JP ShawFriday love list: because i like my neighbors
It's been a year and a half since we moved from Kelowna to Abbotsford, British Columbia. I was sad of course, leaving Kelowna, the beautiful beaches--sun and sand. But living here in Abbey, in our co-op I've realized that for the first time in a long time I actually feel at home. So this Friday's love list is why I love living in Bakerview Co-op.
I can step outside and instantly know all my neighbors by their first name.
Everyone waves at one another when we come and go.
Real sense of community goes on here, people do care about each other (most of the time).
My boys have tons of friends here to play with, and the kids all play outside together.
Having the kids all come to my house to get freezies for helping with yard work.
Having the kids help with yard work (I need it!).
Going for coffee at our neighbors house, just kicking back and relaxing. Something we never did in Kelowna.
Watching everyone work together through fall clean up of the leaves. Over 30 bags of leaves collected by our co-op. Now that's team work!
Having my neighbors knock on my door to borrow sugar, milk, or coffee filters. And being able to do the same.
Community events our Welcome committee puts on through all the holidays, Christmas dinner, Easter hunt for kids, Halloween party for the kids and more. It's nice to have it here right where I live for my family to enjoy.
Free bread and dougnuts on Sunday's in our community hall to take home. My freezer is full!
Sense of security having others watch out for your home while you are away.
Board meetings. The place we come together to decide as a community and vote on what's best for us. It gives a sense of control over where you live, even when you can't change anything, your opinion still counts and is heard.
Having neighbors help when bad things happen. Our fence blew down and our neighbors helped us paint and put up a new one. Now that's truly nice.
People sharing things when they have things to give, like furniture they don't need, clothes for the kids, toys, misc items. It's awesome.
Summer garage sales put on by members here to raise money for our Welcome committee's events.
Knowing that when I put the key in my door I am HOME, truly HOME and right where I belong.
Everyone waves at one another when we come and go.
Real sense of community goes on here, people do care about each other (most of the time).
My boys have tons of friends here to play with, and the kids all play outside together.
Having the kids all come to my house to get freezies for helping with yard work.
Having the kids help with yard work (I need it!).
Going for coffee at our neighbors house, just kicking back and relaxing. Something we never did in Kelowna.
Watching everyone work together through fall clean up of the leaves. Over 30 bags of leaves collected by our co-op. Now that's team work!
Having my neighbors knock on my door to borrow sugar, milk, or coffee filters. And being able to do the same.
Community events our Welcome committee puts on through all the holidays, Christmas dinner, Easter hunt for kids, Halloween party for the kids and more. It's nice to have it here right where I live for my family to enjoy.
Free bread and dougnuts on Sunday's in our community hall to take home. My freezer is full!
Sense of security having others watch out for your home while you are away.
Board meetings. The place we come together to decide as a community and vote on what's best for us. It gives a sense of control over where you live, even when you can't change anything, your opinion still counts and is heard.
Having neighbors help when bad things happen. Our fence blew down and our neighbors helped us paint and put up a new one. Now that's truly nice.
People sharing things when they have things to give, like furniture they don't need, clothes for the kids, toys, misc items. It's awesome.
Summer garage sales put on by members here to raise money for our Welcome committee's events.
Knowing that when I put the key in my door I am HOME, truly HOME and right where I belong.
Belonging somewhere, feeling safe where you live, and liking the people you live around makes a big difference to me. I enjoy coming home now, despite the fractures of the outside world living around us. I love Bakerview, the people and the community. It is nice to f
