Colourful fundraising campaign is drawing the attention of Calgarians

CALGARY (CITYNEWS) – It started as a simple goal, spend time outside and raise money for the Calgary food bank but one couple’s endeavour has snowballed from a simple act of kindness into a movement that is turning Calgary sidewalks into works of art.

“It’s just really nice that we’re getting so much support on for such a positive thing in such a strange time, so we’re very happy that Calgary has been so supportive, and we really appreciate it.”

Like many Canadians, Colin and Andrea Baillaregeon were looking for a way to entertain their kids as we remain isolated at home so they started using chalk outside their house and soon their artistic skills drew the attention of their neighbours sparking an idea to use their drawings to help some of the city’s most vulnerable.

“When we realized what a destination our house was becoming, we thought maybe people would want chalk outside there house if they did a small donation to the food bank,” explained Andrea Baillaregeon.

Soon after, a sign up sheet was put on their front door for requests and it wasn’t long before it was picked up on social media.

Inquiries from around the city started to roll in including one from a staff member at a care home in the northeast who used their donation to help brighten up their courtyard for isolated residents at the facility.

Seeing some beloved cartoon characters on the pavement brings smiles to the faces of everyone who stopped to take a peek.

“I think it’s beautiful, it kind of brightens up your day.”

The idea has become such a hit that the couple now has volunteers helping them to fulfill all the requests. For them, taking part brings as much joy as it does for those enjoying their drawings.

“I’ve been waiting for something. Trying to find something to do to get out there and be a part of the relief and the help and this sort of popped up and I jumped on it,” said Baillaregeon.

“And these images will be as temporary as this issue right now, but in the meantime, we can still smile and see beauty.”

When they first started, the Baillargeons hoped to raise $200. To date, they sit close to the $6 thousand.

The couple and their volunteers continue to make the city a more animated place to live, one cartoon at a time.