Remember being a kid on Christmas morning. Lying in bed awake for what felt like hours until you could finally get up, race down the hall and see what Santa had left under the tree.

I have fond memories of Christmas mornings. One in particular when I was eight years old and got a shiny blue bike with a white banana seat.  My Dad patiently brought it outside and watched me go up and down the snow laden street with glee while my Mom watched out the window warning us of the cold and donning hot chocolate to warm us up.  There’s no doubt about it those early experiences shape who we are.

And for that reason and in honour of my Dad my holiday donation is going to Big Brothers Big Sisters.  My Dad was a big brother whose relationship with his little brother continued until he passed away this fall. Over the years my Dad took his little brother Vince under his wing; canoeing at the cottage, sharing in the joy of his Studebaker car he restored, and inspiring his artistic talent (which lead to self publishing two comic books).

As a big sister and now having the opportunity to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact a caring adult has on a child. We often think of children on the other side of the world needing our help and while this is true, the kids in our own back yard need support too.  

So this holiday season, take a trip down memory lane and see Christmas with wonder through the eyes of a child and do your utmost to maintain that joy through 2012.

Best wishes to you and your family this holiday season,

Shelley