Business, Heart, and Home: Shirley Parungao Do’s Bid to Represent Ward 9 at City Hall

The longtime Ward 9 resident and business leader is running to be the next City Councillor, bringing over 30 years of community engagement and a commitment to integrity and compassion.

As Calgary moves steadily toward its civic election on October 20, 2025, one of the city’s most dynamic and closely watched races is unfolding in Ward 9 — a diverse and evolving district now without an incumbent. The retirement of long-serving Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra, who was first elected in 2010 and has opted not to seek a fifth term, has opened the door for new leadership. Among the candidates vying for the seat, one stands out for her conviction, community spirit, and unorthodox approach to politics: Shirley Parungao Do.

For nearly three decades, Parungao Do has lived, worked, and built businesses within Ward 9. Her longevity in the community, however, is not the most defining aspect of her candidacy — it’s her integrity. In an era when campaign financing often defines the tempo of local politics, she has taken a bold stand that few candidates dare to make: she has refused all financial donations. Not a single cheque, not a corporate sponsorship, not even a personal contribution from friends or supporters. Every aspect of her campaign is self-funded, driven by principle rather than political expediency.

When asked why, her answer is both profound and disarming in its honesty: “When I’m elected, I answer to the people who elected me — not the people who donated to my campaign and expect something in return.”

Those words capture the essence of her campaign — one built not on slogans, but on sincerity. In decades of covering politics, it’s rare to find a candidate so determined to maintain complete independence from financial influence. When potential supporters approach her with offers of money, she redirects them toward compassion: “Take that money,” she says, “and I can give you a list of people in the community who could use your help.”

And she means it.

Through her nonprofit initiative, Present from Your Heart, Shirley Parungao Do has created tangible ways for people to give back — not to a political cause, but to their neighbours. Instead of filling campaign coffers, she encourages donations of groceries to struggling families, bedding for students without proper places to sleep, or rides for seniors who can’t get to their medical appointments. “There are people who need that support more than I do,” she explains. It’s the kind of leadership that speaks volumes — quiet, direct, and driven by empathy rather than ambition.

Her philosophy of service carries through every aspect of her professional life. Through her umbrella company, SDPC Multi-Support Inc., she manages several social enterprises that focus on empowering vulnerable groups, particularly seniors and newcomers. One of the company’s divisions assists seniors with vital paperwork — helping them navigate the maze of government forms, benefits applications, and immigration documentation. For many older Calgarians, this support means the difference between receiving the services they deserve and getting lost in bureaucracy.

For Shirley, the motivation is simple: accessibility. “It shouldn’t take hours of waiting at Service Canada, or hundreds of dollars in fees, for someone to get help,” she says. “Everyone deserves dignity and understanding.”

Beyond administrative aid, she has built programs that provide cleaning services, caregiving assistance, and even small-scale construction work — all through community-based enterprises that employ local residents. Her ventures are more than businesses; they’re microcosms of her larger mission: to help people live better, fairer, and more independent lives.

Her passion project, however, may well be “Present From Your Heart”, a literal labour of love. She personally collects furniture and household items from donors, refurbishes and cleans them, and redistributes them to students, seniors, and low-income families who can’t afford essentials. It’s not uncommon to find her hauling items herself, strapping them to her van, and making deliveries across the ward. “It’s not glamorous work,” she admits with a smile, “but it’s needed.”

Her tireless commitment to others is matched by a strong professional foundation. As a licensed independent paralegal, notary public, and commissioner of oaths, recognized by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) counsel, Shirley brings legal acumen and administrative expertise to the table — skills often missing from municipal leadership. Her background in law and governance ensures that her compassion is balanced by competence, making her uniquely equipped to navigate the complexities of city hall.

When asked what motivated her to run, she doesn’t hesitate. After nearly thirty years of living in Ward 9, she realized that she didn’t even know the name of her councillor — a revelation that struck her deeply. “If I, someone who’s engaged and active in the community, didn’t know who represented me, how many others felt the same?” she asked. For her, that disconnect is symbolic of a broader issue — the lack of visibility and accessibility in local government.

Her promise is clear: to be visible, active, engaged, and responsive. “Representation means being there — not just at ribbon cuttings or press conferences, but when people actually need help,” she says.

That ethos of responsiveness is at the heart of her appeal. Parungao Do understands the pressures of everyday life because she’s lived them. As one of 13 children raised in humble circumstances, she knows the sacrifices that come with supporting a family, juggling multiple jobs, and making ends meet. Those experiences, she believes, have shaped her perspective and her priorities. “When you’ve lived through struggle, you don’t need to be told what people need,” she says. “You already know.”

It’s that lived experience — not political pedigree — that resonates with many Ward 9 residents. At the doors, her story connects because it’s real. She’s not a career politician or a polished insider; she’s a community builder, a businesswoman, and a mother who understands that leadership starts with listening.

Ward 9 itself is a reflection of Calgary’s complexity — a vibrant mix of cultures, small businesses, working families, and long-standing neighbourhoods. It’s also a ward that’s ready for renewal. With Gian-Carlo Carra stepping down after nearly fifteen years, voters now have the opportunity to redefine what they want from their next representative.

And the field is competitive. Six other candidates are running, each bringing different visions and experiences to the table. But what sets Shirley Parungao Do apart is not just her résumé — it’s her authenticity. She doesn’t rely on expensive consultants or slick marketing. Her campaign is run from the ground up, fuelled by volunteers and community members who believe in her message of compassion and accountability.

Her approach may appear unconventional in an age dominated by fundraising blitzes and glossy advertisements, but perhaps that’s precisely what makes it refreshing. In politics, where money often drowns out sincerity, she is charting a different path — one rooted in service rather than self-interest.

As Calgarians prepare to cast their ballots on October 20, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The next city council will be tasked with steering Calgary through a period of change — from managing growth and affordability challenges to ensuring equitable representation for all communities. For Ward 9, the question is not simply who will fill the vacant seat, but what kind of leadership residents want to define their future.

In that context, Shirley Parungao Do’s candidacy feels less like a campaign and more like a calling. Her refusal to accept donations, her long-standing commitment to social service, and her relentless work ethic all speak to a vision of public service rooted in integrity.

She’s not asking people to believe in politics again — she’s asking them to believe in each other.

And in a time when faith in government feels fragile, that may be exactly what Ward 9 needs.