living
FROM THE EDITOR
W H I L E T H E H O L I D AY S offer the opportunity to indulge
in good food, and time with family and friends, they also bring with
them the spirit of generosity that seems to be ignited with the stringing
of lights and tinsel. Many of us find ourselves thinking of ways to give
back, or reflecting on times we’ve needed help (Pg. 24).
We’ve all heard the cliché, ‘the Holidays are a time for giving,’ but
it’s important to remember that there are random acts of kindness
happening all the time.
Basically defined, being generous means willingly offering one’s time
or resources when it isn’t mandatory or expected. There is compassion
in generosity, there is empathy, and there is love.
If someone asked what generosity means to you, what story would
you tell?
For me, that’s a tough question because I see generosity every day,
and everywhere I go. I can tell you countless stories of men and women
who have influenced my life through their generosity, or even simple
stories about strangers who have paid for my coffee at the drive-thru.
I see people at the grocery store let those with fewer items go first. I
see coworkers help their teammates. I listen to friends talk about their
volunteer endeavours. I get another press release about an organization
doing wonderful things for our vibrant community.
And yet, lately it seems as if all the stories are bad news stories. 2017
brought with it a lot of chaos and uncertainty, and it can be easy to get
caught up in the negativity and the sadness that came with that. But
even when tragedy strikes, there is light in the wake of darkness through
the generosity of others, and the ways people band together to help
those in need. I believe we have seen plenty of evidence of this here in
Southern Alberta.
This issue of Lethbridge living is full of stories of community
members and organizations who have donated time, money and
resources, all in the effort to make Lethbridge a better place to live.
From helping to establish a new Family Centre on the west side
(Pg. 19), to the myriad of ways Southern Albertans have rallied together
to help one another through history (Pg. 36), the proof that generosity
is intrinsic in our community year-round lies in these pages.
So, as we head into a new year, I ask you to consider what generosity
means to you. How can you bring light to darker times (Pg. 31)? How
can you shape what 2018 looks like for those living in Lethbridge and
Southern Alberta?
Regardless of what, or how, you choose to celebrate the holidays, I
hope that for you this winter is safe and happy.
As always, thanks for reading.
Story idea? Letter to the editor? Email: [email protected]
06 LETHBRIDGELIVING.COM
NOV-DEC 2017
M E R C E D E S FAW N S
P H OT O G R A P H Y: D E J O U R DA N ’ S B Y L I F E T O U C H