About a year ago, there was an article in The Citizen featuring the Gift of Hope charity, in which I was interviewed. The article highlighted what the charity is about, what its needs are for donations, and spoke of the importance of Gift of Hope in my life.
I wanted to write in this year to say a few things that happened because of last year's article.
I spoke of the annual Christmas party that Gift of Hope throws each year, and I confided that I'd never been able to attend because I couldn't afford to.
Someone kindly called the charity and sponsored my ticket, so for the first time ever I was able to attend. It was a wonderful experience, one I doubt I'll ever forget, and I'm ever so grateful for that person's generosity.
Also, I've since learned that several other people called Gift of Hope wanting to help me attend the party after reading the article, and therefore many more people were able to attend the Christmas party with sponsored tickets. People in situations very similar to mine.
That accomplishment is what I am most proud of, most grateful for.
Gift of Hope exists for people with mental health issues. The holiday season can be a difficult time when you struggle with any aspect of believing in yourself.
Thank you for featuring that article last year. Thank you for the experience it gave me and several other people. Thank you for the many extra donations it brought in to the charity.
Thank you for the hopes and spirit it served to help uplift. I'm grateful still to this day.
Elise Brown
Prince George
