The holiday season is upon us! This time of year always feels a little more like magic as decorations brighten up stores and windowfronts, Christmas songs play through the radio, and everyone you see seems to have an extra dose of holiday cheer.
Season's Greetings from Miller DKI
Christmas is a time filled with festive parties, gift exchanges between friends, family and co-workers. As the masses hit the stores in search of that perfect gift for their loved ones, we're reminded of family and friends and how much they mean to us. The holidays are often a time for sending cards with well wishes for the year to come, and we'd like to take a minute to wish all of our clients, friends, and family a magical holiday and a very happy new year! We are thankful for all that our clients have entrusted us with over the past year, and we look forward to providing the best assistance we can offer in the future as well.
A Joyous Holiday
The holidays, for many, are a time filled with decorating, cookie baking, and fun traditions such as picking out the perfect tree or watching Miracle on 34th Street while drinking cocoa. And while these are tremendously fun ways to celebrate the holiday season, it's important to remember that the holidays are about so much more, and many here in Niagara don’t have the means to enjoy the aforementioned activities.
For all of us at Miller, it’s a time to tell those closest to us how much they mean to us. And it's a time to give back. Giving is an important part of Christmas for us, and we don’t just mean giving gifts to those on our list. It's a time to give to those in need in our community! From the leadership down, everyone at Miller DKI understands and appreciates all that a community does for its people and businesses that calls it home. We are proud to give back and be a part of something positive and meaningful in the community this holiday season.
Taking Care of the Community
We have been engaged in several programs over the years, giving financial assistance and volunteering our time and energy. As business owners, it's important that we give back to the St. Catharines and Niagara communities we call home. After all, without our community, we wouldn't be where we are today. We work to build a team that is caring and generous as well as hard working. This Christmas our staff plan to give the gift of time and financial aid to several charities that are doing so much good in the world.
Throughout the year, local charities make a huge difference in the lives of those in need. They are doing essential work, spreading kindness and warmth to a world in desperate need of it. There is a desperate need for practical items too, such as food and clothing. Which is why we have a list of charities we support on an ongoing basis and we wanted to share a bit about them, in case you'd also like to contribute to any of their causes this holiday season.
- Pelham Cares - Pelham Cares is more than a food bank; Since its formation in 1983, Pelham Cares has provided the community with a variety of valuable social service programs. They offer friendly visits to persons in the Pelham area, bringing food, personal hygiene products, and household items to those in need. The staff and volunteers are genuine and helpful, and extremely personable; the best kind of people. In addition to providing a listening ear, kind heart, and helpful products, Pelham Cares also provides transportation to medical appointments and sponsorship for youth to enable their participation in sports and educational activities. They are an amazing organization and we’re very proud to support them, especially during the holiday season when food and household items are needed more than ever.
- Bethlehem Housing & Support Services: Empty Bowls- In 1986, Bethlehem Housing was formed by a group of concerned citizens who saw the need for a transitional housing unit in St. Catharines. Together, a Christian outreach group, service agencies, and several churches came together with the Social Planning and Research council to help people turn their lives around. Bethlehem Housing officially opened its doors in 1988. Today, there are still several ways that you can get involved to help members of the community seek assistance and achieve personal growth. In addition to volunteering or donating, you can buy a ticket to the 15th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser: gourmet soups will be prepared by local chefs and served in one-of-a-kind bowls made by local potters. You’ll get to take this empty bowl home as a reminder of the people in our community who struggle to meet basic living needs daily. Tickets can be purchased on Bethlehem’s website.
- Gillian’s Place- As one of Ontario’s first shelters for women and children, Gillian’s Place seeks to empower women and children who are fleeing abusive circumstances. Their women-centered approach is committed to empowering women to make change in their lives, and to inspire changes in the community during the whole. The organization has been able to expand its facilities and services through the help of community initiatives; Gillian’s Place has space for 34 people, enough to provide privacy for women and children to heal, and four additional rooms for counselors, making it easier for women to access and receive the services they need. They are a haven for so many, and during the holiday season, we want to help ensure they have all the resources they need to provide and care for women in need of help and a place to stay.
- Project SHARE- Project SHARE opened its doors in 1989 under the names C.O.E.S (Coordinated Outreach Emergency Services). It wasn’t until 1992 that the organization become incorporated and adopted the name “SHARE” to stand for: support, housing, awareness, resources, and emergency. Project SHARE advocates the need to address short-term food shortages while implementing long-term solutions for food insecurity and adapting to changes within the community to getter mobilize resources. They’re passionate about interacting and collaborating with all members of the community and are working to ensure that those in poverty are not only treated with dignity and respect, but in making sure they also have a voice within the community. “Hunger doesn’t take a holiday,” so consider donating for their Christmas program, sign up for Coldest Night of the Year, or become a volunteer!
- Niagara Nutrition Partners - A much-needed initiative that provides coordinated nutrition programs in elementary and secondary schools, as well as community-based programs. This is an amazing organization that cares about kids and their health. They teach children about proper nutrition and instruct students on what they need to eat to help them excel in school and at home. They offer special assistance to help children who are food insecure by providing them with access to breakfast, snacks, and lunch that they might not be able to afford otherwise. And during the holidays, when parents scramble to get gifts for under the tree, you can help this organization keep food on the table.
So, while you're out shopping for those on your list, consider giving to those less fortunate who are in need of a safe place to stay or a warm meal. And of course, as always, we at Miller DKI are dedicated to serving you and your family during this holiday season. We hope your holidays are safe and filled with joy and laughter, but if disaster strikes, we are there for you and your family. Our team will still be on call 24 hours a day. We are here for our community, and here for you. If you'd like to learn more about our services, or the charities we are supporting this holiday season, please don't hesitate to contact us. We wish you the best of holidays, and a very happy new year!