>> Hazel Lyder
Many of us have so much. So much that we feel somehow vaguely or overtly oppressed by it all: our stuff a burden that anchors us uncomfortably in a place, or in the past, something to trip over, to dust.
And now we find ourselves once again at the Season of Giving. How many of us worry about giving an unwanted gift? How many of us fake delight in the face of one? Yet we are so steeped in a culture that holds Stuff up as the Answer we’re often unsure how to wean ourselves away.
I have a little tip to help: whenever you give something up, at the same time start something new. When you choose to not respond to the chirp of your cellphone, pick up Steven Heighton’s Workbook or Lorna Crozier’s The Blue Hour of the Day instead. Likewise, rather than buy That Thing Auntie Hazel may or may not want, go instead to your local community group and volunteer. Send her an email and tell her what fun you had.
We here at Oaklands accept the willing labour, freely given, of volunteers all year ‘round. And at this time of year especially so. Those who volunteer at our Seniors’ Christmas Dinner, for example, give a gift that lightens both giver and receiver: smiles, handshakes, a listening ear, or a funny joke. It is the same at our Breakfast with Santa, where volunteers demonstrate to our children that beyond the walls of home and the arms of loved ones, there is a community who supports and cherishes them.
Join Oaklands this year, “lighten up” and give the gift of yourself. Really, it’s the best ‘thing’ ever! A thousand thank you’s to all our volunteers!
For information about the Oaklands Community Association and about volunteering contact Hazel Lyder, Community Development Coordinator community@oaklandsca.com, call 250-370-9101 or visit their website at http://www.oaklandscommunitycentre.com/
