It’s time to think of those in need

KAMLOOPS — Most of us who read this comment will be in pretty decent shape this Christmas. You will likely have a roof over your head, money at least to buy the basic necessities, and some form of income to keep your head above water.  And for that, you should consider ourselves blessed.

I enjoy Christmas. Always have. Even when my family struggled to make ends meet when I was younger, I still enjoyed the season, and my parents always did their best to ensure we were looked after, even, I’m sure, at the expense of their own peace of mind. There have been times when we have struggled at Christmas, but we’ve always had a good time, and made it all work.

But one thing I’ve always done is try to keep the season in perspective. While we are enjoying our Christmas dinner, many walk the world in hunger. Many will never have what we have today. While we have our faith, whether it be Christian or otherwise, many at this time of year are without faith, and walk the world in fear. And while we spend this time of year with our family, extended family and often with our friends, many do not have friends, and walk the world alone.

It’s easy to put those people aside while we’re making merry. It’s easy to forget those spending today on the street, in a homeless shelter, or worse still, tucked under a piece of cardboard under an overpass, or in a back alley near a downtown business. It’s easy to forget those who struggle with drug dependency, trying to break free of the grip of despondency, the lack of hope. It’s easy to forget those who suffer from depression, PTSD, and other illnesses that wrap their arms around the soul. It’s much harder to reach out to those people at this time of year, cuddled up in front of the fire as we are, warming ourselves in the glow of friendship, good food, and a shining tree full of lights and glitter.

If we have a chance, we need to reach out to those who struggle and suffer, and think about their needs, to bring new hope, a bit of light in a joyless day. Not everyone will celebrate the holiday today. And it’s up to all of us to find it within us to extend a hand, even if it takes us out of our comfort zone, either physically or financially. No matter what our faith, we need to put that into practice, and think about how we can make a difference. And then we need to take the first step.

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Here at Broadcast Centre, we hope you have a great Christmas today. And think about taking that first step.

Merry Christmas on behalf of all our team.