Consider the less fortunate this Christmas

The Salvation Army, the Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society (BVHS) and other charitable organisations that look out for the less fortunate are doing their best to spread some Christmas cheer at this time of year.

 

Just recently, the BVHS held its annual “Love Day” for the homeless fair in Queen’s Park, and persons in dire need received a hot meal, clothes and food stuff, and they even had access to health tests, hair-cuts and much more. 

 

The Salvation Army just distributed 2000 Christmas hampers to the less fortunate and such an effort is to be commended. 

 

I am sure there are a number of other charitable organisations who are stepping up to the plate to spread love and care for those who are most in need during this festive season as well.

 

Now whilst we look to these organisations to do their part, ordinary citizens can also look into the communities in which they live and operate and do their part to assist the needy during this time. I have come to realise that there are so many things we take for granted in this life, like having the basics such as food, water and shelter or even a loving family. 

 

However, we only have to look around and consider those who are  less   fortunate than ourselves and we will come to realise that the seemingly little things we tend to gloss over, are big things for such persons.

 

Not sure where to start? Well, we can consider the elderly at Christmas, especially those who have been placed in Senior Citizens Home or those who are shut-in. Think about the single parent struggling to make ends meet. Rather than sitting back and judging that person, we can reach out and make an offer to give the kids a Christmas gift or to sponsor Christmas lunch.

 

Our families may not be in the “less fortunate” category, for those of us who are able to keep our heads above water, but if we look around we will notice that there are so many broken and dysfunctional families in Barbados. While we can’t help them all, we can lend a helping hand where possible.

 

We should also consider that there may be some folks who may be feeling “less than fortunate” as they have lost loved ones and they may miss them more around this time of year. And as other families settle down to celebrate and have a grand time, in their corner they are secretly wishing that they had more time to spend with their grandmother, grandfather, mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt or uncle or even a cousin who has passed.

 

So amidst the festivities, please look around and make a determination to brighten someone’s Christmas season. Remember, a little love and cheer can certainly make a world of difference at this time of year.