purpose!?

We have access to the resources AND the cash to have a block party for each street/block/apartment floor/building. FYI: This is the summer to utilize the grants as they may not be available next summer!

I’m looking for community members to help me host! As a co-host all you’re required to do is: meet with me once to plan the party, hand out invitations to your neighbours, and, to be completely upfront, you’ll probably end up grilling some hot dogs – but beyond that, co-hosting a block party has never been so easy.

In fact, by the time this article goes to print I will have co-hosted two block parties in our community! Add your name to the growing list of residents who are eager to help throw a party for their neighbours!

As a community, let’s take advantage of our beautiful summer nights. Let’s have fun with outdoor games provided by the block party kits. Let’s enjoy some delicious food together! In doing these things, we will be nurturing a stronger and healthier neighbourhood.

Who’s with me?

To inquire about hosting a block party or if you have any questions about Abundant Community, please email me at: abundantcommunitymccauley@gmail.com.