PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

But those events and the feelings they elicited don’t define who we are as a community.

You’ll also see a CFJC special later this month touching on the most inspirational stories of the year — showcasing people who overcame those challenges and showed us all the height of human possibility.

It’s easy to see inspiration at this time of year.

Nearly every day this week, CFJC News has brought you stories of people giving back to those in the community who need it most.

We take pride in covering these stories all throughout the year, but they really come to the fore in December.

Inspirational stories of people giving back to their community really are just as important to tell as stories of tragedies, conflicts and screwups.

These heart-warming stories show generosity and empathy do exist, support is out there and better is possible.

They show that, while there are organized efforts to tear down, to criticize and to wreak havoc in our city, there are also organized efforts to build up, to encourage and to restore some sense of order.

There should be more of them, frankly, and more of us who commit to joining the groups and efforts that already exist.

A look at any social media comment section will show complaint after complaint about Kamloops, its institutions and its culture.

Complaints and criticisms have their place — but your community is what you make it.

You can sit by and watch as Kamloops degrades into a place you are ashamed to say you live — or you can jump in with the energy to make it better.

A big thumbs-up to those who are doing just that.

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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.

by James Peters

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

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