Open

Photo Randy Vanderveen, Grande Prairie, Alberta Hand prints stand out in the frost of a store front window in downtown Grande Prairie, Dec. 15 underneath the colourful glow of an OPEN sign.

This past week was a frigid one in the Peace Country with temperatures reaching the -40C level and wind chills dropping to -56 C.

When the weather turns foul like that, there is a greater demand put onto those organizations that deal with the unfortunate — ie Soup kitchens, warming centres, and shelter.

This time of year, often there is an openness in many people's hearts to provide a helping hand. Hopefully that willingness extends beyond the Christmas season when it comes to giving to these worthwhile causes. When the temperature is flirting with records because of the Arctic blast, the needs become even more pressing — it sometimes becomes a matter of survival for some of the people on the street.

Why not consider giving of some time as well as finances for some of these organizations. Often in the extreme cold it is also difficult to find the volunteers needed to make these programs work like they should. While financial support is essential, the gift of time whether making a meal for someone who needs it, volunteering at a warming centre etc. can be just as valuable.

With just over a week left until Christmas and two until New Years why not give the gift of volunteering some time and make a resolution to help out an organization on an ongoing basis.