Where is the spirit
I am currently visiting Nelson Bay just weeks before Christmas and am surprised to see the lack of Christmas decorations around the shops in Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.
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You wouldn’t even know it was Christmas as there is no sign of decorations, music or spirit around to indicate such a festive season is here.
Is it a lack of council funds available or is it the shop owners lack enthusiasm to be part of decorating their premises or council trees in the area?
My understanding is that the locals rely heavily on the tourist dollar during this time of year to help them get through the quieter times when tourist aren’t visiting the area.
So why not make them feel welcome with the Christmas spirit associated with everyone at this special time of the year?
Karen Laing, West Ryde
Related reading: Letters to the Editor: December 6
A true Christmas gift
The countdown has begun 'till Christmas Day and while I do love this time of year, I often find myself saddened when I am reminded of all the young kids who will be alone without anyone to care for them this Christmas.
Every year there are many kids who spend their Christmas Day on the streets – they don’t have a home to go to let alone presents or a hot meal.
Our homeless youth are reminded at Christmas of what they don’t have but it doesn’t have to be that way.
If you ask some of the kids Youth Off The Streets work with what they want for Christmas, it won’t be a new bike or the latest game.
They will ask for somewhere safe to sleep. Someone to talk to. A hot meal. A shower.
The little things that make you feel loved and wanted.
This year I’ll be handing out hundreds of hampers and presents across Australia to families who need it.
Our Koch Centre for Youth and Learning is also holding a community dinner on Christmas Eve to show our support to the people we work with.
Just the simple act of giving a Christmas meal can drastically change the holidays for families in need.
Having a meal and someone to talk to gives them the opportunity to connect with others which is what this time of year is all about.
This year, when you are opening presents or having a nice meal with loved ones, I hope you can spare a thought for those who will not have a Christmas like yours.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year and that 2019 brings you joy and happiness.
Father Chris Riley,
CEO and Founder at Youth Off The Streets
Related reading: Letters to the Editor: November 29
Every donation counts
Whether it is connecting with your community, giving a hand to someone in need, making a donation or volunteering a few hours of your time, every contribution to The Salvation Army.
A donation however big or small, can significantly impact the lives of those in need at Christmas.
Christmas is the busiest time of the year for The Salvation Army, with more than 300,000 people seeking our assistance.
We also distribute around 500,000 gifts and toys and serve more than 100,000 meals to those in need.
So please, help us give hope where it’s needed most this festive season.
By donating $29 to the Salvos, you can help put food on the table and a present under the tree to support Aussies doing it tough this Christmas.
To donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, please call 13 72 58 or visit salvos.org.au.
Lieut-Colonel Neil Venables,
National Secretary for Communications, The Salvation Army
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