A day of hope, in a city of hope

Opinion

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This article was published 24/12/2024 (268 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If there is a more hopeful day on the calendar than today, it is difficult to imagine when that would be.

Christians in our city and all over the world are united in their joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, who came into the world as the son of God and saviour to redeem humanity from its sins. For them, the memory and celebration of his birth is a constant reminder of God’s love for all of us, and of their steadfast hope for the return of the resurrected Jesus.

Beyond the religious foundation of Christmas, there is also the tangible expression of the Christmas spirit among and within us all. It is a time for family, friendship and community; a time for us to set aside our differences, in a spirit of hope, generosity and goodwill.

The proof of that generosity and goodwill is all around us. A few days ago, it was reported that despite the impact of the Canada Post strike, the Brandon and Westman Christmas Cheer Registry has surpassed its annual fundraising target of $92,000 for the holiday season.

The organization received more than 1,500 requests for Christmas hampers this year — far higher than the original forecast of 1,100 — but the generosity of donors and volunteers in Brandon and Westman guarantees that everyone who applied for a hamper before the November deadline will receive one.

While organizations all over our city and region are distributing hampers full of food and presents to the less fortunate among us, other volunteers are working hard to ensure that every person in our community has a warm meal and a warm place to sleep. Still others are devoting their time and energy toward ensuring that every child experiences the joy of Christmas.

For example, the Redeemed Christian Church of God Restoration Parish hosted its annual Children’s Christmas Celebration this past weekend, drawing a record-setting 170 children to its fellowship hall. The event was one of several similar celebrations held throughout the city over the past few weeks.

As you read this, hundreds of volunteers are beginning the preparations for tomorrow’s Westman & Area Traditional Christmas Dinner at the Keystone Centre. Now in its 39th year, the dinner is expected to serve more than 3,000 meals tomorrow, free of charge. There will also be presents for children under 12. Everyone is welcome to the dinner — the less fortunate, the elderly, students who are unable to make it home for Christmas, as well as those who would simply enjoy some fellowship on Christmas Day.

There are some who claim that Canada is a divided, polarized society; that our nation is broken. They say that volunteerism is dead and community spirit is a myth. If they come to Brandon this Christmas, or at any other time of the year, they will see how wrong they are.

There’s a lot of good happening here, and not just during the Christmas season.

Manitoba has always been Canada’s leader in volunteerism and support of charitable causes. For generations, we have led — and we continue to lead — the nation in helping those in need, and in supporting important causes and community projects.

Beyond that, our city and province has always opened its arms and hearts to newcomers of all ages from all over the world. They seek a safer, more prosperous life for themselves and their families, and they find it here in Brandon. Our community is stronger because of their many contributions.

We may have our challenges, but we always face them together in spirit of community, commitment and optimism for a brighter future for all. That is why it is no exaggeration to say that if Christmas Eve is the day of hope, Brandon may be Canada’s city of hope.

In that shared spirit of hope, the management and staff of The Brandon Sun wish each of you the very happiest of Christmases. We wish you joy, love and peace.