In the spirit of giving The Revelstoke Current is pleased to present photos of the people and organizations that are tangibly helping to make this a truly Merry Christmas for those who are less fortunate or in need of assistance. We honour their efforts to make our community one that really cares for everyone. Merry Christmas!
Randy Driediger of Trees for Tots (center left) accepts a cheque for $1,334 from Tim Palmer, Revelstoke's Chief Administrative Officer. The money was raised by municipal employytes who kicked in a buck every time they wore blue jeans on a Friday throughout the past year. Trees for Tots is a charity that assists local families of young children who require medical care that is not covered by the BC Medical Services Plan. David F. Rooney photo
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Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society Directors Barb Kemmerer (left), Louisa Fleming and Tony Johnston were in a jolly mood Saturday after Ray Cretelli of the Knights of Pythias presented them with a cheque for $500, which they can use to continue their work keeping the Greenbelt a natural space within the city limits. David F. Rooney phoeo
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Every year the local Knights of Columbus stag a Grey Cup Party and Dinner at the St. Francis Church's Parish Hall. This year their fundraiser netted $642, which was presented to Patti Larson of the Community Connections Food Bank. It was supplemented by another cheque for $200 from the Knights of Columbus (BC) Charity Foundation, proceeds of the 2010-2011 annual cash and multi-vehicle raffle. Photo courtesy of the Knights of Columbus
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Staff at the Community Futures Development Corporation showed their Christmas spirit on Wednesday by giving the Community Connections Food Bank a cheque for $785. Margaret Pacaud (right), who presented the cheque to Patti Larson, said staff kicked in $485 and CFDC provided an additional $300. David F. Rooney photo
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The Credit Union's well known generosity and public spirit will help make a difference with the Christmas Hamper Program undertaken by the Community Connections Food Bank each year. Here, Todd Weber, Leanne Dudman, Danielle Fenrich and Chloe Hale pose Tuesday morning with the gifts they and other staff provided for the program. David F. Rooney photo
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Every year for three years now Carol Sakamoto (left) has organized a mitten drive to ensure that every kid in the city has a decent pair of warm mittens to see them through the winter. This year's drive yielded 100 pairs of mittens that she dropped off to Patti Larson at the Community Connections Food Banks's Christmas Hamper Program on Saturday. David F. Rooney photo
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Children's author Mieke Blommestein donated 30 copies of her book, The Tale of Miss Spider, to the Community Connections Food Bank's Christmas Hamper Program. "They are now waiting to go to many beautiful children in Revelstoke," Mieke said. "Christmas is about love and sharing. Merry Christmas to all of you." Photo courtesy of Mieke Blommestein
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Gerry Ozero, owner of Revelstoke Builders' Supply, presents Nelli Richardson of the Revelstoke Women's Shelter with a cheque for $218.08, which was raised from the sale of smokies at Santa's Super Sunday — the store's annual pre-Christmas sale, which took place on Sunday, December 4. David F. Rooney photo
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In lieu of a gift exchange this Christmas, staff at Revelstoke Builders' Supply agreed to pool funds and purchase gift cards in support of the Community Connections Food Bank's Christmas Hamper Program. The staff raised $320, which was matched by the store's owners, resulting in a $640 donation. Maryanne Krestinsky, representing staff, and owner Gerry Ozero presented the agency's Patti Larson with the gift cards that money purchased. David F. Rooney photo
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Crime Stoppers President Roberta Ciolli (right) and Vice-President Shawn Filipchuk got together with Patti Larson, Community Connections' Outreach Services manager, at the Food Bank where they happily handed her a cheque for $350, which the group raised during their recent Ho Host Bazaar. David F. Rooney photo
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Patti Larson, Community Connections' outreach services manager, was all smiles Thursday afternoon when Snowmobile Club Vice-president Kathy Burke and President Greg Byman dropped by the Christmas Hamper Depot in the basement of the Royal Canadian Legion to drop off a cheque for $1,765 the club raised at its fourth annual Season Starter event at River City Pub on November 26. "It's a big ass cheque," Burke said. This is the fourth year in a row that the club has been the first organization to make a significant donation to the Food Bank's Christmas Hamper program. The snowmobilers who travelled to Revelstoke for the event came from as far away as Manitoba and the northwestern US. David F. Rooney photo
