FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020
WEYBURN THIS WEEK - PAGE 7
Collection of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to take place
By Sabrina Kraft Collection days for the Operation Christmas Child program in Weyburn will be held at the Weyburn Free Methodist Church on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22 from 3 to 5 p .m. The Operation Christmas Child program for Weyburn and area have new area drop-off leads who are collecting shoeboxes this year. Marna and Kelt McManus took over the lead position from Bev Alexander, and had assisted Alexander during last year’s program to learn about their new positions. Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for Canadians to bless struggling children in the developing world by filling shoeboxes with toys,
hygiene items, school supplies, and other items. The annual program is held by Samaritan’s Purse. Residents who need empty boxes delivered to their home or organization can text their address to Kelt and Marna at 306891-8676 with the number of boxes and pamphlets required, or whether you’d like them flat or folded. “Some children like to colour the boxes before they fold them, and some adults like to cover them in Christmas gift wrap first,” said Marna. “As long as those bringing their boxes have their paperwork filled out in advance, collection should be contactless, but measures will be in place to ensure all goes safely and smoothly,” assured Kelt.
“The other thing that’s different this year is the location of collection will be at the northeast door of the Weyburn Free Methodist Church, the Fellowship Hall entrance,” he added. Filling the shoebox is no different this year, with the same rules in place, such as no candy and no liquids (including no toothpaste or hand sanitizer), with toys, school supplies, and shoes being encouraged. Find out more suggestions at https:// www.samaritanspurse.ca/ suggested-gifts/ “We encourage folks to pack shoeboxes this year as a way of reaching out in the spirit of Christmas,” said Kelt. “The gifts aren’t just a nice thing to do. They can actually make a big difference in the lives of the recipients.”
The school supplies and the shoes, for example, enable children to go to school, and, for many children in third world countries, the lack of shoes are the main obstacle. “Thanks in advance to anyone who would like to help us out this Saturday and Sunday to load the boxes onto the truck,” requested Marna. “Being in the other end of the church helps with safety, but it involves a bit more leg work with the boxes of boxes.” With the COVID-19 restrictions in mind, Marna and Kelt urge those interested in packing shoeboxes to keep it within their families, or small church groups. There is also an option to pack a shoebox online at https://packabox. samaritanspurse.ca.
Former exchange student Liza Biard updates Weyburn Rotary Club
A birthday toast
Photo 7796 — courtesy LIza Biard
Liza Biard of France raised a glass in celebration of her 20th birthday, held in October. Liza was a Rotary exchange student in Weyburn three years ago, and paid a virtual visit to the Weyburn Rotary Club via Zoom on Thursday.
Midale
By Greg Nikkel A former exchange student from France, Liza Biard, visited the Weyburn Rotary Club as part of their Zoom meeting, and updated members on her activities. She was in Weyburn for a year-long program as a student at the Weyburn Comprehensive about three years ago, including participating with the Crocus 80 youth theatre group who performed at the Theatre Saskatchewan provincial theatre festival hosted in Weyburn. Originally from Lorient, France, she noted she is living in another city in her second year of taking university courses. She has not yet decided on specialty courses yet, so her subjects are general right now, including French, English, Spanish, philosophy and Latin. “I think I’m going to spe-
cialize in languages in my third year, English and Spanish probably,” said Biard. She noted that France is back under a lockdown for COVID-19. “Everything is closed, except for schools, and my course is taking place in a high school. It’s a little bit weird, we have to wear masks all the time and we have to eat separately. It’s different, but it’s important and it’s neces-
sary,” said Biard. “It’s a stressful time.” She earned her driver’s licence over the summer, and told the Weyburn club she would love to take a flight over to visit in Weyburn “but it’s a little bit complicated.” Biard stayed on the meeting to hear a presentation by Andrew Crowe from the City of Weyburn on the culture and recrea-
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tion centre, the Credit Union Spark Centre, and she commented she was very impressed by the facility being built here. “I found the idea absolutely marvelous, to have sport and art reunited in one place. That’s such a good idea, it’s absolutely amazing,” she said, adding she hopes to be able to visit some time to see the new facility.
