Powell River residents have again shown the depth of their generosity this Christmas with an outpouring of support and gifts for those in need.
Two fires in the community have affected a family in Lund, who lost their house and all their possessions, and residents of an apartment building in Westview. In both disasters, Powell River Salvation Army organized support and a way for community residents to help people pick up the pieces of their lives. People have responded, with donations of both time and money.
In addition to the particular need of fire victims, organizations and non-profit societies depend on the Christmas season to shore up funds. Many of these organizations support people who are less fortunate, such as the Christmas Cheer hamper program and the Powell River Action Centre Food Bank, as well as the Salvation Army.
Whether it’s single mothers with minimum-wage jobs, seniors on limited incomes, people with disabilities or those with mental health challenges, many people in Powell River depend on various agencies and service providers to give them a helping hand and brighten their Christmas.
Volunteers with Powell River’s Christmas Cheer project coordinate filling hampers with gifts and food. Many businesses in the community organize filling a hamper for a family they adopt for the season. Individuals participate in the program through donations of cash, gifts or food.
The Christmas Cheer program specifically assists families and individuals over the holiday season, ensuring all can celebrate with food and presents. It warms the heart to see businesses and individuals contribute to the success of this project each year.
Volunteers from businesses, as well as individuals who want to help, staff the Salvation Army kettles, as much a sign of Christmas as lights and decorations. The organization uses the kettles to raise funds for its many programs that assist people in the community throughout the year.
These are just a few of the projects and programs in our community that assist people in need. Many other individual acts of kindness and generosity go unrecorded, but not unnoticed.
For each of us the meaning of Christmas is different. Those who celebrate the holiday share the spirit of the season. The real meaning of Christmas goes beyond the presents we exchange, the traditional food that marks the holiday, the merriment and merry-making. We enjoy the closeness of family and friends and sharing this time of the year.
However you celebrate this season, we at the Peak wish you a joyous and warm holiday.
