British Columbia is undeniably in the depths of winter, and for many that could mean the depths of despair. It's easy to savour a foul mood under low clouds, shoveling endless loads of heavy, wet snow, only to slip or get soaked on someone else's uncleared sidewalk.
And it's easy to sneer at the well-meaning friend attempting to force a bright side upon us on such grey days. Victor Hugo seemed the sort when he said: "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face."It's one thing to tell someone to cheer up; it's another entirely to do something to brighten a person's day.
In the midst of such dismal weather, residents have been gathering in pockets throughout the community to spread a spirit of generosity and compassion. Although Squamish is well-known for its volunteerism and charity, this week seemed an especially heartwarming one in the Sea to Sky.This week The Chief reported on a student project to fix the town clock, a Valentine's Day "fun"draiser for the women's shelter, a volunteer-driven bicycle recycling program for under-privileged kids, a concert in support of a recovery house, and the food bank's launch of a fundraiser along with council's approval of a $15,000 grant to help out. There's also the launch of the Heart and Stroke Foundation fundraising campaign being held door to door and in offices and shops across town.
Perhaps the most heartwarming event this week was the spontaneous, open-armed welcome of Britannia Beach residents and business owners who kept the grills cooking, and the hot chocolate and conversation flowing while travellers waited out a messy accident. And you can bet that with every cup poured, burger served and pleasant small-talk exchanged, Britannia shone a little brighter for visitors and residents alike.
This may well be the secret of surviving the winter doldrums: get out there and help out someone worse off. Or at the very least, take advantage of an opportunity to be of service if called upon. It's almost guaranteed to take the edge off the harshness of this dead of winter.
