In a time when people can become famous for embarrassing themselves on television or simply being born into rich families, it’s always nice to meet someone who ‘made it’ with actual hard work and talent.
Celebrated country singer Paul Brandt certainly fits that description. He may not be the biggest name in all of country music, but he has become a very popular artist all the same, and he gathered quite a crowd during his visit to Athabasca last week.
Not all celebrities choose to pass their good fortune on to others, but Brandt is one of those who do. By working with UFA on the Small Town Heroes project, he has helped shine a light on ‘normal’ people of great importance, those who make a difference in our every day lives without ever appearing in magazines or gossip shows.
For Athabasca, that was Quilting For Humanity, the local group that makes quilts, blankets and other items for those in need. They were rewarded for their extra efforts in helping the Slave Lake evacuees earlier this year, but they were doing good work in our community long before that.
Brandt took the time to greet each of those ladies, as well as all of the local citizens who got up early to see him at the UFA station. He signed countless autographs and happily posed for pictures with everyone.
Brandt spoke of the genuine pleasure he took in meeting his Athabasca fans. By shaking a few hands and offering a few smiles, he created memories for everyone who was there. That’s a power all celebrities have, but they don’t all choose to use it.
By doing that, and by involving himself with the Small Town Heroes initiative, Brandt has proven himself to be the kind of celebrity Albertans can be proud to call their own.
