'Tis the Season!

James Bay Community Project

By Kaye Kennish
To the surprise of many of us the Christmas Season is upon us once again! How did it get here so quickly? This time of year evokes a myriad of emotions, memories and expectations for all of us. While it is a time of celebration, fun and family reunions for many, it can unfortunately highlight loneliness, disappointment and financial hardship for others. It is also an opportunity for the generosity, compassion and empathy of so many to shine even brighter than at other times of year.

At the James Bay Community Project the holiday season is recognized in an "extreme" version of our usual state of being - with food, support for those who need it, celebration of the good things in life, and facilitation of the generosity of so many in our community.

We hope you can join us for our Christmas Party on December 15^th from 2-4 p.m. There will be Christmas carols and lots of treats!

Our Family Centre's last Drop-In Program before Christmas will be Thursday, December 22^nd, and Drop-Ins will start again on Tuesday January 3^rd.

As always we are appealing to you for donations of food that can be given to those who, at this point in their lives, cannot access it on their own. It will be used by our amazing volunteers to cook packaged meals for seniors and youth who otherwise would not be able to enjoy seasonal fare, and to include in gift baskets. 

Gift baskets we provide include small gifts as well as food items, and so we are appealing for donations of new items suitable for a gift basket. Examples of such items include, but are not limited to:  toys, socks, soap, lotion, scarves, chocolates, magnetic note pads, note cards, stamps, pens, Thrifty's Smile cards, Starbucks cards, gloves, 2012 date books or calendars, tea towels or face cloths. Cash donations are of course always welcome. You will find a donations form in our advertisement in this issue of the Beacon.

Examples of some recipients of gift baskets this year are a young, single soon-to-be mom; a single young mom with a 1-year old and a 4-year old; a young couple with a 2-month old baby; and isolated seniors who find it hard to get out and about.

Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to the James Bay Community Project at 547 Michigan Street, Victoria BC V8V 1S5. A huge "thank you" to all our donors, supporters and volunteers - may the holiday season and the New Year bring you all that you deserve!