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) At the Wireless Age we’re here to listen to you. We call it... “unplugged and all in”