Once again, the businesses and the individual residents and families of the South Cariboo have gone above and beyond in giving a helping hand to our less-fortunate friends and neighbours this yuletide season.
Generally speaking, this was another difficult year for folks in the local business sector, as they tried to ride out an economy that is slowly rising out of the ashes.
However, that didn’t stop them from supporting the Rotary Seniors Dinner or the local churches Community Dinner – both annual get-togethers that area residents enjoy.
The business community also donated heavily to, and held or supported, fundraisers that help ensure families and individuals going through tough times or dealing with unfortunate illnesses have a brighter Christmas.
And it’s not just business owners who are reaching out. Individuals and families throughout our South Cariboo communities are also digging deep to make sure people have warm clothes, food in the cupboards, and a few extra goodies for Christmas morning.
There seems to be a different feeling about the way folks have been giving assistance this past couple of years.
We’re not just throwing money at a social problem, while we trudge past and we’re not being judgemental.
We realize times are tough because we feel it ourselves, so we are more in tune to what is happening to those who are less fortunate, and in most cases, suffering through no fault of their own.
When we give even a little bit of our help, we look into those eyes – the windows to the souls – and see the suffering, hurt and/or embarrassment.
We don’t judge; we just smile and offer understanding and a hand up.
That’s what makes the South Cariboo such a great place to live – people are real and they care about each other.
If you haven’t had or taken the opportunity to help others, consider dropping food off at the Food Bank and Loaves & Fishes Outreach.
The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre and the 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre will also take food, clothes, toiletries and other necessities for their clients.
Together, we make our communities a better place to live.
