Sooke is a very generous community — not just with money but with energy. People give of their time and knowledge to make the wheels turn in service organizations, social and community groups and every other association in between. It is what makes Sooke Sooke and we are all grateful for the generous spirit of the people who choose to live here and give of their time.
What would we have without them? For starters, an organization such as the Christmas Bureau would not exist, nor would the Sooke Food Bank. Which would mean that the disadvantaged living among us would be worse off. It’s not like the government doles out any extras other than for a very, very basic barely subsistence existence. There are a lot of families who live from pay cheque to pay cheque and the extra help they get allows them to make it. So many are only a pay cheque away from poverty themselves and that includes seniors and youth.
Every single organization, from the arts groups to the salmon enhancement groups make a difference to the quality of our lives in Sooke. This holiday season we thank them and if there were space it would be wonderful to give recognition to each and every volunteer group. You just have to look at the back of the Sooke Lions phone book to see the long list of organizations mostly run by volunteers. It’s truly amazing.
So, in this season of giving, we would like to thank all of you who do so much in the community because without you it would not be such a great place to live. Our heartfelt thanks for making our lives richer and fuller because of your dedication and giving spirit.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Season’s Greetings to all from us at the Sooke News Mirror.