Giving Thanks

What a year this has been!
While it's exciting to be closing our 2009 as the City of Vancouver's Mayor-elect, it's also incredibly humbling and heart-wrenching to know that it's been a difficult year in many other ways, for so many of us.

In these tough economic times, we've got more people out of work than any time in recent history, and more and more families across the country are going hungry every day.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope we'll all take a look at what we can do to help others in our community, however we can -- and to keep that community spirit going throughout the year.

On Thanksgiving Thursday, I'll be joining the Vancouver Eagles at their lodge Downtown to give away free meals to those in need. This is a great service the Eagles provide every year, from 8am to 2pm, serving about 1,000 people. I will be heading over about 11am. if you've got some time and want to lend a hand, please give them a call at (360)693-8119.

And if you know some hungry people who could use a free meal and some good company on what can be a very lonely holiday for those without, please tell them to visit the Eagles on Thursday. 107 E. 7th Street.


Thanksgiving weekend also brings another community tradition, the Festival of Trees. I'm looking forward to the Community Tree Lighting on Friday night, and decorated trees at the Quay all weekend. This year, they've waived the admission fee and are asking guests to bring non-perishable food to donate to our food shelters and the Share backpack program. I hope to see you there, welcoming the Christmas season and joining with the community to help our neighbors.