A Calgary school’s feel-good coronavirus initiative has received international recognition – including joke suggestions from renowned comic Billy Crystal.
Calgary teacher Jamie Anderson and his class created Joy4all in April and the latest in a string of high profile appearances landed them on the Late Late Show with James Corden.
During the interview Corden surprised Anderson with a special guest to help record some jokes for program’s website.
Comedian Billy Crystal joined the show and explained how much he enjoyed the project.
“I love what you’re doing, being a senior myself, and lonesome, I think this is a great thing,” Crystal said.
“I want to say thank you to the students of Ever Active school in Calgary, I think it’s just great what you’re doing.”
International headlines for Joy4All
After it’s April release the program received attention from a number of US organizations and has been featured by the BBC and CNN.
Anderson said they never could have expected the incredible response.
“It’s been a bit of a wild ride,” he said.
The program saw call volumes of 400 people a day when it first started. It officially hit the 17,000 mark yesterday.
Anderson said they received over 500 calls today alone.
Anderson’s class decided they wanted to provide a laugh to seniors who may be struggling during COVID-19.
“We recognize that lots of folks have been cut off from their social supports and so we know seniors and long term care facilities. There’s lots of folks who we hope to reach and and bring a feeling of connectedness,” said Anderson.
Twenty-one Calgary students develop and record content and help run the site.
To submit a message, go to joy4all.ca or to hear a joke call (403) 209-4300 or 1-877-JOY-4ALL
