EDMONTON NEIGHBOUR AWARD

Growing up in Calgary, Alberta the city of Edmonton was our arch-rival. The joke used to be, "What do you call a pretty girl in Edmonton?" A tourist. Of course they had similar jokes about Calgary. Anyway, I digress...

The city of Edmonton is currently holding nominations for its "Good Neighbour Awards". Citizens are encouraged to nominate someone who makes a difference in their neighbourhood. There is no prize money involved, just some recognition, a nice certificate suitable for framing, and your picture and story posted on the Good Neighbour section of the City of Edmonton website.

The city even has implemented what they call 'Good Neighbour Postcards', a way to formally thank a neighbour for an act of kindness. The postcards are available at city libraries, police stations, and recreation centers.

It is such a simple idea, but one that many cities have not implemented, or at least not as well. As their website puts it, it is all about "recognizing the small daily gentures and actions we sometimes take for granted that enhance the fabric of our lives." Simple stuff, really. It is a shame more municipalities don't take their cue from cities like Edmonton who have managed to implement a simple but very effective program on a shoestring budget.

I'll leave you with some more Edmonton jokes:

Q: What is the best thing to come out of Edmonton?
A: Highway #2 South

Q: What do you get when you cross a pig with an Edmontonian?
A: Nothing, even a pig has some standards.

Q: Why do Edmontonians cheer for the Oilers?
A: They prefer the Oilers over professional hockey.

Q: Whats the best defense when fighting an Edmontonian?
A: Soap