By Nancy Mattes, Director, Social Prosperity Wood Buffalo
A group of community leaders are working with the Canadian Index of Wellbeing to conduct a communty wellbeing survey which starts on May 3rd and runs through to June 20th. The purpose of this survey is to gather information on community wellbeing to help decision-makers better understand needs and issues related to quality of life. Where are people struggling? What’s contributing to wellbeing? The survey is like a community check-in, giving residents an opportunity to comment on their life in Wood Buffalo. The results will help community leaders change the conversation from focusing on sickness to focusing on wellbeing. They will also enable community leaders to work together towards improving quality of life outcomes for all.
Earlier this week, I was asked to fill out the “Look into Wood Buffalo” Community Wellbeing Survey to help test the process before going live. I was eager to take part, wondering what the online survey would look like and how I would feel about the process. Before I started, I poured myself a nice cup of coffee, did a few stretches and settled down to my computer. When I typed in the website address and entered the code, it was thrilling to see all the partner logos at the top of the screen. Yes, I was at the right place and here were the survey questions!
Although I wasn’t expecting it, the survey provided a nice opportunity for me to reflect on my life – to think about how I’m spending my time and whether I need to focus more on the things that are really important to me. It helped reinforce my belief that this community is a great place to live and there are lots of opportunities available to me should I decide to become more engaged.
The survey is long. It took me about thirty minutes to finish it, but I took a break and came back to it a few times. I feel like I need to tell people to keep going! Don’t give up because of the length of the survey! When you finish the survey, you will be given a code that you can use to enter the draw for some awesome prizes! Everyone who enters the draw will be eligible for the Staycation grand prize which was generously donated by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. And don’t worry! Your responses are completely anonymous!
Thanks in advance to everyone who participates in this survey. I hope you enjoy the opportunity for personal reflection as much as I did.
Here is the run-down on the prizes depending on where you live:
Anzac:
- 1 year family membership to the Anzac Recreation Centre
- $50 gift certificate to the Anzac Grocery Store
Conklin:
- $50 Petro Canada gift certificate
- $50 Canadian Tire gift certificate
Draper, Janvier and Gregoire Lake Estates:
- $50 Walmart gift certificate
- $50 Superstore gift certificate
Fort Chipewyan:
- $50 Northern Store gift certificate
- $50 Fort McMurray aviation gift certificate
Fort MacKay:
- $50 Walmart gift certificate
- $50 Superstore gift certificate
Fort McMurray:
- 1 year family membership to MacDonald Island Park (generously donated by ONE Regional Recreation Association of Wood Buffalo)
- Gift basket including a voucher for a pair of season tickets for Keyano Theatre Company’s TELUS 4-Play Drama Series including, “On A First Name Basis”, “A Christmas Carol”, “Cabaret”, and “Goodnight Ladies” (generously donated by The Arts Council Wood Buffalo and the Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre)
Saprae Creek:
- $50 Canadian Tire gift certificate
- $50 Walmart gift certificate
Staycation Grand Prize for two (generously donated by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and available to everyone who participates in the draw):
FRIDAY:
- 4:00 – Check into luxurious Honeymoon suite at Chez Dube
- Dinner – The Keg
- 8:00pm – Couples in-room Massage at Chez Dube
SATURDAY:
- Complimentary breakfast at Chez Dube
- 11:30am – 1:00pm Couples IONIC RELEASE detoxification and massage
- Afternoon stroll by the river at Mac Island and then check out the shops at Peter Pond Mall – $200 gift card
- Dinner at LIVE restaurant
SUNDAY:
- Complimentary breakfast at Chez Dube
- Checkout at 11am
Staycation Grand Prize Package Valued at $1,600
