It has been a challenging year, and more than ever, many in our community have to face the difficult decision: do they buy presents for their children or do they put food on the table?
For the past several years the BEL Club has provided the “gift of Christmas” to local families through the club “Adopt a Family” program. This year, in response to the pandemic and increased need they doubled the number of families to be supported and expanded the mandate of the program to include food items and the makings of a festive turkey dinner. With input from the local schools and the families, members purchased toys, games, puzzles, sporting equipment, clothing and books suitable to the needs and interests of the children. The theme for 2020 is “Connections: games and resources for families to connect and enjoy healthy living indoors and out”.
“Our goal is to provide families with the opportunity to enjoy each other and to encourage indoor and outdoor activities that are so important for our mental health during this very difficult year”, said program chair Mike Richardson. “Thank you to the local schools for making this partnership possible.”
It is thanks to the generosity of our community partners and sponsors that the BEL Rotary Club is able to take on projects such as this. Thank you to John’s Valumart in Bridgenorth, Lakefield Rental, Linda Anderson, Scott Concrete, Craftworks at the Barn, Lakefield Foodland and Ennismore Foodland. We also extend a sincere thank you to Terry McQuitty and the Lakefield Herald for all of your support promoting and acknowledging our work.
The BEL Rotary Club wishes our community a safe holiday season and the best of 2021, and extends a heartfelt thank you for your support.
For more information about the Rotary Club of BEL visit www.belrotay.com.