KENORA – Leaders Ledger – By the time you’re reading this, Christmas will be less than one week away. It’s a season of caring and sharing and a time to visit friends and family, some of whom you may not see any other time during the year.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family and very Merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year.
While there have been challenges and frustrations that have continued through 2012, there are many new opportunities that are coming our way and I am truly optimistic about the opportunities the new year will bring.
It is with this in mind I hope that you will take comfort in knowing good times are ahead. I hope you will use the next few days to focus on the positive and truly enjoy the time you have to spend with your friends, family and other loved ones because it is truly important.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who came out to my nine open houses across the region in Dryden, Red Lake, Kenora, Fort Frances, Rainy River, Ignace, Ear Falls, Pickle Lake and Sioux Lookout. I really appreciate being able to hear your stories and to have the opportunity to speak with you directly about the issues that are important to you. I would also like to thank all of those who made donations to the Support Our Economy Food Drive and the winners, whom as of writing had not yet been drawn. I am truly grateful that all of you made the effort to help those in our communities in need and it truly warms my heart to see such an overwhelming response to this initiative.
I would also like to thank those who made an extra effort to shop locally this holiday season. Your decision to support Northwestern Ontario businesses has a recurring positive impact on our local economy and ensures that not only your family but other families can have a merry Christmas as a result of the jobs these actions help support.
Finally I would like to thank all the organizers of the parades, craft shows, teas and bazaars and other great holiday events that took place in our region. Over the past few weeks I have thoroughly enjoyed attending dozens of these events and am always impressed not only by the outstanding quality of locally crafted items, baked goods and local meat and produce but also by the sense of community these type of events help to foster. It is your efforts that help make the Christmas Season extra special and I would like to thank each and every volunteer who dedicated their time to ensuring that these events are an overwhelming success.
From my family to yours I would like to wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. All the best in 2013!
Sarah Campbell, MPP
Kenora-Rainy River
