Peace on earth, goodwill toward others embodies the spirit of the season.
This season, Cumberland Ready Mix, Hot Chocolates and 98.9 JET-FM have teamed up to promote awareness of the plight of the homeless in our community and raise funds to support the Comox Bay Care Society and its Care-A-Van.
Comox Bay Care provides shelter and Care-A-Van patrols the streets offering medical and dental care for those less fortunate. Both organizations need funds to operate so the decorated ready mix truck will be circulating in the evenings throughout the neighbourhoods of the Comox Valley bringing its lights and music to add enjoyment to the festive season.
Cumberland Ready Mix decided to do this because, in past years, people have offered the driver money and he/she has declined. This year the decision was made to raise money for charitable organizations and the homeless issue really touched everyone's hearts.
The weather in December is probably the worst time of the year to be outdoors, and when we hear recordings such as "'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house..." it really hits home that many don't have a house.
The Comox Bay Care Society and Care-A-Van were chosen because they have boots-on-the-ground, walking the talk. Instead of endless studies, they are actually providing housing and medical care to the most vulnerable members of society.
Hot Chocolates has provided special chocolate bars whose wrappers are printed with a picture of the lighted truck to give to donors and 98.9 Jet FM will broadcast the planned locations of the truck so residents will be aware of its location in the evening.
The truck has begun its tours of the communities, so keep an eye and an ear out for it. Sometimes the truck will be at shopping centres, otherwise it will be travelling through neighbourhoods, stopping so people can enjoy it and make a donation if they wish.