Poppy campaign raised $85,000
Editor: It is with much gratitude that we, the management committee of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21, thank the Langley community, businesses of Langley and all the volunteers who helped make our 2013 poppy campaign a huge success. The total raised was in excess of $85,000.
Thank you to the downtown merchants who made it possible to display the banners of our veterans during this special time.
The poppy campaign is our yearly fundraiser to help our veterans and families in need of support. The funds also allow us to donate to the Sea, Army and Air Cadets who help and support us during our campaign and at our Remembrance Day service.
Langley schools are also an important factor in our campaign by participating in the Legion literacy program by submitting posters, essays and poems pertaining to Remembrance Day and what it means to them.
They receive certificates, pins and monetary gifts from the funds for the best in each category. Children and grandchildren attending college or university can apply for bursaries from the poppy funds.
We have veterans who live in facilities which we donate to for much-needed equipment, such as ceiling lifts, electric beds and oxygen concentrators.
The George Derby veterans facility and Langley Lodge both will receive a donation.
To the business people of Langley who did not have the opportunity to participate this year, we hope for your participation next year in support of our veterans.
Lest we forget.
Donna Watson
poppy chairperson
C.L Branch 21
Community response overwhelms
Editor: My granddaughter and I would like to express our deepest appreciation for the wonderful, most generous, kind people who stepped forward to help us out during a very disheartening time.
My granddaughter left a bag of gifts from the Body Shop on the bus bench, we searched for them with no luck.
I contacted the Langley Times with the hope that if they printed a letter from me asking for the return of the bag, that someone might also be looking for us to return the gifts.
The Langley Times did indeed print my letter, for which we are very grateful as we learned what a great community we live in.
The Body Shop in Ontario heard of our plight, sent me an email and are sending out replacement gifts this week in time for Christmas, so we want to thank them for their caring and generosity.
I really want to thank the people who opened their hearts to us, it means more than you will ever know.
Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough, so we promise you we will “pay it forward” a lot more in 2014. Merry Christmas.
S. & J. Papineau
Langley
Thanks to those on duty over Xmas
Editor: I am writing to you because I am a parent of a first responder who will be working this Christmas.
Thinking on this it led me to reflect on first responders in general.
I realized that at more than 60 years old, I have had many wonderful Christmas times.
I had never paused to reflect that those times were so wonderful because behind-the-scenes, these men and women were out there, looking after situations and ensuring our comfort and safety.
I know first responders are not the only people away from their families at Christmas and I just wanted us to pause and thank all these people for their care.
Merry Christmas and thank you.
Pat MacDonald
Langley
Trio of angels took over
Editor: I would like to thank the three wonderful men who came to my rescue when, through a set of circumstances, I found myself on the outside of my car, with the motor running and my purse, keys and phone etc. on the inside and the doors locked.
These three angels — and they know who they are — took over and arranged for BCAA assistance to come and unlock my car and get me on my way.
Also, a huge thanks to the tow truck driver who did the deed of opening the door. It just shows that human kindness is alive and well and I shall look forward to paying the favor forward whenever I can.
L. Green
Langley
Langley’s generosity is heartwarming
Editor: I am writing this letter to extend the warmest of gratitude from my family to those who generously donated to our Christmas.
The community of Langley showed its true colours after a recent story was printed about crime hitting us at a particularly bad time.
The showing of kindness and support that we felt from local merchants and neighbours has been incredibly heartwarming.
We’re just so grateful and inspired to give back to the community once we’re in a position to do so.
My son is the most non-materialistic kid I’ve ever seen. He asks for nothing and, as a father, I want to reward that characteristic by at least giving him something he’ll love.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to those of you who made that possible.
Happy Holidays, Langley.
Alex Vail
Langley
