Tag: yyc (Page 8 of 12)

#Sunnyside365 May 9, 2016

May 9, 2016 / Ara

“reBox came from the merger of two businesses. I had a management consulting firm for about a dozen years and as a result of a client saying, “Hey, love the brand work, but now we need help telling the whole story.” So we merged with design company to create reBox. It’s been five years.

We were down in the south east for the first year, and then moved here to the Bower House in about 2012. I love the looks on faces of people when they walk by. This place totally fits our style: it’s funky, it’s casual, but still business. I’m a few blocks away from the river. I can walk downtown to meet with clients but I’m not part of the downtown. It’s the vibe of Sunnyside.

We bust our ass here, we work hard, but we also play. It’s not unheard of that we sit outside on a Thursday afternoon with a cold one. Is it a business or a house? The answer is “yes.”

Back in 1994… I think 22 years ago, my wife and I lived at the little 4 unit apartment place on the corner 9a and 2nd Ave. My wife and I were the caretakers of that building. It’s where the Pixel building is now.

What do I like about the community? It’s casual, it’s functional, it’s creative, it’s got personality. Yeah, that’s… I can go on forever but I’d keep coming back to those. It’s unique, it’s the history, it’s the heritage.” Robert Schmidt, Principle, reBox Creative.

#Sunnyside365 May 8, 2016

May 8, 2016 / Ara

“It’s bad enough that people shit on Calgary for not supporting the arts, but when so many people refuse to go out and discover the amazing things going on in this town. Like, seriously people, art and culture isn’t going to be delivered to your email box or directly to your front door. Go out and a discover it. Get off your lazy ass and see a show, check out a gallery, grab some chalk and draw on the sidewalk with your kids.”

#Sunnyside365 May 7, 2016

May 7, 2016 / Ara

“This is totally an initiative driven by the kids. They came up with the idea. A lot of them experienced the floods in Sunnyside a few year back and wanted to know how they could help the people of Fort McMurray. They’re all too familiar with getting evacuated and losing their stuff. All the baked goods are by donation, no minimum. Everything is going into a donation pot and all of it goes to the Red Cross Fort McMurray relief fund. People have been really helping out with this.

Up till about two o’clock, we’ve raised over $3000. Some corporate supporters said they’d match everything donated, and then the provincial government said they’d match all Red Cross donations, the Feds said they’d match Red Cross donations–it’s just a really great thing. There’s so much great support for this.

It’s fantastic! We’ve had no lack of generosity. Somebody paid $20 for a cookie. It’s really amazing. People are just trying to find a way they can help.”

#Sunnyside365 May 6, 2016

May 6, 2016 / Ara

“At the end of the day, all that matters is that you have your health, your family, and good neighbours. That’s what’s important. That’s what I love about living here.”

#Sunnyside365 May 5, 2016

May 5, 2016 / Ara

“Today is my day off, so I was in the park blowing bubbles, spreading happiness and love. This morning I saw this photograph of a child holding a sign that said, ‘We Are All One.’ That’s one of my favourite sayings, so I decided to do my own little spreading of happiness. Peace, love, happiness: that’s just about it.

What do I love about this neighbourhood? Hmmm. I love Sunnyside Art Store. It’s my favourite art store. I love the foot traffic around here. I definitely love seeing people. The people at the Sunnyside Art Store even coloured on the Love sign too.” Raven, www.instagram.com/ravenmoonstoneart

#Sunnyside365 May 4, 2016

May 4, 2016 / Ara

I think I finally found a photograph that acts as a metaphor for what I’m trying to say with this project. With just over six weeks to go, this oak tree tells a story that so many of us are resisting to listen to: the old gives way to the new. The old leaves don’t know what direction the tree will grow in once they’re gone, it’s up to the young risers to carry on the legacy and do what’s right for the tree. The old quite literally gives way to and guides the young.

Speaking of trees, the poplars all around Hillhurst and Sunnyside are getting quite old and are being succeeded by new growth. I wonder how the neighbourhood will look in fifty years. I suppose that’s the exciting part…

#Sunnyside365 May 3, 2016

May 3, 2016 / Ara

“I’m raising money so I can buy a hamster. You’re my first customer. Thank you!”

#Sunnyside365 May 2, 2016

May 2, 2016 / Ara

It’s probably the earliest start to the growing season that I’ve ever seen! With temperatures in the high 20’s, nature is pushing to get a head-start on gardening.

#Sunnyside365 May 1, 2016

May 1, 2016 / Ara

“My business partner, Connor, founded Local Laundry about a year ago. He was in Sweden doing his MBA and while he was over there, he realized that he didn’t have anything to wear that repped’ Calgary. We partnered up back in November with the goal of inspiring pride of this city and the neighbourhoods people are a part of. We donate a part of our proceeds to local charities.

The Sunnyside and Kensington Shirts were designed by Erin Lawrence. She’s a graduate of ACAD and lives in the neighbourhood.

I love how much of a “Go out and do it.” attitude this city has. It’s very entrepreneurial. And Kensington–it’s super vibrant here. People in this community are really proud of where they live and work. It’s a destination of choice. Meraki Supply Co. has the Kensington and Sunnyside shirts, Luke’s Drug Mart has snap-back hats, and a place called ‘Stuff 4 Him’ has some of our items out in the belt line.” Dustin, Co-Founder of Local Laundry Apparel. www.locallaundryapparel.com

#Sunnyside365 April 30, 2016

April 30, 2016 / Ara

It’s official! Spring is in full springiness, and I’ve got fifty days left to go on #Sunnyside365 (+1 if you count the leap year). I can’t say how wonderful of an experience it’s been, because words can’t describe the overwhelming feelings I have. Thanks to all the support from everyone who has been involved, liked, shared, commented. I’m truly, truly overwhelmed. Calgary really is the greatest city in the world.

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