Martensville Messenger December 15, 2016 | Page 16
Page 16 - DECEMBER 15, 2016 - martensville messenger
The Giving Tree Encourages True Meaning of Christmas
Ciara O’Reilly, Martensville Messenger
Many beautiful trees were set up on December
1st, but none quite like ‘the Giving Tree’, which is
located in the entrance/exit space of Canadian Tire in
Martensville.
What exactly is ‘the Giving Tree’? This tree is in
many ways the perfect depiction as to what Christmas is
all about. The tree itself is decorated with ornaments, like
many others. The ornaments that adorn the tree are thanks to
the Valley Manor Elementary School Kindergarten classes.
If you take the time to look closely there is something else
one may find upon the decorated baubles. Names, genders,
and ages of children from Community Youth Care Workers
are engraved in
the
ornaments.
“I decided to ask
the
Kindergarten
classes to decorate
the ornaments so
that it might create
an opportunity for
the children to learn
the importance of
helping others, and
the true meaning of
Christmas. While
most
children,
including my own,
are focused on
their Santa lists and
what they want for
Christmas, it gives
us the opportunity
to teach them that
Christmas is also
about
giving,”
stated
Margaret
Nicholls, founder of
‘the Giving Tree.’
[email protected]
WWW.KELLYBLOCKMP.CA
Blessed
Christmas
Greetings
The idea is to have people who are out doing their
Christmas shopping come and take an ornament from the
tree. They will then shop for an appropriate Christmas
present suited to the information found on the ornament
picked. The gift will then be wrapped and placed back
under the tree, and the giver may then place the ornament
on their own tree at home as a reminder that Christmas is
all about giving and deeds that allow others to smile.
On the 21st of December this operation will be
wrapped up for the season, and Nicholls will collect the
gifts and drop them off to the children of the programs
involved. “As a mother of three young children, I have
always wanted to do more to help other kids but never
quite knew how to go about doing it. I found through
talking to others that so many people felt the same way,”
says Nicholls.
‘The Giving Tree’ is the perfect way to contribute
by supplying local children with a happy Christmas.
Come and join in the festivities and grab an ornament
from the tree, and remember that there is no greater gift
than giving.
ABOVE: An example of the ornaments that adorn The Giving
Tree at Canadian Tire. (Ciara O’Reilly)
ABOVE: The Giving Tree, located at Martensville’s Canadian
Tire location. (Ciara O’Reilly)
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