Make sure that nobody is forgotten this Christmas

“I’m alright, Jack,” is an old British expression used to describe those who act only in their own best interests even if assistance to others would necessitate minimal effort on their behalf.

The Christmas season has centuries of old traditions of caring and sharing with and for others beyond our immediate families. It’s the time of year when we dig in purses and wallets or write cheques to charities and do our best to aid others less fortunate.

This is the time of year to thank many who donate to charities and organizations we trust.

Too often they are forgotten.

It is time to remember many people with disabilities and those newly unemployed that are filling the ranks of the food banks for the first time. We have a larger segment of people, perhaps best described as the working poor. Usually hourly paid and with only minimal benefits, they form the backbone of service industries, including those deemed essential workers.

They are indispensable and mostly invisible let’s not take them for granted.

Many are engaged in essential services and exempt from quarantine regulations — truck drivers, health care workers and retail workers. They are not exempt from the virus and deserve our thanks for their service.

Whether it is students unable to find jobs used to offset tuition costs or seniors facing isolation and loneliness. Now is the time to give of ourselves to ensure they are not forgotten at Christmas.

Add an extra gift to your shopping list this year. There are many local charities that could use a helping hand. The food banks are just one of many examples of a worthy place to donate money.

Keep well, be thankful and make this a Christmas of giving to the unfortunate in our midst.

Ernie & Elvena Slump

Penticton