A lesson from Whoville

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/12/2020 (899 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two weeks before Christmas, it may appear that the joy of the season is not bright or near. With COVID-19 among us, the holidays won’t be  the same. No extended family or friends gathered around fireplace flames.

While times are tougher than when the Grinch stole holiday decorations and feasts, the risk of COVID-19 has taken away some of the traditions we usually look forward to. But like the residents of Whoville, we can find joy in the season despite the differences between this year and last.

This is in fact what many are doing — making a conscious effort to create more joy in ways big and small. Whether it’s decorating houses early in the season to brighten dark days or rallying around community members to ensure anyone struggling gets food and gifts this holiday season.

There are many ways to give this season. The annual Toy Mountain drive has drop-off locations and is accepting online donations. The Christmas Cheer Board is taking online or mailed donations to purchase food vouchers in lieu of packing food in hampers this year.

Community members have been holding winter clothing and non-perishable food drives, making it easy to donate close to home. The local, annual toy drive in honour of Emma-lee is well underway collecting toys and donations for the Children’s Hospital. Noel Lee Beckel took to his treadmill for 24 hours in November during a donation drive for the Christmas Cheer Board. The community showed up to donate, resulting in stacks of donated items and food.

Local resident Tracy Wenham is collecting mitts, scarves, hats, blankets and other winter gear to donate to people experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg. I am supporting her drive by taking donations at my constituency office during weekdays at 175-115 Vermillion Rd. Harvest Manitoba is always taking non-perishable food donations and I have Harvest drop-off bins at my office as well.

Our local businesses are offering lots of ways to purchase goods curbside or online. Order some locally made dainty trays or gifts. Many have created websites to show off items available for purchase this season. If you are not sure they have what you need, they would be happy to take your phone calls.

Local restaurants, whose indoor dining areas are closed, are offering takeout and delivery either directly or through third-party apps.

While giving is great, there are more ways to find joy in the season. Plan a safe night of light viewing using Winnipeg resident Carol Cassell’s Winnipeg Christmas Map which shows locations of Christmas light displays throughout the city. You can find the map through the Winnipeg Christmas Map Facebook group.

With that being said, this time of year can be hard on people for a variety of reasons. The Manitoba government has expanded therapy options for residents at this time — learn more at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell or call 1-844-218-2955.

Take care, and I wish you and yours all the best this holiday season.

Audrey Gordon
Southdale constituency report

Audrey Gordon is the PC MLA for Southdale.

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