Celebrating safely for the season
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/12/2021 (535 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
We have come a long way from last holiday season. With vaccinations begin administered to everyone over five and modifications to gathering rules, it is looking like we can safely reconnect over the holidays.
During the past year or more, many of us have really felt the absence of friends and family when we had to keep our distance or not gather at all. If there is one lesson we’ve carried forward, it is how to make the most of our time with people we care about when we do get those opportunities to see them.
I wish all of you a happy holiday season and hope you find many moments of joy, reconnection, solace and peace. Whether gathering with family (safely) or taking your favourite winter hike, it is so important to find ways to nourish our well-being this winter.
We also have to keep taking care of each other. Whether through simple connection and conversation, or charitable initiatives that ensure people have what they need to be safe and warm this holiday season.
I have seen so many great acts of charity coming from our communities. As we headed into the cooler weather, community members once again started holding food and toy drives to keep joyful spirit flowing for everyone this season. Noel Lee Beckel was back on his treadmill doing a marathon while accepting donations for the Christmas Cheer Board. Emma-Lee’s Christmas Toy Drive for patients at Children’s Hospital is back again this year and accepting donations until Dec. 18.
Thank you to everyone who supported our turkey drive for Agape Table. Apart from providing daily access to food, Agape Table prepares hundreds of warm turkey dinners during the holiday season. Our goal was to raise 150 turkeys to support Agape Table’s important work.
I know many of you have already donated or supported our local charities this year and I thank you for your generosity. For anyone else interested, there is still time to donate or volunteer. Toy Mountain has drop off locations across Winnipeg and is accepting online donations.
Harvest Manitoba and the Christmas Cheer Board are still in need of volunteers or donations.
I also want to acknowledge that this time of year does not always bring the same feelings for everyone. If you or someone you care about is struggling, you can find access to mental health resources through www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell or by calling 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.