Martina Duncan
Two local people have done an extraordinary thing for an area volunteer group. The people are Christopher and Jackie Berkey, and the recipient of their generosity is WRAPS (the Winding Rivers Arts & Performance Society).
Christopher has driven truck for many years for Jim and Joe’s Trucking, the organization that moves newspapers throughout the province. And the union to which Christopher belongs, CLAC (Christian Labour Association of Canada), regularly sends out newsletters to its members.
In a recent issue there was an article about the union making donations to local charities, and the parameters were very fluid. Christopher says he was ready to recycle the newsletter when Jackie spotted the article about applying to have donations given to a local charity. Jackie encouraged Christopher to apply for a CLAC grant for WRAPS.
Both Christopher and Jackie appreciate fine arts: Christopher has stories about how his drawing abilities helped him throughout his schooling. And they have watched WRAPS volunteers host many events over the years that include, or are specifically for, children. “Events,” Christopher says, “that nourish the heart and soul.”
Christopher applied for a grant from his union, and on December 12 a cheque for $1,500 was presented to WRAPS directors Jim and Martina Duncan by CLAC union regional director Jim Oostenbrink.
Mr. Oostenbrink learned about the many activities WRAPS members host in our communities. He was impressed with the scope of activities—from concerts, to yearly play productions, to the Plein Air event, to Music in the Park, to the Kids Fine and Dramatic Arts Camp—carried out by a group of volunteers who want to ensure children have opportunities to develop all parts of themselves.
So WRAPS has gratefully received an early and much-appreciated Christmas gift, due to the generosity and thoughtfulness of community members who recognize the need for support for WRAPS, for the group to be able to continue carrying out valuable programs.