This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to watch Theatre Calgary’s newest addition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens; with a new script written by Caglary playwright, Jeffery Simon Brown. For the twenty sixth consecutive year, Stephan Hair continued to play the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, but this time with a brand new set, costumes, and props!
I’ve seen a Christmas Carol a few times at Theatre Calgary, and being able to see the transformation in not only Scrooge, but the audience as well, always make me happy! Some of my favourite moments from this year’s play included feeling like I was in London in 1843 as we went on a journey with the Spirit of Christmas Past, Mr. Fezziwig’s important speech, and the costume of the Spirit of Christmas Present.
Above all though, I came out of the play with a reminder of the importance of giving. At the end, the cast even stood in the lobby encouraging the audience to donate “Toonies for Turkeys” to go towards the Calgary Food Bank whose demand for services has increased 17% just this year.
The story makes the contrast in the quality of life between the poor and the rich in London in the 1840’s very clear. In Calgary, in 2019, the class differences are by no means as extreme as they were at the time of this novel. One of the things our country aims to do is give each citizen a good quality of life and provide them with basic opportunities. In Canada, no matter your gender, race or socio-economic class, you are given access to good quality education, healthcare and other required services.
Yet, this is not to say, that we don’t still see class differences. Especially in the current economic downturn where there are pressures of mental health, poverty and addiction weighing down on many people here in our city - this is becoming more prevalent. Many of our neighbours are struggling this holiday season. This year, let us continue to make this city a better place for all.
The Calgary Herald Christmas Fund has made it easy for all Calgarians to do so. This is the 28th year it has provided funding to local charities that help to address the critical problems Calgarians face everyday raising over $27 million. This year donors are able to choose which of the selected agencies they’d like to support. This year’s selected agencies include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary, Calgary Seniors Resource Society, Fresh Start Recovery Centre, I Can for Kids, Made by Momma and YWCA Calgary.
Of course, if one isn’t in the position to donate financially, there are multiple other ways to give time and resources in Calgary.
- Local media stations all contributed to the Morning of Giving Initiative which asks citizens to donate new, unwrapped gifts that are then loaded onto Calgary Transit buses and delivered to selected Calgarians on Christmas Eve.
- The Calgary Drop in Centre uses the #BeSomeoneYYC Campaign focusing on the importance of everyone having strong support systems and encouraging Calgarians to be someone for those that have no one. As part of this, this holiday season they have been accepting: baked cookies for their clients to decorate, socks stuffed with personal hygiene and warm supplies, and handmade holiday cards
- Canadian Blood Services is also recruiting donations this month at multiple pop up locations around Calgary. Only 4% of Canadians donate blood, yet every 60 seconds, at least one person needs blood.
Finally, there is something contagious about even just going about your community with smile. Not only does it influence your mood, but can also impact the happiness and quality of life of everyone you pass.
So this holiday season, try giving a little extra. Whether it be your financial resources, your time, or even just your smile. In the end, it all adds up. And, as Tiny Tim would say, “God bless us, every one!”
Wishing everyone a lovely holiday season filled with family, friends, and loved ones!
