With the Christmas holidays around the corner, many are starting to think about decorating homes, buying the perfect gift for loved ones, or looking for that special something that reminds you of the season, memories with family, and good times to be enjoyed. This week, with shopping and Christmas on everyone’s minds, I wanted to share a few thoughts on the upcoming festivities.
Local restaurants, craftspeople, clothing stores, and many other small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. These businesses rely on the holiday season for a strong revenue stream and need our support. This Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you will find lots of good deals for good quality products. But your holiday shopping doesn’t have to be limited to Black Friday. When you are out and about running your daily errands, find a local coffee shop or restaurant for a bite to eat. It is amazing to see what we have in our own backyard!
Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Giving Tuesday. Many folks in our communities have been negatively affected by the current economic situation. If you are able to, consider making a donation to one of the many charities, food banks, and churches around Battle River-Crowfoot that are seeking donations of food, money, toys, etc. These organizations are important to our communities and may mean the difference whether or not someone has food on their table or gifts under the tree.
Finally, we all know that the holidays are a time for giving and letting those who matter the most to you know how much you appreciate them. During the holidays however, there are many Canadians Armed Forces members who won’t be able to spend their time at home. You can wish our troops Merry Christmas, and share how much you support them, by sending them a card expressing your gratitude and thanking them for the sacrifices they make. You can mail cards to my office postage free and I will be sure to send the cards to the military before Christmas. For more details on this, visit www.damienkurek.ca/cardsfortroops.
This year things are a lot different because of COVID. It has been tough to deal with but know this, we are all in this together. From our friends and neighbours, to the strangers on the street, it is the Canadian way to rise above the challenge and overcome adversity.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this column you are encouraged to write Damien at 4945-50th Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1P9, call 780-608-4600, text 403.575-5625, or e-mail damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca. You can also stay up to date with what Damien is up to by following him on social media @dckurek. If you are in need of assistance regarding a Federal Government program, or need assistance and don’t know where to turn, please feel free to reach out to my office, my staff and I will be happy to help you.