It’s that time of year when the signs of the commercial season are evident and sometimes overwhelming – Christmas music blaring far too early for some, Christmas music stirring warm memories for others – and all of the other trimmings that take over this time of year.
It’s not all bad, it’s not all good, depending on your perspective and what Christmas means to you.
Here at the Observer, it’s also the time for our annual Guide to Giving.
Non-profit, charitable organizations who support people in the community throughout the year, often people with fewer resources or greater needs than most, provide submissions about what their organizations do, who they serve, what their goals are and, most importantly, what their needs are.
This year, as every other, the needs are great, ranging from donations of goods or food, monetary contributions or volunteer hours. There is no shortage of needs, judging from the information all these community-minded organizations have provided.
Related: The Salmon Arm Observer’s Guide to Giving
The list is long, so if you’re looking for the guide, it meanders through several pages this issue.
At a time when the state of the Earth is at a turning point, according to international scientists, it makes sense that we would try to consume less of the planet’s dwindling resources and, instead, give more to our fellow community members, many of whom are going without basic needs. Besides, this type of giving is, I suspect, ultimately much more satisfying than other kinds.
Looking at the list of groups who serve our community – and realizing there are other organizations undoubtedly missing – it’s pretty clear that lots of help is needed.
Thanks to all the people who work, either for a wage or as volunteers, to support all the organizations which make up the Guide to Giving.
And, on a side note, congratulations are due to our city council for the proposed ban on plastic bags. It might not be convenient for everyone, but, oh well.
It’s definitely a gift for the planet.
@SalmonArm
marthawickett@saobserver.net
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter