Minnedosa Tribune
WONDERMENT
DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE
Two-year-old Xavier Fleury viewed the array of Christmas giftware on the shelves at the Minnedosa Pharmacy with wide eyed wonderment on the morning of Friday, Nov. 29, as his parents looked for their own gift ideas. With less than three weeks to go before youngsters rejoice in Christmas Day chaos, there is no better time to visit local businesses and/or craft marts to find that gift for a special someone.
Giving spirit shines bright across the region
As fundraising events overflow across the region, festive examples of giving are alive and well this holiday season. Sandy Lake’s Karen Shindruk is leading by example with her creative and heartfelt initiative to support Christmas Cheer. For the second year in a row, Shindruk has crafted live outdoor Christmas arrangements, with all
proceeds going directly to Christmas Cheer efforts in Erickson, Onanole, and Sandy Lake.
“I have had enough orders that I will be donating around $600 to Christmas Cheer this year,” she exclaimed.
Shindruk’s passion for Christmas stems from her deep faith and desire to give back.
“I love Christmas because of the most amazing gift that was given to us through Jesus,” she explained.
“God has blessed me in so many ways, and I love to give back to families that are finding it hard to make ends meet.”
This generous spirit is a family affair; last year, she also bought gifts for a family through Christmas Cheer and involved her nine-yearold grandson in shopping for the family.
“It was a great way to teach him about the most beautiful gift of giving,” Shindruk added. “He gets to
be a part of it through what I do.”
In addition to Shindruk’s efforts, the region is busy with even more community spirit. At Parkway Coop locations, including Rossburn, their Food Bank Advent Calendar invites residents to contribute daily essentials to location donation boxes, like cereal and peanut butter.
“This initiative not only helps stock the shelves of our local food banks but also fosters a sense of unity and compassion,” stated Park-
way Co-op General Manager Conrad Nabess. “It’s amazing to see our communities come together to share the true spirit of the season – giving and caring for one another.”
Complementing this, Shoal Lake’s Bigway, Strathclair Grocery, and Oak-Site Foods launched a food drive, offering shoppers the option to purchase and donate items directly to Christmas Cheer.
RACHEAL FLINTOFT Minnedosa Tribune