Parks Foundation Calgary unveils bench dedication winner to celebrate 30 years of donations
Celebrating three decades and over 1,200 donations throughout the city, Parks Foundation Calgary unveiled the latest winner of the bench and picnic table dedication program Tuesday on Scotsman's Hill.
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the program invited Calgary residents to enter for a chance to win a three-year bench dedication.
Situated in parks around the city, the benches each feature a unique bronze plaque honouring a life well-lived, celebrating a milestone, landmark birthday or anniversary, which traditionally are purchased by Calgarians for a 10 year period.
The first-ever winner of the bench located on Scotsman's Hill was Tatianna O'Donnell, who chose to honour her late son, Adam.
Dedication, Sept. 21, 2021
"This program began 30 years ago, and every day we hear from people about how much they love the dedication program," said Sheila Taylor of Parks Foundation Calgary.
"People stop and read the inscriptions on the benches, and for a moment you feel like you are connected to that person, you know them a little bit," added Taylor.
"It connects Calgarians to each other and to nature."
Proudly admiring the new bench, Tatianna O'Donnell said it was for her to honour the life of her son. "Adam was up here a lot; different times of the day in different weather. He used to always come here with his children to watch fireworks," said O'Donnell.
"It's a great place to come, read the plaque, remember him, and enjoy the beautiful view of the city," she added.
Accompanying a short message honouring his life, the plaque features lyrics from Adam's favourite song, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" by Bob Marley.
Parks Foundation Calgary is a non-profit organization that has operated since 1985. The bench dedication program was initiated in 1991. More information can be found at www.parksfdn.com.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.