If you’ve been downtown since the middle of May, you might have spotted some distinctly dressed individuals walking around. Just before the long weekend, Downtown Calgary’s Hospitality Outreach Safety Team hit the streets. They are easy to spot in their red HOST shirts and the symbol of Western hospitality, their white cowboy hats.
Though commonly mistaken for Stampede employees, the HOSTs are actually downtown ambassadors for both locals and tourists. These walking information booths are ready to help anyone with questions. They travel in pairs, looking for people needing assistance.
In their backpacks are a selection of brochures and maps about both downtown and other Calgary attractions. They will happily point you in the right direction, whether you’re roaming the sidewalks or the +15s.
HOSTs are knowledgeable about what’s going on downtown. They can tell you about upcoming festivals, make restaurant recommendations, or point out the closest coffee shop. They are trained in basic first aid and look to tackle safety issues that may arise.
The HOSTs will be out and about until the end of August, so feel free to stop, say hi and ask questions if you spot one out this summer.
Tags: HOSTs
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