These are not the greatest of economic times here in Osoyoos.
While there are a great many people who live in this community who live here who don’t have to worry about paying their bills or quality of life, there are many out there who aren’t quite so fortunate.
Thankfully, this is a caring and giving community with a great number of people who volunteer their time and energy to ensure the less fortunate are well taken care of.
Once again, the annual Spirit Share program was a resounding success as many local children who would have had very little under the Christmas tree were assisted by complete strangers through the unique and philanthropic program.
Over at the local food bank, it was another very busy Christmas season as dozens of people of all ages benefitted from the generosity of community businesses and individuals and were able to eat healthy and hearty meals over the holiday season as a result.
“Primarily the focus is on the kids,” said Donna Kelso, secretary treasurer with the Osoyoos Kiwanis Club, which runs the Spirit Share program here in Osoyoos. “We want to make sure that all the children in town have a good Christmas. But also, I believe it lets the families that are in needy situations realize they’re not alone.”
The program, which has been running in Osoyoos for the past five years, is designed to provide Christmas presents for families who are struggling during the holiday season.
The program has both receiving and supporting families. Each receiving family fills out a two-page application form, listing the kind of presents they would like on the first page and specific family details on the second.
The Kiwanis Club then gives the first page to the supporting families (which can be anyone from businesses to neighbourhood groups to actual families) who then do their best to provide what’s on the list. By only giving the first page, the program ensures confidentiality for both parties.
This year there were 24 families who applied for assistance in Osoyoos, with eight being adopted by supporting families.
The rest of the families, including three who signed up at a later date, where given toys and grocery vouchers provided through the Smitty’s Restaurant ‘Toys for Tots’ breakfast program.
In December alone, the Osoyoos Food Bank served nearly 200 people – 72 visitors on December 9 and more than 110 visitors on December 21.
That number is down slightly from last year, which had well over 200 visitors for the month of December, but it clearly shows the need is there and a great many people are benefitting from the food bank.
Seeing the smile on the face of a child receiving a gift at Christmas or enjoying a healthy meal over the holidays is priceless and everyone who takes the time to volunteer to help others or makes a donation to such worthy causes deserves to be recognized for realizing they really are making a difference.
Thanks to programs like Spirit Share and the longstanding success of the Osoyoos Food Bank, many people in this community got to enjoy what very well could have been a dismal Christmas.
Kudos to everyone involved for a job well done.
