Back in July, Christmas was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind as many were dealing with massive flooding and the damage that came with it. Following that was months of clean up and rebuilding and just when many were starting to feel a bit better… out are now coming the boxes of Christmas decorations and residents are starting to find that they lost things they hadn’t even realized.
The heart break of those previous ornaments that were possibly given to you by a loved one or made by one of your children. A childhood photo that can’t be replaced or even that goofy eyesore ornament that even though you dreaded placing it on your tree every year, brings sadness now that it’s gone.
Although those things can never be replaced, the amazing folks of Chestermere Cares are at least trying to take some of the pain away and ease the hassle and cost of rebuilding your Christmas inventory.
Chestermere Cares is a committee composed of community organizations and local agencies such as school representatives, World Renew, Samaritan’s Purse, Red Cross, Alberta Mental Health, Alberta Health Services, Synergy, Stepping Stones, Chestermere Angels, and staff from Chestermere’s Community Services Department, to list a few. The committee came together to assist Chestermere with anticipated challenges that have happened as a result of the flood.
“We know that months have passed since that day and we also know there may still be losses experienced because of the flood. As such, Chestermere Cares will be hosting a couple events in early December. Our first workshop is about grief and loss during the holidays. Reflecting on the events of this year, Chestermere has been impacted by young lives lost at the beginning of the summer, the floods in July, and now with Alberta’s economic situation. The Grief and Loss workshop will provide residents with tips and tools to help with grief during the holidays”.
The second program is Neighbors Gifting Neighbors, a Christmas decoration collection for those who have lost their Christmas decorations in the flood. Donations can be dropped off at the Chestermere Library until close December 5. Join us Sunday December 6 between 1:00 to 4:00, at the Municipal Building to receive decorations to begin making new memories and traditions.
So as you’re decorating your home this year, if you have some decorations that you no longer need or are out shopping and pick up a few extras and drop them off to help those that may have lost their precious decorations.
For more information about these events, please contact chestermerecares@chestermere.ca.
