Another Christmas season is upon us.
As you're dusting off your wreaths and dragging home your Christmas trees in preparation for the holiday season, it's important to remember that Christmas isn't all about the candy canes, the shopping, the giant feasts, what we get under the tree, or how many shopping days we have to check all the names off our lists. It's about sharing, with our families, with our friends, and with our community.
Bonnyville has never had a problem taking care of its own.
This season is shaping up to be a rough one for the community, with the last few weeks seemingly overrun by tragic accidents and devastating fires.
Even among the tragic circumstances of the past few weeks, however, the community has come together to support those who have lost houses, possessions, and family members going into the holiday season.
It really isn't surprising that Bonnyville is so quick to aid those in distress, as they've rallied for those in need time and time again, and the tradition of giving to those in need extends far back into the past.
The Bonnyville Santa's Elves and Christmas Hamper programs have been going strong in the community for more years than we've got Nouvelles here in the office, with annual fundraising campaigns to provide the less fortunate in Bonnyville with enough food to make it through the holiday season and a gift beneath the Christmas tree.
Already, the community is bustling with fundraising drives for these and other worthwhile causes.
Christmas is more than what we get, it's what we give back, and even when the speed and rush of the Christmas season threatens to overwhelm us, Bonnyville never seems to forget to take care of family, friends, neighbours, and strangers.
