Image Credit: CFJC Today / File

By Lorne Doerkson, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin

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SOUND OFF: The Spirit of Giving

Dec 22, 2021 | 10:26 AM

We typically talk about the holiday season being a time of giving and generosity, but I would argue that this has been in full display all year long.

From the pandemic to fires and floods and even a heat dome, we’ve had a lot to endure this past year. None of it has been easy, although in times of darkness it has been heartening to see people act selflessly to bring light to those around them. We saw numerous examples of people helping each other out, sometimes for complete strangers.

We saw individuals and organizations commission helicopters to bring food and supplies to people trapped in their vehicles after flooding and landslides. We saw individuals and families open up their homes to those displaced by vicious wildfires. Even something as simple as a phone call to check in with someone vulnerable during the unrelenting heat dome — all of these efforts, no matter how big or how small, deeply mattered to someone.

I also think about all the people on the ground during these disasters offering medical help, coordinating logistics, volunteering at emergency operations centres, helping neighbours get animals to safety, filling sandbags, and clearing slide debris so we can reopen highways. These folks worked round the clock through wildfires and floods to keep people safe and get important economic and travel routes back open again.

And we can’t forget our valued health care workers, who have gone above and beyond to deliver the best care to those who need it. We’re in year two of a global pandemic, and the opioid crisis continues to devastate families and communities across our province. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our doctors, nurses, administrators, paramedics, firefighters and other first responders and health care professionals, and we owe it to them to do what we can to ease their stress and burnout.

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To me, that means ensuring we are vaccinated against COVID-19 and following public health orders. I know many of you feel just as burnt out by this pandemic. You’ve been asked to do a lot, and you’re tired and want life to return to normal. We all do — and that’s why we must continue to work together to keep each other safe, and try to stay optimistic for a better 2022.

Let’s also try to make the end of 2021 as positive as we can for those who continue to struggle. I was heartened to see this in action in my home riding of Cariboo-Chilcotin recently, at the 33^rd annual Turkey Day Fundraiser organized by Country 840 in 100 Mile House. This year, they exceeded their goal of 400 turkeys, with each turkey being a pledge of $25 which goes to the 100 Mile Food Bank for their Christmas hamper distribution. Thank you to all those who took the time to donate to this important cause.

Additionally, a heartfelt thank-you to all residents and small businesses who responded so kindly to my urgent plea for an emergency toy drive at the Children’s Development Centre. This request came as a result of lower-than-normal contributions due to COVID-19 and other circumstances. People showed up in huge numbers and filled the gym with toys and donations for more than 15 different agencies that care for children across the region. I am so thankful for all those to stepped up to look after our community, and I know similar efforts have taken place all across the Interior for those in need.

I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and truly, a Happy New Year. I know we will continue to work together to overcome the tragedies and challenges of 2021, with brighter days ahead.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.