MLA report Dec 24

Christmas is upon us, and not soon enough according to the younger ones in our families! A time for all of us to get together with family and friends, open presents, and see the joy on our children’s faces. A time to get up in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve and make sure Santa enjoyed his cookies and milk. I’d sure hate to have his diet! Time to haul out the skates and sleds on Christmas Day. Time to prove that you really are better at Texas Hold ‘Em than your brother! And a time to reflect on the meaning and message of the birth of the Prince Of Peace, a message common to all humanity.
A glance at the news headlines from around the world shows us how blessed we are to live here in Canada. I truly believe this is the best country in the world. We have our differences but we seem to manage to get along when it comes to the big things. Here in Alberta, we are going through some trying times. As always though, this brings out the best in Albertans. We are a generous bunch here in Chestermere – Rocky View and we look out for our neighbours.
Last Saturday my family and I were honoured to be able to help out with Christmas With Dignity, put on by the City Of Chestermere. Malkeet and Akesh helped set up early in the morning and we had the pleasure of running sound and assisting the choirs that performed. City staff spent many hours collecting and organizing donations and running lots of fun events like ornament making. The Christmas Store allowed kids to buy gifts for their parents for a nominal fee. Local businesses and the usual suspects like Jennifer Peddlesden stepped up. Brian “Santa” Wood was a huge hit with kids of ALL ages. Barry, from the look on Heather’s face on last week’s Anchor cover she’s been told she’s getting her wish! Kudos to organizer Beth–Anna and thanks to all involved for another huge success.
Both the Chestermere Food Bank and the SE Rocky View Food Bank are seeing a big rise in the need for their services, but guess what? The more the need, the more our citizens step up and help out. They have enough and more at present. Cash donations now work best as they don’t have any more space for food, etc. At my office, we are getting lots of donations to the Veterans Food Bank. People like Paul Hart from the Balzac area make a point of stopping in with something on a weekly basis. Any donation, large or small, is truly appreciated by those who receive it. And let’s not forget the many volunteers who spend their free time delivering these services. That is a gift beyond price.
Of course the Christmas message of love and help thy neighbour is top of mind right now. Please don’t forget that our neighbours will need us in the New Year also. Give what you can. I am so proud to represent you. Again, Merry Christmas and may God bless you all in the coming New Year.