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Dear Friends,
As we look towards the holiday season and the New Year, we must continue to follow local public health orders, get vaccinated, and book our booster appointments.
It has been a difficult couple of years for all of us, but some of us have been hit harder than others. While many of us will be gathering (safely, and following all public health advice) with loved ones for Christmas, let’s remember that for some, holidays are a very difficult time.
On behalf of our community, to those who work day in and day out taking care of us in our time of most need: thank you, we see you, and we appreciate you.
While we have made significant progress against COVID-19, the pandemic is not over. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, the federal government is taking swift action to protect Canadians. Read below for more information.
After a very productive Fall Session in the House of Commons, our Government was able to pass all of our legislative priorities. This includes a full ban on the harmful practice of so-call conversion therapy, legislation to protect our healthcare workers from abuse, providing federal workers with 10 days of paid sick-leave, as well as important financial measures to support workers and our economy through the latest wave of the pandemic.
I have been glad to be at home here in Burlington this week visiting a number of the amazing and inspiring volunteer-led initiatives to support those less well-off in our community. From the Gift of Giving Back 12 Days of Giving, to the Partnering Aldershot Food Collection Committee that has been going on since March 2020 (and has collected over 13 tonnes of food!), there is no shortage of collaboration and generosity here in our community.
I also visited the incredible Christmas meal drive thru event at Open Doors at St. Christopher’s and the awe-inspiring community initiative to provide warm meals and holiday gifts to our community at Wellington Square United Church. I also had Food for Life virtually visit with my amazing Burlington Youth Council to share with them all the amazing work they are doing with food rescue and fresh food distribution.
Even during difficult times, our community rallies together and pulls off amazing things. I am always inspired and impressed by the dedication of the hundreds of volunteers who give their time and effort all year long, but particularly during the holidays. In many ways, we are a wealthy community, but there are those who need that extra bit of support. I encourage you to explore the opportunities for giving right here in our community, not just during the holidays but all through the year.
Have a safe and happy holiday season, Burlington!
Sincerely,
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