From a falling Canadian dollar to impossibly expensive homes: There’s always a frightening financial story guaranteed to have us fretting about our own financial future.
There’s no denying it - while things seem better overall than they did in, say, 2008 - most people live pay cheque to pay cheque and hope that the car doesn’t break down, the company doesn’t go bankrupt and the roof doesn’t leak. It sometimes seems as if there’s nothing to spare for others after our loved ones are cared for.
But helping others is what builds a caring community. The understanding that if enough neighbours pitch in - even small amounts - we can make a huge difference in other people’s lives, helps make cities more than just places we live and work in. When people in a community are taken care of by each other, when people know that their neighbours care and strangers are willing to help, that makes the community better for everyone.
As we have since 1996, The Record is publishing our annual Guide to Giving (see page 11). Consider it the one-stop shop for learning more about the groups in the city, what they do, who they help and why you might want to help them help others in the city.
There’s quite a variety of groups in New Westminster. Some help people who are in crisis. Others fill a gap when times get tough. And still others simply help fulfill a simple Christmas wish for a child. Some save cats and dogs and other critters from needless suffering. Wherever your generosity leads you - there’s someone who will be grateful that you cared enough to lend a hand, or donated some goods or cash.
What better Christmas wish could there be for New Westminster than to ensure that everyone here knows that help is available and that the season still has some magic in it?
Think about it. We hope you’ll give a little of yourself this season.
