The Abundant Community Initiative in Edmonton, Canada, began in January 2013. Howard Lawrence started with the idea that local residents have gifts, skills, abilities and knowledge and that they are willing to contribute these assets to improving their neighbourhood. He also understood that creating more connections among neighbours through shared activities and interests would increase relational networks, grow the neighbourhood’s positive sense of self and increase neighbours’ ability to work together towards a common good. It was his belief that if assets were connected, and neighbours formed new groups and associations, the rise in neighbourliness would improve public safety and health, increase inclusion, boost the local economy and create new opportunities for neighbourhood children and seniors.