The Holidays are a time when we get together with our loved ones to give thanks for the year just ending while looking forward with optimism to the year ahead.

Christmas is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate than us, and reach out to people in need. There are many worthy community, religious and charitable groups in the Niagara and Hamilton area that deserve our support.

In the West Niagara community we have organizations like Community Care of West Niagara in Beamsville (905-563-5822), the Grimsby Benevolent Fund Food Bank (905-309-5664), West Lincoln Community Care (905-957-5882) and Pelham Cares (905 892-5300). And in the Stoney Creek and Glanbrook communities we have organizations like Glanbrook Community Food Bank (905-692-3781), Hamilton Food Share (905-664-9065) and Stoney Creek Community Foodbank (905-664-2252‎).

Of course there are also the Lions and Lionesses, Kinsmen and Kinettes, and many other local community groups and clubs that always do wonderful work and would surely welcome an extra pair of hands this time of year.

I am always moved to see so many families doing their part to give back to the community and help the most vulnerable among us. And I want to thank those families for giving back.

We are truly fortunate to live in one of the safest, healthiest and most prosperous countries in the entire world. I count myself privileged to have the opportunity to represent you as your local Member of Provincial Parliament.

Debbie, our daughter Miller, and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas with good health and prosperity in the year ahead.

NEW YEAR’S LEVEES

I also hope you will join me at my annual New Year’s Levee on Sunday, Jan. 3. My Niagara area levee will be held at Angel’s Gate Winery (www.angelsgatewinery.com) in Beamsville, which offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment all year round (4260 Mountainview Road) from 3:30-5:00 p.m.

For the third straight year, the Glanbrook area levee will be held at the popular Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (www.warplane.com) in Mount Hope (9280 Airport Road) from 1:00PM to 2:30PM in the museum’s Dofasco Dome. The museum offers an interactive learning experience of Canada’s military aviation history, and features a collection of more than two dozen aircraft.

As always, the levee is free for the public to attend.

There will be light refreshments for your enjoyment. I would also ask that you consider bringing a non-perishable food item for our local charities.

New Year’s Levees are always a wonderful opportunity to connect with families, catch up on holiday news, and look forward to the opportunities of the year ahead. I hope to see you there.