I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas, as different as it was this year, knowing that you made it sparkle with warmth for many of your neighbours.
As you will see in our newsletter and website reports, individuals from all over our community made sure that our neighbours in need (51 households in all) could enjoy Christmas. This took several forms: sponsors who assisted an individual or family; those who contributed gifts using tags from Christmas trees located in local businesses; and the many financial and other donations, large and small, from local people and businesses. And some simply helped people stay warmer, with contributions of wood and beautiful quilts, for example.
The responses we received from those who benefited certainly made me feel that the spirit of Christmas was alive and well here in Nanoose. A huge “Thank You!” to Nanoose Bay residents for their generosity and compassion this holiday season!
Client Services Director, Marion Clark, Reports on Unique Donations
Due to Covid-19, NCS Client Services had to make many changes in our procedures to ensure the health and safety of both clients and volunteers. Encounters with clients that were originally face- to- face are now done remotely, by telephone or email.
Over the last several months we completely revamped our old paper files system and now have access to all information digitally, meaning that a good portion of our work with clients can done by our volunteers safely from their homes.
LAPTOP DONATION
What we were missing, however, was a computer to enter data and update files on the day we distributed food cards to our clients. Peter Kawerau of Mid-Island Computer Enterprises (MICE) quickly came to the rescue with a workable refurbished laptop.
On behalf of all the volunteers and clients who are now benefiting from this generous donation, “Thank You, Peter!”
FIREWOOD DONATION Cody Nielsen of RiteTime Excavation and Trucking has been a 10-year member and captain of the Nanoose Bay Volunteer Fire Department. In early December, Cody donated and delivered two cords of firewood to two NCS clients who heat their homes with wood during the winter months.
A huge “Thank You, Cody!” for helping to make winter much easier for two very appreciative clients.
INCOME TAX HELP
Two new volunteers, Judy Miller and Randy Borger, have joined the NCS Client Services Team to assist with the filing of income tax returns. Both have extensive experience in dealing with tax issues. And, both have trained and certified with the CRA through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) to provide free income tax services to our clients. They have already met with clients for a preliminary discussion of their tax issues and will continue to meet remotely during the coming tax season.
“Thank you!” Judy and Randy, for this wonderful contribution to our Community.