Dear Santa,
I’ve been a regular writer for some years now, so I’m sure you won’t be surprised to be receiving this missive. I’m back once again to make a few requests for the citizens of Salmon Arm.
You should already be aware of how much the local kids enjoy the playground equipment at Blackburn Park. The community, and notably the Rotary clubs, are still working to generate funds for the development of a spray park at the site, as well as adding a walking track and stationary fitness equipment. It seems the spray park is moving forward and this will be a real bonus for kids playing on hot days, especially since there is little shade at the moment.
It would be a real gift to local soccer players, who number in the hundreds, to have the new championship field completed.
And Santa, another thing that would be really great for all those who love to kick the ball around would be a little help to develop another option for indoor soccer. The current field in the old arena is functional, but shall we say, somewhat lacking, especially in the heat department. It can often be colder inside the building than it is outside and players are seen running around in toques and mitts to try and keep warm.
Santa, another way you could help out, would be to offer a little extra to all the volunteers in the community working to support some soon-to-be new residents of our city. These people are working hard to bring three to five Syrian refugee families to live in our city and these people will have a host of needs, both for the accoutrements of daily living and in supports to integrate into our community. Sprinkling some tolerance and compassion around the city wouldn’t hurt anyone either.
Now, Santa, you may have heard that there are some improvements planned to the Trans-Canada Highway west of town, including upgrades to the Salmon River Bridge, which has long appeared on this list. So if you had a little pull with that, thanks. But there’s another issue with the highway, smaller, but somewhat troublesome for many. The ruts in the highway at downtown intersections are really getting out of control. Crossing the highway at Shuswap Street is getting to feel like running over a cattle guard. Think you could persuade the ministry to do a little repair work so those riding in medical scooters or wheelchairs can cross safely?
Now Santa, this town has really gone all out to decorate and celebrate this season, but also has shown tremendous generosity in sharing their blessings with others who might be in need. Volunteers give hundreds of hours coaching children in sport, helping the needy, assisting seniors and raising money for medical equipment, literacy programs and all the hundreds of other good causes. We also open our hearts and our wallets when we hear of a family going through a tough time.
So be sure to offer a little extra in the stockings of those who make good things happen in our community all year long.
Merry Christmas.