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By Kamloops - North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: Taking care of each other this holiday season

Dec 23, 2020 | 9:01 AM

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WILL BE a very different one here in British Columbia and in places all around the world. For people of many backgrounds, the Christmas break is often an opportunity to spend time with friends and family. This year however, due to COVID-19 and public health restrictions, countless British Columbians won’t get to spend time with their loved ones in person at all.

Having to stay away from those we love the most in order to protect our communities will no doubt take a toll on many families here in Kamloops. However, I know that people are already making plans to use technology and other innovative means to connect with the important people in their lives.

The holiday season is a time when, even after the difficult year that was 2020, it’s important that we give thanks for all that we do have. While we may not be able to connect in person, I’m still grateful that I have friends and family that I can reach out and speak to with just the press of a button.

Not everyone is as fortunate and that’s why we can’t allow ourselves to forget how important it is that everyone in our community should be looked out for and taken care of this Christmas. Many are feeling lonely and isolated while others are struggling to make ends meet or facing the harsh realities of a holiday season without a place to call home.

Our social service agencies and organizations here in Kamloops are incredibly busy every December and this year it will be no different. In fact, with the impacts of COVID-19, this year they will be busier and more needed than ever. Earlier this month our community suffered a great loss with the sudden passing of Katherine McParland. She had dedicated her life to helping the most vulnerable here in Kamloops and in British Columbia as a whole. As co-founder and Executive Director of A Way Home Kamloops Society and the co-founder of the BC Coalition to End Youth Homelessness, McParland made a positive impact wherever she focused her efforts.

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This holiday season, the first without McParland, I believe it’s vital that we continue to support her mission and do all that we can to keep everyone in our community healthy and safe. Times are tough for a lot of us but if you’re able to donate to some of the important social service organizations in our community, you can make a big difference in the life of someone less fortunate.

I can think of nothing better that encapsulates the Christmas spirit than doing our best to guarantee a safe, healthy, and warm holiday season for everyone who calls Kamloops home. Whether it’s supporting the work of places like A Way Home Kamloops Society, Salvation Army or United Way, donating canned goods to the Mustard Seed’s food bank or checking in with those who are living alone who might be feeling isolated this time of year, there are countless ways we can give back this year.

So let’s do all we can to make sure that the final weeks of a tough year can be filled with some hope and joy. As we look forward to a new year in the coming days, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season!