Our Challenge for December

The year 2007 is quickly coming to an end and we are all busy getting ready for the upcoming holiday. We are lucky to live in communities within Canada which provide us with a safe place to live, healthcare for all, and many other amazing opportunities. Unfortunately for many in our world, these opportunites are few. During this holiday season, take time to reflect and remember all the things in your life which you are grateful for. We all have stresses and strifes, but in reality they are few compared to our neighbors around the world.

In the spirit of this holiday season, our last and final challenge, is to help those in other countries who have been devestated by war or natural disasters. As with our challenge for November, we are urging you to help us gather donations for the Mennonite Central Committee. These items will be used to make "relief kits" for those around the world. A list of items will be provided below.

There are three ways that you can donate. 1) contact Megan or Amanda to pick up your donations 2) Bring your donations directly to the MCC on Fraser Street (across from John Oliver Secondary) or 3) come and celebrate the holiday season at our "Donations Party" (details to come).

Help end 2007 in the spirit of giving....and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. xoxoxo

RELIEF KIT DONATIONS:

Relief kits will be sent to families in Iraq, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Honduras, and Venezuela.

Contents (NEW items only)
4 bars bath soap (110-140g / 4-5oz, in wrappers)
1 plastic bottle shampoo (380-710ml / 13-24oz; place bottle in a resealable plastic bag)
10 cups powdered laundry detergent (double bag in 4 liter / 1 gallon resealable plastic bags)
1 squeeze-tube toothpaste (minimum 130ml / 6oz; leave in box)
4 adult-size toothbrushes (leave in packaging)
4 new bath towels (medium weight, dark color)
1 hairbrush (remove packaging)
1 comb (20cm / 8")
1 fingernail clipper
1 box adhesive bandages (minimum 40, assorted)
1 package sanitary pads (18-24 thin maxi or ultra thin)

Yellowbird Foundation Silent Online Auction

Message sent by Candice - East Coast Challenger

I just wanted to let all of you lovely people know about this year's Yellowbird Foundation Silent Online Auction. It's a great way to shop for Christmas presents, or for yourself, and all the money goes to charity!

The Yellowbird Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that builds education facilites and provides resources for people in the Carribbean - it's all about giving back to the destinations we enjoy as vacationers.

To view and bid on the auction visit http://www.yellowbirdfoundation.com/. There are gift certificates for hotel accommodation, raptors tickets and even tickets to Madrid.

Check it out!