It’s a cliché, but Christmas should be a time of giving; that sentiment has never been more relevant or poignant than this year.
In light of the impacts of COVID-19, it’s refreshing to see so many charitable initiatives being rolled out this holiday season. This week alone, our pages featured a story about the Rotary Club of Airdrie’s Dragon’s Den event. There is also the City of Airdrie’s Simple Joys campaign, which aims to spread positivity throughout the community. In a year that has generated so many negative headlines – and we acknowledge this week's paper had a few of those as well – we loved the opportunity to share these positive stories.
In the midst of a global pandemic, the impulse to put your own well-being first is understandable. Despite this, so many people in Airdrie have put other people’s needs before their own this holiday season, and we want to salute them for it.
With the pandemic now fully into a second wave, the need is greater than ever to support others. Local charities – like those recognized in the Rotary Club’s Dragon’s Den event – have experienced increased demand for their services since the pandemic began.
A new slate of government restrictions announced Dec. 7 will bring additional hardships to local businesses. Revenue will likely suffer under new capacity restrictions during what is typically a profitable time of year. While most businesses are still open, many people could be laid off or lose hours due to the restrictions’ financial impact.
With this in mind, as Airdrie enters the last few hectic weeks before Christmas, we invite our readers to do one simple act of charity. Whether it be donating to a cause, shovelling a neighbour’s walk or simply helping a friend in need, we encourage the spirit of giving to overcome the negativity that COVID-19 continues to thrust upon society.
