The first snowfall of the season has arrived and with it our thoughts turn to the holidays and spending time with family and friends.
The holidays are also a time when we open our hearts to those less fortunate in our communities. That’s why I’m pleased to be riding and supporting the CP Holiday Train again this year.
The CP Holiday Train arrives at Ashcroft’s Railway Avenue on Dec. 17 at 8:50 p.m. Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy will be performing along with his son Devin Cuddy and Kelly Prescott. The concert is free but donations of food and cash are encouraged, with all donations remaining in our local communities.
I hope to see you there but if you can’t make it out and want to be part of this holiday tradition, please note the train will also stop in Lytton on Dec. 18.
Another wonderful way to help out local families in need is through the Ashcroft and Area Community Resources Society. Again this year the society is accepting donations of non-perishable food items and cash to help fill 120-130 Christmas hampers for families from Spences Bridge north to Clinton. Please give generously.
If you are looking for a fun way to give, check out the Kinsmen Family Christmas Turkey Bingo, which will be held at the Cache Creek Community Hall on Dec. 13. Doors open at 10 a.m. and bingo starts at 11. All proceeds go to the Variety Club Children’s Charity.
While you’re thinking of others this season, remember to keep tabs on your own well-being. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at this time of year so it’s important to make your health a priority.
There are a variety of services and supports available that are easy to access for those that need them, and the people on the other end of the phone are always ready to listen and help.
Here to Help (heretohelp.bc.ca) is a provincial mental health and substance-use website with information on how to manage mental illness and maintain good mental health, including self-management resources and screening self-tests. You can also consult a network of direct and contracted services for individuals suffering from substance-use problems including counseling.
Christmas is a time for family, friends and giving a helping hand to those in need. In my case I’m looking forward to welcoming my kids and their families this Christmas for a wonderful time of joyous chaos. I hope you take advantage of all the great events and services our community has to offer so your holiday season is memorable for all the right reasons.
From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
MLA Jackie Tegart