|
Christmas,
Street Kids, and the Edmonton Battalion
Remarks by Hon. David
Kilgour, M.P.
Edmonton - Mill Woods -
Beaumont
Edmonton Youth Emergency
Shelter
December 12th, 2004
It
is that wonderful time of year again full of
color and festivities. Gifts and home
cooked dinners. Unfortunately, not
everybody is going to have a warm meal to
eat, or a gift under the tree. For those
without shelter, with out a home, or a place
to live, Christmas is not a festive season,
but a time of desperation. There is never
a good time to be out on the streets, but
winter brings with it the perils of cold,
snow and ice. Nobody, especially our youth,
should be subjected to this degradation of
the human spirit. Bringing people in from
the streets and putting a roof over their
heads is the first step to giving them a
future. When they have a place to go where
they can be warm and safe, they have a base
from where they can start a new life, and
from which they can learn and grow.
Everyone who by their actions makes this
possible, helps to bring hope where before
there was none or little.
Today the 15 Edmonton Service Battalion is
making their 7th annual visit to the
Edmonton Youth Emergency Shelter to bring
gifts and happiness for the kids who will
spend Christmas here. This is a wonderful
contribution and I can’t say enough of the
attitude of the civic responsibility and the
tremendous dedication to their community and
youth that is demonstrated by the fine men
and women of the service battalion. This
gesture represents a perfect example of the
true spirit of the season.
Lieutenant Governor Lois Hole who is
unfortunately not able to be with us has
long been a great champion of this annual
event and I know that she would be warmed by
this sincere act of giving.
By
the partnership that exists between our
Canadian forces and our young people in
need, we are fostering a true sense of
giving. Thank you all for coming this
afternoon, and celebrating the people who
contribute so much and I wish you all a
happy holiday with your family and loved
ones.
-30-
|
