The 88 Airdrie Lynx Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron did some heavy lifting yesterday (May 27) and they could thank mother nature for providing them with the work.

The squadron was taking part in the annual Cadets Caring For Canada event, which took them to the Bethany Care Centre in Airdrie. The squadron's Deputy Commander Taylor Giannelia said they were cleaning up after last Wednesday's wind and rain storm that hit Airdrie.  

"Unfortunately here was the huge wind storm on Wednesday so we're cleaning up some debris that's fallen from trees for that, as well as cleaning up flower beds and making the place look nicer for the seniors who are residing here."

Giannelia says the Caring For Canada event is a good way for the cadets to say thank you to the Airdrie community.  "The community gives the air cadet program so much and it's one of the little ways we can give back to the community and say 'thank you.'  Right from the year that I joined in 2010 we've done it every single year.  We usually do it at the Bethany Care Centre but we also do it at other locations around the city as deemed necessary."

The air cadets get a lot out of the day of work as well, according to Giannelia.  "I think it really gives them an appreciation that we have to give back in order to say thank you for everything the community does for us and it establishes a sense of teamwork in that they're all working as a team to improve the morale of the squadron and giving back as a group, not just one person."

The 88 Airdrie Lynx Cadet Squadron is very involved in community service work.  They help sell poppies prior to Remembrance Day and help man Salvation Army Christmas Kettles as well.  

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