Evan's Blog.. " Helping those in need at Christmas"

 Wow!.. Time seems to fly, it seems like yesterday that that September had arrived, the kids were back in school, and the world had returned to"normal" after the summer months. As the Christmas and Holiday Season return for another year ( it comes so quickly, and seems to be over even quicker!), we sometimes get so caught up in our plans and what we still need to do, that we forget those who need help. With the onset of the colder weather ( for those of us who live in winter climates), there are many within our communities that struggle at this time , and truth be told, throughout the year. In my city of Calgary, which has been blessed with an abundance of wealth and a positive economy, there are still many who feel the cold and hard grip of poverty, homelessness, addictions, and loneliness. I'm sure this is the case everywhere, it just seems  during the festive season, these issues are more evident. We are fortunate in Calgary to have a great program to help alleviate some of this suffering not only at this time, but year round. The Calgary Herald Christmas Fund, which is run by the Calgary Herald ( our main daily), takes these problems head on by raising awareness around critical social issues including hunger, homelessness, addiction, abuse and violence. The Fund, which started in 1991 has so far raised over 14.2 million dollars all donated by its readership. All the administration costs are absorbed by the paper, so that 100% of donations can go to the recipient agencies. This year those agencies dedicated to helping other include; Brown Bagging For Kids, The Calgary Interfaith Food Bank, Calgary Urban project Society, Fresh Start Recovery Program, Inn From The Cold, McMan Youth Services, Neighbor Link of Calgary, WYCA Sheriff King House , The Alex, Calgary Drop In and Rehab Centre, Calgary Seniors Resource Centre, and the Recovery Acres Society. All of these agencies are dedicated to helping those in need within our community. Our firm is please to be a participant in the Herald Christmas Fund, as we have for many years. We encourage you , wherever you may be, to support those agencies in your community that help at this special time of the year, and throughout the year. Together, we can make a difference, and if more people can enjoy the Christmas and Holiday season , we will all be better for it.  Just my thoughts....