Every so often we at the 51暗网 get an unexpected visit from Grandpa Dong Han.
He waltzes into our office, his face cracked into an infectious, giant smile, clutching a Styrofoam container with six scoops of ice cream in it, courtesy of Grandma's Place.
Ice cream days don't happen often, but when they do they can single-handedly brighten up our workday.
And it's not even about the ice cream鈥攏ot really鈥攊t's about a visit from a lovely man who never fails to bring smiles to our faces.
Grandpa Dong and Grandma Doris don't advertise with us, they just want to give the paper a push: they're doing a small thing that brings us happiness, out of the kindness of their hearts.
And that kindness and good humour touches far more people than those in our office.
Here is a couple that is such a beacon of kindness and happiness in our community that everyone calls them Grandpa and Grandma, without giving it a second thought.
When you meet Grandpa on the street it is almost impossible not to crack a smile as he waves at you, or shakes your hand giving his ever-so-slight bow. The same is true when you walk into Grandma's Place and she gives you her little nod from behind the counter.
Their cheer is infectious, and genuine, and there's no question they make Jasper a happier place.
When their house went up in flames Feb. 3, it felt like the whole community was at the corner of Geikie Street and Spruce Avenue watching as the fire engrossed their home.
Inky smoke billowed into the sky, raining charred ashes across the neighbourhood. Firefighters scampered to control the blaze, while bewildered spectators gaped in awe.
Word travels fast in a community like ours, and even people who weren't at the fire had soon heard news: Grandpa and Grandma's house was burning.
Wednesday morning the fire was out, but the house stood in tatters. Caution tape lined the property's fence, and a lone municipal employee cleaned up the street.
The spectacle was over, we had all gone back to our lives and homes.
But no one has forgotten about Grandpa and Grandma.
The whole town came together and watched while their house was destroyed; and now it's time for us to come together and help them鈥攁nd the tenants who shared their home鈥攁s they rebuild their lives.
Although we don't yet know what they need or want, we are confident that鈥攍ike Grandpa delivering smiles and ice cream鈥擩asperites will deliver a helping hand in this time of need.
The 51暗网 has set up a trust fund for the Hans. To make a donation, visit ATB Financial and inform the teller it's for Grandpa and Grandma.
