Another December has flown by. I am hoping you all had a wonderful Christmas enjoyed with friends and family. As holiday season is still in gear, keep in mind the road and weather conditions while travelling and stay safe out there.
The Secret Santa campaign and volunteer assembly night was another success. Forty-one volunteers showed up to assemble, wrap and deliver hampers to those in our community in need. Thirty-five families or individuals in the community were on that list. Volunteers got to choose from a variety of gifts laid out, as well as add to the food hampers that were also in starting phases. In addition, live wreaths donated from Delta Co-op were given to each recipient. One can't underestimate the commitment and dedication volunteer directors, Sharon Riou and Sandra Kelly, put into this project. Right from setting up collection depots in various locations in town, regularly picking up from these collection depots, to the day where they spend numerous hours cleaning up the last of the collection depots, shop for the vacancies on their list, arrange the gift cards and groceries and then transport everything to the hall to lay out for volunteers to assemble each hamper. It is another project that demonstrates Christmas and community spirit and the power of our volunteers in town.
UPS tried something a little different this year. Dec. 20, rather than traditional Christmas concert, a family fun night was held hosting sleigh rides, family photos and photos with Santa, rocks and rings, street hockey, bingo, cookie decorating, Santa's workshop and three different ways to help out local charities in town. From the smiles that were everywhere, it appears to have been a hit.
The Unity Legion, in one of their fastest selling lotto ticket draws, pulled the names for their Rider merchandise draw. Neil and Alice Wood won first prize of a Rider helmet autographed by George Reed and Don Narcisse. Second prize of a Cameco touchdown for dreams hoodie and $100 was won by Lee Mamer and Stan Moncrief captured third prize of $100.
KC Rescue was very pleased with the donations of baking as well as the supporters of their Dec. 20 bake sale.
Hockey will still be ongoing at the rink, even with the Christmas break. For a full schedule of arena events, see the town website or come down to the rink and check the schedule posted.
For the curling rink, the new year brings plenty of action as a variety of bonspiels are held regularly as part of competitions leading up to provincial events as well as the annual men's, ladies' and Oilmen's spiels that take place each year. Jan. 4 - 6 is a Senior Men's and Women's Cash spiel. Senior men's regionals will take place Feb. 1 - 3rd and weekends after this will be full of bonspiels. Call the curling club at 228-2212 if you need any further details.
There will be a come and go tea for Dr. Danel Ungerer who, along with her husband Robert, have welcomed twin boys Joshua and Christian. It is at the New Horizons Hall from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 6.
Sarcan is closed between Christmas and New Year's. Save up those recyclables for the bottle drive for the Grad Class of 2013, who will be canvassing door to door Jan. 3 and 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Coming up in the new year, the Lions will be selling tickets for their Valentine's events featuring The Hot Tamales. Watch for posters and more details.
Coffee row folks haven't met regularly as many of them are still enjoying their Christmas company. Those who are in attendance are beginning New Year's resolutions discussions. So you see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week, happy new year, everyone. I wish you all much health and happiness in 2013!
