Issue 50 December 2016 - January 2017 • sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail. SPCA ARL Christmas Traditions
Holidays Traditions From Around The World
Pictured above: newcomer student at the SJ Regional YMCA (photo courtesy Nicole Vair) By Nicole Vair A class of newcomer students at the Saint John Regional Y reflected on how they will be spending the holiday season. Many said it will be a time to relax and just spend time with family, while classes are out and most businesses are closed on Christmas Day. In this particular class five Syrian men expressed how it will be much like any other day, as their holiday traditions take place during Ramadan, which happens in the spring. Following Ramadan, for three days they gather with family to eat, buy new clothes for the children and get back into a routine. A student from Uganda said this will be her first Christmas in Canada, but her celebrations will be similar, just with colder weather. Her family celebrates Christmas and they will decorate a tree and spend time together during the holidays. One student from China said her son will be coming to visit in December and they are travelling to Boston for a big Chinese New Year celebration in January. Although everyone may have different beliefs and traditions, there was one commonality for the holidays. People will be spending time with new friends and family, whatever their definition of celebration may be.
Coordinator’s Comments Juanita Black, 647-4850, sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com
Welcome to issue 50 of Around the Block and our Holiday Traditions We all celebrate the traditions of our countries in different ways and at different times of the year. This issue is a celebration of our many cultures. My holiday tradition is sharing Christmas morning with my brother, Barry. We open our gifts, have a light lunch - saving lots of room for the turkey and all the trimmings. After supper, we will visit with our brother, Mike. I think it is important that no matter how you celebrate that you do not do it alone. Call a neighbour who might be by themselves and remember there will be people out there that will be working on December 25th to keep us safe.
Pictured above: Santa and his best friend (photo courtesy SPAC/ARL) By Joan Richardson, Shelter Manager, SJ SPCA Animal Rescue One of our annual traditions at the SPCA Animal Rescue is to have Pet Pictures with Santa. You might think it is just a time for your pet and Santa to have a picture, but for some it is much more. Many want the entire family in the annual Christmas picture, which of course includes the family pet. Families and extended families wait patiently for their turn to sit with Santa, some in Christmas attire – they and their pet. It can be challenging to have everyone look at the photographer at the same time, but we entice them with treats (even treats for the two-legged kind, if necessary). It is special to our staff and volunteers to be part of these Christmas memories.
Our Uptown Holiday Tradition
By Rhoda J Welshman, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator For the past five years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with Brunswick Square Shopping Centre to provide their Holiday Gift Wrapping Service. Although this serves as a fundraiser for our agency, the feeling is really what it’s all about! Each year volunteers and staff pair up on two hour shifts to fold and crease, tape and tag, and of course, to curl beautiful & festive ribbon! There’s nothing quite like the mall during the holidays. For us, being able to provide this service adds to the magic of making, a list and checking it twice. It’s truly wondrous to see our shoppers gratitude, overjoyed by the special gifts they’ve found and the loved ones they're buying for. Many of our volunteers tell us this event is one that “gets (them) in the spirit of the season”.So, if you’re hustling and bustling about Brunswick Square during December. 12th-24th, 11: a.m.- 6: pm., be sure to stop by for a yuletide ‘H’!. If you’re interested in “getting into the spirit” and would like to sign up as a volunteer wrapper, please call 635-1145 or email Laurie.Collins@BigBrothersBigSisters.ca
Proud Sponsors of Around The Block
I am very lucky to work with a great group of volunteers who work in our five priority neighbourhoods, and our community partners that bring you each issue of Around the Block. I am very grateful for their help each and every issue. Happy Holidays! Page 1