Unity experienced some Christmas 鈥渘ormal鈥� with the Winterlites parade on Dec. 3 that brightened up all who experienced it. Thank you to the businesses and individuals who chose to create a float for this parade. I was one of the organizers of this event and have heard enthusiastic thanks from our seniors鈥� centres for ensuring the parade route passed by these locations.
Thank you also to the businesses who entered the Christmas tree decorating contest and window decorating contest. They have also brightened the COVID-19 Christmas experience.
Thank you to everyone who made contributions either at the 鈥淔ill the Truck鈥� initiative at Unity Motor Products or other collection depots around town. These efforts will go a long way to help make this Christmas a littler merrier for those who need a hand up this year. We also must thank the Secret Santa committee and food bank volunteers, as their efforts are appreciated this time of year.
The Community Cares Christmas mail campaign has been enthusiastically received. Thank you to everyone who took time to drop off ornaments, mail, treats and other items, as well as to those who sent letters and cards in the mail. I have heard back from several seniors鈥� centres asking to pass along thanks to those who chose to act on this request and to relate how many smiles this campaign has evoked.
The create-a-tree project saw their initial goal of 50 trees surpassed before deadline. Realty Executives team member, Kayla Meredith, and other volunteers, have delivered the mini trees. Long Term Care and Parkview Place say this heart-warming gesture has created smiles and happiness in their locations as residents felt the love from the community.
Unity Credit Union, in their annual service charge cash back rebate, chose to issue a certificate to members to be used at any of the merchants in Unity. The initiative represents a dividend to members with dual purpose 鈥戔�� put money back into the business community with members also benefitting from the payout.
While there won鈥檛 be an in-person carol festival you still have the opportunity to experience the joy of Christmas music at one of our community churches, but please check in on their capacity requirements and pandemic protocols before attending. Many of these church services are also available online. As well, the Heart to Home Facebook page has renewed a call for performers to share their musical renditions in the theme of Christmas.
Sadly the annual Christmas Service of Remembrance is another COVID-19 casualty. People are encouraged to reach out to their local churches to find in-house services this season or see what they are offering as a safe online option.
The museum fundraiser sponsored by Hollyhock鈥檚 Greenhouse is a big hit. Hand-crafted gnomes have been seen all over town. We can鈥檛 wait to see the final total.
St. Peter鈥檚 School have entered their faith studies for the season of Advent. With just six days of school left before Christmas break, they will continue work in their learning journey in spite of this year鈥檚 unusual circumstances.
Unity Public School has a number of Christmas spirit days in December including a door-decorating campaign as well as an outdoor sculpture event. The snow hills created by RoJet Contracting have been a big hit on the playground.
Unity Composite High School has had extracurricular activities put on pause by the division. Staff and students are making the last six days of school count before Christmas break.
There is no hockey to report as hockey games were also put on pause, although teams are still practising skill development in groups of eight with mandatory masks at all times, including on ice.
Unity Curling Club is also on pause until the government and Saskatchewan Health Authority deems that they can restart again.
Here鈥檚 hoping this finds you all safe, healthy and socially distanced. Until next week ...
