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Cowichan Independent Living the heart of Christmas for hamper recipient

Thinking one was for my friend I chose a bag, but was told that indeed all three were for him.
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Cowichan Independent Living the heart of Christmas for hamper recipient

On the evening of Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, my wife and I and a friend were walking around town enjoying the City of Duncan light-up festivities. As we were walking down Craig Street, I noticed a slip of paper laying on the sidewalk. Out of curiosity I bent down to pick it up and saw that it was a request form for a food hamper sponsored by Cowichan Independent Living on First Street. I immediately thought of a friend of mine who I thought would be a deserving candidate for such a food hamper.

I took the request form home and filled it out on the weekend explaining why I thought my friend should be considere for the food hamper. On the Monday following I dorpped it off at the office of Cowichan Independent Living and was told that three hampers were to be given out this year. The next day I recieved a phone call telling me my application on behalf of my friend was accepted and I could pick up the hamper in a couple of weeks.

On Dec. 18 I went to the Cowichan Independent Living office to pick up the hamper and as I was led into their back room I saw three grocery style tote bags full to overflowing with all manner of items. Thinking one was for my friend I chose a bag, but was told that indeed all three were for him. I was amazed at their generosity.

I delivered the food hamper parcels to my friend’s apartment and watched with joy as he took each ietem out of the tote bag separately and marveled over each item. It was like watching a child on Christmas morning and I mean that in the kindest connotation possible. The bags were replete with items of the purely practical to items I can only describe as treats. The “treats” received the most attention and comments as could be expected from someone on a limited income.

In 1897, Francis Church, an editor for The Sun newspaper in New York City penned a letter in response to a young girl’s enquiry about Santa Claus. It is fondly remembered as “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”. Well. I say Santa Claus lives in the hearts and efforts of the staff, volunteers and donors at Cowichan Independent Living. Their generosity brightened the spirits and season of one of Cowichan Valley’s citizens and on behalf of my friend, I would like to express his overwhelming gratitude.

Thank you and God bless you all,

Cecil Thornewell

Duncan