Who Gives ..... East Gwillimbury? Remembrance Day ceremonies are different this year, but the sentiment is the same
Who Gives……...East Gwillimbury?
This month I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to wear your poppy to remember and honour the men and women who serve our country. You can pick up a poppy at many local businesses throughout East Gwillimbury and make a donation. In 2018 the www.legion.ca reported that 19 million poppies were distributed and over $15 million dollars was donated. This money goes directly to support veterans and their families.
I recently had a great conversation with fellow Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Recipient and long-time friend of my family Cathy Morton. You may know Cathy in role as a long running councillor for the town of East Gwillimbury. She wears many hats such as the Mount Albert Legion President and recently was appointed Deputy Zone Commander with the legion. In this phone call she mentioned that she was flipping through the 7th edition of the military remembrance book where several of Cathy’s own relatives were listed. Karl Lees( great uncle), Len Brown (uncle) and Horace Brown ( grandfather) was listed. She also mentioned that we have veterans from East Gwillimbury: John Ross, Walter English, Clifford Fairborn, Hank Sharp, Georald Wheeler, Napoleon Quesnell and thousands of others will be honoured at upcoming remembrance day ceremonies. On Nov 8 in Mount Albert and November 11, at 10:30 a.m., at the Civic Centre, 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon. For more information check out the Legion and the town of East Gwillimbury website. You can help spread the word on social media using this hashtag #getyourpoppy posting a photo of wearing your poppy. Since Covid I have said in conversations many times that I am so thankful to live in Canada. If you can’t attend a ceremony, consider participating in the 2 minutes of silence at 11am on November 11 to remember those that were lost for our freedom.
Have you heard people say that we are in a war against covid and our front-line workers are heroes, going to work? In many ways we are in a modern-day war against a deadly virus. Front line workers in high risk settings are risking their health and the health of their families by going to work. Have you ever thought “what can I do to help?” Well first is follow your local health board guidelines. We are all in this together and your decisions are affecting your community. Do you have a friend or neighbour who is working at Southlake, a local retirement home, a paramedic, fire, police and even a teacher to my eye are all professions that are hero’s given the current situation. Why not say thank you and do something special for them. Like ordering them flowers or a take-out meal to get delivered to their home. My best friend who had a difficult week working in a retirement home that was in breakouts. I had gone online and ordered a family meal that was delivered to her home. It was easy to do and it helped a restaurant. She was able to come home and spend a few more minutes with her kids that night. Janice Dent from Rose Pro Located in Mount Albert mentioned that she had an anonymous order placed to thank and support the teachers at Mount Albert Public School. For many of us including me schools being open plays a critical part in our life’s and I’m so thankful that they are able to open safely.
These are just a few simple things you can do to show appreciation to our local heroes and support local business at the same time. It’s the little things we do that make a big difference.
This November even though we are living through a crisis and our lives have not yet returned to normal. We have so much to be thankful for and lets all show our appreciation to those that sacrificed for us.
Do you have a great give back story in East Gwillimbury? Lets celebrate those people, community groups and businesses that make East Gwillimbury a better place. Email Who.Gives.Eg@gmail.com or comment below