Fundraising / Donations / Initiatives
About Us:
Crossroads Community Block Watch was initially formed in May, 1984. By November, 1985 all 40 blocks in Mayland Heights were organized with over 90% participation per block. The community was divided according to police geo codes with a district coordinator representing each geo code. Each district coordinator was responsible for at least 10 blocks, comprising 30 – 40 homes.
Sgt. Paul Gardam was the District 4 Zone Sergeant in charge of Crossroads and policed our community for 9 years. Joyce Wester (Gardam) was part of the original group of 9 who initiated the program in 1984.
Vista Heights became part of Crossroads Block Watch in 1995 and has been an integral component of our program since that time. Vista Heights has one district coordinator and 11 organized blocks with approximately 30-40 homes per block.
Crossroads Block Watch is one of the rare Block Watch programs that has survived the test of time and is thriving and prospering. This success is attributed to the board of directors, many who have been involved in the program since inception, as well as the ongoing “working together” partnership we have developed with the Calgary Police Service over many years.
Although the city of Calgary has grown leaps and bounds since 1984, Crossroads Community remains one of the safest and most cohesive communities in the city. Crossroads residents are informed, aware, and alert to the criminal activity in our community and are deeply committed to ensuring our community projects a small town atmosphere where neighbours look out for and care for each other. A safe community is also a terrific place to live and raise our children
Fund Raising:
Since the mid to late 1990’s, Block Watch funds have been derived from participating in casinos. As a result of this major fund raiser, Crossroads Block Watch is able to continue with maintenance and enhancement of our program, introduce new programs, and assist other community groups and charities with their fund raising endeavours.
Funding Initiatives:
Annual Christmas Adopt a Family Program – Five – seven families are adopted yearly. Recipients are selected from our community schools, churches, and word of mouth. Families provide us with “wish lists” for presents for all members of the family and advise us of any foods that they cannot use. The budgeted amount per family is approximately $600 – 700. depending on number of members in the family, which includes gifts and groceries complete with all the Christmas trimmings for a wonderful Christmas dinner.
Once this major process has been completed, a day is selected for delivery and Santa and his elves distribute everything to each respective family.
Annual Donations:
- Crossroads Cornerstone Youth Program
- Salvation Army Kettle Program
- Legion Poppy Fund
- Salvation Army Adopt a Family (Calgary Sun)
Other Crossroads community association user groups and church groups if approved by the Block Watch board of directors
Other Initiatives:
Past:
- Belfast School community garden and light security project
- Vista Heights Elementary Special Project
- Vista Heights Elementary Signage (no parking signs in front of school)
- Bullying presentation – Sir John Franklin
- Crossroads Block Watch mini house at Safety City (miniature version of the Cross House in Inglewood)
- Block Watch tote bags for residents
Present:
Ongoing. Residents are encouraged to provide the board of directors with new ideas to ensure continued success of the program.