Bow Island Buzz: Christmas giving, Christmas events and to shinny… or not

Posted on November 28, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

You knew it as The Joy of Giving, the initiative in Bow Island and Foremost that helped every family celebrate the season. This year it is known as the Christmas Giving Campaign, spearheaded by 40 Mile CRC & FCSS. The name may have changed but the need and the impact are as important as ever.

Corina Roth-Beacome, 40 Mile CRC & FCSS, explains, “We ask individuals, businesses, churches, groups, and agencies if they would like to sponsor someone for the Christmas holidays and provide them with a little Christmas spirit and joy. Nominations for families can be done by either phoning our office, accessing the QR code on our website or socials, or by filling out one of the application forms that we’ve left at various locations in Foremost and Bow Island.”

Nominations can be for families, seniors, individuals, or couples – anyone that is perhaps struggling during the season and could benefit from some Christmas kindness. 

“It’s all kept very anonymous and confidential through our office,” Roth-Beacome adds. “We collect the information and then share it with those people who would like to sponsor someone for the Christmas holidays. Then we put together the baskets. The food bank generously works with us, ensuring there’s a food hamper that goes with each of the gifts.

Currently the organization is looking for nominations, sponsors, and cash donations (which can be tax deductible through the Town of Bow Island). If you are interested in nominating, sponsoring, or donating, act now. The organization aims to deliver the baskets by December 20. 

“All you need to do is give us a call and we will connect with the family. It’s all kept very confidential and they may accept or decline just based on what their needs or feelings,” she adds.

Giving back is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and there are plenty more opportunities to experience the joy of the season. A partnership between 40 Mile CRC & FCSS and the Bow Island Tourism Committee sees the Holiday of Lights come alive on December 8. Decorate your vehicle and join the parade! 

Roth-Beacome says, “The parade starts at 5 p.m. We travel down Centre Street, coming around up Main Street, across the tracks by the hospital, and then back around through the Crescent. We end by the Catholic Church so that we can be there for the Christmas tree light up at 6 p.m. Following are family activities at the Multiplex that have been coordinated by the Tourism Committee in partnerships with a variety of agencies and businesses. “

As this event is in development, other details, such as a toy drive, may also occur. Stay tuned to the Town of Bow Island event calendar and social media feeds as details emerge.

Take note that it’s Shinny season and Open Skate in the Bow Island Servus Community Arena, however between December and March, there are a number of dates where Shinny and Open Skate are not available. Avoid disappointment by keeping up to date with the Arena calendar. You will find it at https://bowisland.com/servus-community-arena or you can call 403-545-2522.