Christmas break

Today is the last day for Sanctuary until school starts again in January.  It has been a busy month as it is for everyone.  We have been blessed with sponsors for seven Christmas hampers for our families which include both food for the family and gifts for the children in the family.  On Sunday we had our Christmas dinner prepared by volunteers from the community, including members from the RCMP who did most of the vegetable prep.  We served over seventy people turkey and ham, potatoes and vegetables.  The vegetables were donated by Endless Harvest a local organic vegetable provider.  There was a gift for every child and a "family" present and everyone left with leftovers and a cookie tray. 

It is a hard time of year for many families.  While some people are deciding between the latest techno toys others are deciding between food or utilities.  Everyone wants Christmas to be a special time for their family but for some it is harder than others who would love to provide gifts for their children but buying food is a priority.  I like to think that our hampers and Christmas dinner provide not only financial assistance at this time of the year but prove to people that they are not forgotten and that people really do care.

Unfortunately we have learned that our grant from the BC Gaming commission has been cut from $ 20,000.00 to $ 3,125.00 for the next year.  That is a huge set back but we will find a way to keep everything operating as usual.  We are appealing the decision but will not hear for a few months if we are successful.

critical age

We had a great speaker at our church this weekend to talk to our Sunday School and youth workers.  He provided some interesting information about the development of children.  By five years of age children have their morals established, what is right and wrong.  There is a window from 8 to 12 when influences can effect change in those morals but after that it becomes more and more difficult to change the way that children think.  It just reinforced to me how important Sanctuary is as we continue to provide a non-judgemental, supportive environment for children in this age group.  We don't allow put downs, bullying and manipulation.  We encourage the children to control and examine their emotions, examine what they consider right and wrong and encourage positive solutions within firm boundaries.  Our speaker said it is easier to change a child than try to change an adult.  How true.

Who is responsible?

There is always much debate about who is responsible for a community and its citizens.  Many people believe that the government, ie. the Provincial government, should pay to take care of every need for every citizen but this is, in my opinion, unrealistic.  The needs of every community are different and determining what needs are to be met takes a great deal of time and money before any help actually reaches those who need it.

Sanctuary has always been apolitical.  It was founded on the belief that community should take care of community.  We are all responsible for those members of our community who are vulnerable.  It is up to us to support the organizations which we feel bring a long lasting benefit to the community.  There are so many organizations in our community doing great work with children, youth and the disadvantaged, they need the support of the citizens of Trail.  Find out who is helping in your community, look at their financial statements, see where the money is going and see if it is an organization you can support either with time or money.

Numbers up

Our numbers are returning to the normal levels, 23 in attendance with 18 for dinner last Friday.  Friday is always a busy day because most of the children go to Kid Zone or Sparks at a nearby church at 6:40PM.

Increased numbers means an increase in food costs which seem to be rising weekly anyway.   Thanks to the hospital we get most of our dinners donated but there is milk to buy, at least a gallon a day, and fresh fruit and vegetables and healthy after school snacks need to be purchased.

Lake time

Thursday Ken & Lu-Anne took the kids to Champion Lakes for the afternoon. Swimming & a BBQ were the order of the day.  Thanks to Steve from Gateway Christian Life Centre for driving everyone in the church bus and spending time with the kids.  We really need more volunteers like Steve. 

We have wonderful volunteers at Sanctuary in addition to our Board.  Steve and John from Gateway drop in to spend time with the kids.  Dwayne & Don & Paul do Gym Night & run the kids ragged.  Glen helps with the recycling and keeps our computers working which is no small job with all our kids using them.  Then we have the church ladies that bring snacks which are always welcome, especially the fruit and cookies. 

It is back to school on Tuesday and back to regular hours for Sanctuary., 2:30-7:30 and dinner is at 5.

We are very fortunate to have caring people in our community.  Thanks to Louise McEwan and her "Skool aid" program, many of our children will head back to school with all of the books and supplies they need.  It is such a great thing when people come along side and help our program.  The cost of school supplies is so great and if you have 2 or 3 children it can run into hundreds of dollars and most of our families just cannot afford such a big chunk taken out of their budget.  Next week things are back to normal as school begins on Tuesday.

Gym night

It must be close to school starting because our great volunteer in charge of Gym Night has requested the gym at the Trail Memorial Centre.  We have gym night once a week and it is a real favorite with the kids.  I also notice that someone has donated a new air hockey table.  We have two schools in the US who are using our links and information page for student research.