By Rachael Harder

Appreciating Lethbridge’s supports throughout 2016

Jan 10, 2017 | 3:28 PM

LETHBRIDGE –   As the Christmas season fast approaches, it’s a good time to pause for just a moment to appreciate the joys of the Christmas season and the amazing blessings we enjoy each and every day throughout the year. As your Member of Parliament, I would like to take this opportunity to spread a little cheer and recognize all of the great work being done in the Lethbridge community.

I would like to thank all of Lethbridge’s local charities and dedicated volunteers for your willingness to serve our community passionately and wholeheartedly. This is a time to celebrate all that you have accomplished throughout the year and acknowledge that our community is stronger because of you.

In the spirit of the season, we remember that every contribution helps. Whether it is volunteering an hour of your time, or simply dropping off a few canned goods at the food bank, every action we take makes a difference in the Lethbridge community. I encourage you and your family to consider how you might share in the spirit of giving this season. There are some great initiatives taking place in our community and I encourage everyone to participate in one of these acts of goodwill.

The Lethbridge Food Bank, Interfaith Food Bank, and Salvation Army are partnering together for the 10th year in a row through a “Christmas Hope” which ensures that every member of our community is cared for this Christmas. One way to get involved with “Christmas Hope” is through the “Adopt a Family Program.” By adopting a family and providing them with the essentials for enjoying a merry Christmas, you will help to make this season extra special and one to remember for a family in our community. You can contact the Interfaith Food Bank at (403) 320-8779 to receive the age and gender of each family member as well as a list of items to include with your bundle.

Through their vision to bring hope to the hopeless, the Streets Alive Mission is asking for clothing donations to help warm the heads, hands, and hearts of those less fortunate in Lethbridge. As Albertans, we have to brave some of the coldest winters and by donating clothing items that are essential during the winter months, you are helping to contribute to the well-being of our community. Items can be brought to the Streets Alive Mission office located at 323 4 St S, Lethbridge.

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This Christmas, Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) is helping to make the holiday season special for a child in need through their “Angel Tree for Kids 2016” campaign. This campaign is a huge collaborative effort that collects referrals from school districts, counselling agencies, and social services in order to anonymously provide thousands of children all over Southwestern Alberta with presents at Christmas. This initiative would not be possible without the support of our community. Angel Tree for Kids invites everyone to get involved by buying a gift for a child, by giving cash donations, or by volunteering your time to help. To obtain a complete list of all the Angel Tree locations around Lethbridge, you can visit their website at https://www.lfsfamily.ca/info/angel_tree.php.

“A Christmas to Remember” is a wonderful program that was started by AgeCare Columbia with the hope of spreading love and holiday cheer to seniors in Lethbridge. This program is a great way for our community to join together and show our seniors that they are remembered and cared for this holiday season. You can get involved by registering a senior, becoming a secret Santa, or volunteering your time to sort, wrap, and deliver gifts. To learn more you can contact Ed Sandau at (403) 320-9363.

Another great way you can get involved is by dropping off food donations to my Lethbridge office located at 255-8th Street S. A bin will be placed in my office until noon on Friday, December 16th and all of the donations received will be split between the Lethbridge Food Bank and Interfaith Food Bank.

As we continue to look out for those in need, I believe we are helping to foster a community of love and support. I want to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication to serving our community. Your collective efforts and generous spirit help make the riding of Lethbridge a place I am tremendously proud to represent. You continually inspire me through your acts of kindness and I am so grateful to be able to represent such an amazing community of people.

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!