I have hijacked Greg's column. Firstly, I must apologize to his two readers
But I have to take this opportunity to promote a challenge between myself, and my worthy opponent Marna McManus from Weyburn This Week. Marna and myself will compete in a spaghetti eating contest at Boston Pizza on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
We are both contending to raise pledge money for the Salvation Army, a very worthy cause in our community.
There are so many good reasons to support the Salvation Army, and during the Christmas season there are many different opportunities. We will see the arrival of the Holiday Train on Monday, Dec. 17, in Weyburn, and this event encourages residents to donate non-perishable food to the Salvation Army.
There is also the Kettle Campaign, located at several different businesses, to allow residents an opportunity to donate funds to the Salvation Army.
Last year, I stood at a kettle, sponsored by Crocus 80 Theatre, and will be ringing the bells again this year with other Crocus 80 members at the Co-op Foods Store on Saturday, Dec. 15.
The best reason is that the Salvation Army is passionately committed to eradicating poverty and caring for people who are struggling.
They help so many people during the Christmas holidays, but the need for support doesn't stop there.
The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life. They believe in providing a "hand up instead of a hand out".
And I was one of those families that received support when I needed it most. It was several years ago, when I just moved back to Weyburn with my son. I was a single mother trying to make ends meet, living on employment insurance during a maternity leave, and desperately wanting a Merry First Christmas for myself and my son.
The Salvation Army was there for me, with their Adopt-A-Family program. I was so amazed by the food hamper that I had received. Not only did it stock the shelves at home, but there were also Christmas gifts for myself and my son.
It is amazing to think about all those food hampers that are donated to the Salvation Army by other community members who wanted to make a difference. There is such a caring and giving spirit in Weyburn, one that truly works with programs such as the Salvation Army.
And now it is my time to give back. Bring on the spaghetti, bring on the mess bring on the challenge from Marna. If even this small effort helps the Salvation Army provide to the families who need them, then I am quite happy to do it for them.
