On behalf of the Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley, I would like to send wholehearted thanks to all those people who enabled the Christmas Bureau to provide food hampers and gifts to 247 needy valley families on December 20th.

Although hamper requests exceeded hamper sponsors, financial donations and the generosity of local grocers allowed the Bureau to fulfill all requests.

We salute all the phenomenal volunteers who crafted gifts, raised funds, promoted the Christmas Bureau project, administered spread sheets matching applicants and donors, assembled hampers, purchased and wrapped presents, and carried heavy boxes of groceries to and from the Invermere Community Hall.

Most volunteers prefer to remain anonymous, but we want to recognize that they represent local businesses, the media, sports teams, service clubs, schools, churches, employee and neighbourhood groups, families and individuals. Of particular significance is the contribution of the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey team, whose members cheerfully carried boxes into the hall.

As the number of hamper applicants sets a new record each year, it is reassuring to know that the upcoming generation of adults is supportive of its neighbours. We’re privileged to live in a community with such a warm and generous spirit. Thank you, all.

Sheila Bonny

for the Christmas Bureau

of the Columbia Valley