It would be the greatest gift of the season if we as a community, both locally, and in terms of a larger world community, arrived at this time of year and newspapers did not feel the need to write the editorial which follows.
But, that is not yet the case.
In fact, we are no closer to such a time than we were a decade ago. Perhaps we are actually further away from it.
The situation behind this editorial is the need within our community by families needing a little extra help at this time of year.
In Saskatchewan we have come through the best of times in our province’s history economically. Should you doubt that check the repeated comments from our current provincial government throughout most of their time at the controls.
Granted, the economy has hit the skids of late, reflected in the expected $1 billion deficit in the province this year.
And that just adds to the difficulty some have at this time of year.
Many workers have faced lay-offs in the last year.
Others have had hours reduced.
And more are facing official wage freezes, or simply companies not offering up raises that they might have even a few years ago.
The bills remain though; mortgages, home rentals, water, natural gas, power, telephone, food and soon the paycheque has been stretched to the point it can’t be stretched anymore.
So come this time of year organizations such as the Salvation Army look to help families by collecting toys for children, and money so they can provide food hampers to make sure families have a better holiday, “because it is at Christmastime that want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices,” noted Charles Dickens in his famed Christmas Carol.
It should be noted Dickens wrote of that need in 1843, and we still see it today. The reasons are many, and we should be working hard as a society to deal with the core problems, but that is a course for a longer term.
The immediate need for many is all too real today.
So let us heed Dickens when he wrote, “At this festive time of year, Mr. Scrooge, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute.”
When out shopping for the season put a few dollars in the Christmas kettles if you can. Buy a toy for a child. Simply share as best you can through the programs of the season, because that is what the holiday season should be about.
