Merry Christmas!

December 10, 2012

photo-copyAs we approach the Christmas season, we are reminded of what we are thankful for. I am grateful for so many things, especially my family. My wife and I love this time of year, and every Christmas is more amazing as our kids grow!

However, I realize that for many, Christmas is not a good time. For those who have lost family members, suffered hardship or experienced a relationship breakdown of some sort -Christmas can be a time they would like to avoid. Instead of reminding them of the joy they have in their relationships, Christmas reminds them of disappointment and pain.

This year, I decided to sponsor a Christmas tree at the Dundarave Festival of Lights in West Vancouver. This is in recognition of the fact that some people struggle so much at this time of year -and for that matter, all year long. The proceeds go to The Lookout Emergency Aid Society, an organization that works with homeless people in our area. See more of what they do here: http://lookoutsociety.ca

As part of this, I am hoping to raise some extra money for Outlook. You can see my Pledge Page here.

You can visit the trees (about 100 of them) any time, but at night they are all lit, with the ocean as the backdrop. Beautiful!

I also helped to sponsor another tree with other companies who also have a desire to help others in need. The tree is in North Vancouver as part of the Christmas by the Sea Parade of Trees. The proceeds from these trees also go to people in need. In this case the Harvest Project (http://www.harvestproject.org/) and Hollyburn Family Services Youth Safe House (http://www.hollyburn.ca/D309.cfm).

This year, please help support an organization that helps people who really need it. And may you find joy in this season, and a deeper sense of gratitude for all you have been given.