by Cameron Domes

Why Community Builders?

Denise told me that a big part of the reason behind Camrose Energy’s Community Partners Program is that she wanted the average person to be able to give back to the community and have a choice where they give. She wanted to give people who don’t have massive financial means a way to feel like they can contribute. To further that, we’re interviewing some local community builders to see what they have to say about the local community in Camrose, their experiences, and ways people can help out.

Our first feature is Tania Greenwald, owner of The Sweeterie – a beloved local business in Camrose.

The Value of Community in Camrose: Tania’s Journey

Tania’s first memory of being part of the local community in Camrose was when Marilou Yampolski invited her out. She thought they were going out as friends, but it turned out to be a meeting of the Wise Women’s group. There, she met lots of female business owners, all at different points in their entrepreneurial careers, some very experienced, others just starting out. Seeing these people come together and support one another through their journeys really inspired Tania. Maybe one day she could be like them, starting her own business, and be the inspiration for someone else like her.

Community is huge for Tania, and it can mean so many different things. It can be all of Camrose, the local businesses, or a women’s group. There is such a wide variety of elements that make up a community. Tania noted that business owners don’t have the same type of interpersonal camaraderie that staff have, so building and embracing those relationships and connections to the local community is important. Helping build those connections, in turn, helps the business. Having a close and supportive community is especially helpful when times are tough because people can come together to support one another.

Camrose can typically be pretty disengaged with the community, but it’s impressive how much the community can come together for initiatives like “Shop Local” during Covid and events like the Block Party.

Behind the Scenes of Local Community Building.

For Tania, a large part of being a community builder is working on a higher level than what people actually see. It involves coming together with others in the local community and government, bringing forward ideas, and having roundtable discussions. The Café Passport is a good example of this. And when the things you help with are successful, the community comes back to you again. Being a community builder shouldn’t be about the praise and accolades you might receive, it’s about doing something for the benefit of the community. Finding that intrinsic motivation to do good things is so important because some of the best things and biggest changes come from behind the scenes.. The work can be hard, but the greatest reward is knowing you did a good thing.

Building The Sweeterie: Tania’s Story of Growth and Support

Tania is honest and, ironically, doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she works to make this right and fair for others. She said she can be stubborn, but that helps things get done. Being good at communication is important; it lets you develop those relationships and make those connections. The nurses from the hospital recommend The Sweeterie to visiting families, many of whom go, and it gives them a chance to talk about themselves, make that connection, and strengthen the community.

All of this is why people continue to collaborate with Tania and why people come to her when they want to organize something. They know she has the ability to see the big picture, they know she can be caring and compassionate, and they know she will be honest and forthcoming when she needs to be.

How Volunteering and Community Events Strengthen Local Ties

The COVID pandemic had a major impact on Tania’s business. She started out making wedding cakes from her home as Cute and Classy Cakes. When COVID hit, she noticed people were missing out on some comforts of life and decided to start Donut Tuesdays, which happens to this day. This started out in her kitchen a half dozen at a time in a home fryer, delivering to homes and businesses, and going back to fry more. Eventually, they partnered with essential businesses and got the product in stores. All the while, repeating the cycle of baking and delivering all day. It was hard work, but Tania kept doing it because she saw the impact it had on the local community in Camrose. That such a small thing could brighten so many days during that tough time. Eventually, it grew to the point where this was unsustainable, and they needed an actual store in Camrose, thus, The Sweeterie was born.

The Big Block Party: A Celebration of Camrose Community Spirit!

Tania fondly recalled how much Camrose came together to support local businesses when they were struggling. People were willing to sacrifice convenience and came together to help their community during such a challenging time. But she expressed disappointment that this attitude has since fallen to the wayside. People are tired of hearing about COVID, and they want to put it behind them.

Shopping locally makes a huge difference, and while Amazon or Walmart may be convenient, it’s important to remind people that supporting local businesses helps keep the community distinct and vibrant. It’s always a little sad when one shuts down, so people just need a little nudge to put in a little extra effort to support them.

(It’s worth noting that, while we are out of the worst of the pandemic, COVID-19 is still a significant issue. In the past 12 months, there have been 24,000 infections and 732 deaths caused by COVID-19 compared to 16,000 infections and 177 deaths caused by the flu. If you are sick, stay home or wear a mask.)

Support Local Businesses in Camrose: Why It Matters

Financial support is obviously important to community building, but many people don’t have access to those resources. For Tania, the best way people can help is by volunteering – particularly for local events and charities, rather than something like your kid’s sport team. While both are good for the community, one has a clearer personal benefit.

Becoming a Community Builder

Tania’s biggest community-building experience was the first year she proposed the Big Block Party. She was camping near Hardisty during their 75th annual rodeo and was blown away by the incredible turnout. People of all ages were everywhere, a massive pancake breakfast run by volunteers, and a parade – all in a town of a few hundred people. Inspired by this, she proposed the block party in Camrose, which was put together in three weeks. It was a rousing success, so much better than expected. Over 1,000 wristbands were handed out, and those were just for the games.

This year, the second annual Big Block Party took place on September 7th, and it was great seeing families and people of all ages come out and have fun. Love Local, the event organizing group, is now a recognized society, leaving a lasting legacy of Tania’s community-building efforts. Plans for next year are already in the works, and we hope people continue to support the event.

Check back next month for our next community builder, suggested by Tania – Hazel from Oleo.