The holidays can be a stressful time of year. Amid the chaos of crowds, traffic, and last-minute shopping, it’s easy to get caught up in “the doing” and lose sight of “the why”. At least this has been my experience; however this year, in the span of only a few hours, all of that changed.
This was my first year volunteering for the Christmas party sponsored by Lake Aid, Secours Populaire and Collectif Rom. I had no idea what to expect, and absolutely no clue as to how to make myself useful when over a hundred kids and their parents starting pouring into the room.
Fortunately, seasoned volunteers from the three organisations had seen to everything. Lake Aid secured two large motor coaches to transport the children and their parents to and from the venue. Collectif Rom contacted the Roma families that are living in makeshift camps in and around Annecy, and Secours Populaire organised refreshments and entertainment on the main stage including clowns, jugglers, men on stilts and live music. Kids sang and showed off their dance moves, including traditional dances from their native countries as well as Christmas songs.
Lake Aid also organised and furnished materials for nine different activity stations where kids created greeting cards and tree ornaments using brightly colored paper, festive stickers, color crayons and fluorescent pens in silver and gold. Corks and Play-Doh were used to fashion all sorts of creative holiday decorations. Kids got their faces painted, their pictures taken and some even managed to enjoy quiet time in the story-telling corner. Secours Populaire, aided by contributions from volunteers, wrapped presents and distributed them to each and every child who attended the party. Père Noël was also a very popular figure as he handed out candy to the children throughout the afternoon!
I volunteered helping kids make greeting cards and Christmas ornaments. One by one the children would step reluctantly up to our table, clutching their parent’s hand, not knowing what to expect. All of that changed the instant they went to work on their creations. As I watched these little faces filled with apprehension become transformed in the process of creating something beautiful, I was reminded of the true spirit of Christmas.
What I loved most about participating in this event was the act of coming together to bring joy into the lives of people who have so little. Kids laughing and dancing, parents brimming with pride as their children presented them their creations, gratitude in all directions as both volunteers and participants shared in the spirit of giving.
When I put my volunteer badge on and walked up to my station, I did not feel all that different from the children I greeted shortly afterward. But just like those kids, the minute I started helping them and sharing in their experience, I got into the spirit and my apprehension melted away. THIS is why Christmas time is so special. The true joy lies in the giving.
The overwhelming success of this year’s Christmas party would not have been possible without the hard work of all of our volunteers. Special thanks to the volunteers who drove from Courchevel and Meribel, along with Courchevel’s New Generation Ski School volunteers.
As the holiday season presents an opportunity to give, please consider making a donation to Lake Aid. The Christmas party is one of many events and outreach projects that Lake Aid provides for families in need. Your generosity is the foundation of our efforts, and we are grateful for whatever assistance you can provide.
You must be logged in to post a comment.