Calling all elves
December 6, 2004
By Cam Tait
They're coming out in full force, right now. They're people we don't
normally see - not on golf courses, or beaches, or doing any other Canadian
summer activities. Somehow, when the cold winter wind starts to blow
across the country, we see them. And just seeing them gives us the comfort
and reassurance that makes Christmas so special.
Look around your community right now and see if you can spot any Christmas
volunteers: people you see every year who come out to support Christmas
charities. And we all know people who, if we asked them, would truly
say that their Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas if they didn't start
their festive involvement in early December. Some are involved with
groups to raise funds for people who may not be in the position to enjoy
a Christmas dinner. Others are sorting toys for young children who might
not have anything under the Christmas tree. And, there are others, too:
people who go around and sing in nursing homes, people who organize
Christmas parties for underprivileged kids, people who dust off the
red suit and white beard every year to be Saint Nick, or people who
visit shut-ins on Christmas Eve.
They all have names. They all have stories. And they all make a difference.
That's what I'm looking for. I'm asking you to think of people you know
of who share their time in Christmas community events. What kind of
impression do they make on you? What have they taught you? And why do
you think they share their time during the busiest month of the year?
Take a few minutes, if you will, and send me an e-mail - cam@charityvillage.com
will do the trick. To keep things simple, let's just keep it to first
names - or, if you don't know their names, that's okay too. Just describe
what they do.
We'd like to compile a Christmas list of activities and people - a list
that is a shining example of Canadian Christmases and the people who
make them so vibrant. We'll be sharing the results with you in the next
few weeks.
So please help us spread the Christmas spirit throughout the village.
Do you know someone who deserves to be in the Charity Village Spotlight? Send us their name, telephone number and details about their community involvement to cam@charityvillage.com.
