It’s up to each of us if we want to help our neighbours

By Lethbridge Herald on April 1, 2023.

Editor:

After reading Alvin W. Shier’s letter on March 24 wanted to say I agree with you. It can be overwhelming all the different agencies asking for help. However, please bear in mind that during the last few months the UCP have waged a slash- and-burn prgram against nonprofits.

 So many have had to reduce their services or close down altogether. Take the recent example of the YWCA having to bow out of a project that would have helped women and children in need. 

The demand on food banks is exploding, the shelves are empty and some in this province have been forced to close. 

If government does not support non-profits then the burden is passed on to us. It is no one’s fault that they were born with or develop a physical or mental disability. It is no one’s fault that they got thrown out of work because of downsizing. And I agree we cannot help everyone. 

I have three main charities that I support, it is all I can do.  Sometimes that help does not need to take the form of monetary aid but in volunteering, like the folks you saw when leaving that store.

I have had three cancers; thankfully there were people who volunteered their time to support me and charities that helped with things like headscarves, wigs and medication.

 I am so thankful to the ladies at Tom Baker who brought tea, coffee and cookies to cancer patients. 

This was always the Canadian ethic, love thy neighbour.

Either government will take your taxes to do it or as in the case of Alberta, the government expects you to decide if you want to help a group or an individual. It’s up to you. 

Ruth Kereliuk

Lethbridge