Small Blessings during the Christmas season
Christmas is a busy time for all in the Maritime Division, regardless of your age. For the children at Small Blessings Early Childhood Development Centre, the month of December was filled with concerts, celebrations, and lessons about the spirit of the season.
Earlier this month, Small Blessings hosted parents, grandparents and other guests for its 22nd annual Christmas concert. Approximately 500 people attended the concert and the luncheon that followed to help kick-off the Christmas season.
This year, two staff members were also honoured for their 20 years of service with Small Blessings. Brian Black started as a casual cook and after 20 years is still providing quality meals to everyone at Small Blessings. Lorraine Veysey started as a fill-in Director 20 years ago and today still serves as Director of the centre.
Another holiday highlight for the kids at Small Blessings was playing host to the residents of Lakeview Manor, a long-term care home (nursing home) in Riverview, NB, operated by The Salvation Army. Often the children from Small Blessings travel to Lakeview Manor for a visit, but the roles were reversed this Christmas, giving the folks at Lakeview Manor a special outing to take in the Small Blessings Christmas concert. At the end of the entertainment, the children gave each senior a Christmas card that was made by them, thanking them for coming and sharing in their Christmas. It was a very special time for both the children and the seniors.
For the past six years, Small Blessings has been participating in the Angel Tags gift program through Moncton Community and Family Services. This year, parents were asked to bring their children, with their gift, to the sanctuary where a special tree was set up. While the parent explained to the child the meaning of the program and the importance of giving to others, the child could personally put the tag on the tree and place the specially chosen gift under the tree. Thanks to the families of Small Blessings, a number of toys were provided to CFS for their Christmas efforts.
Above, staff members at Small Blessings receive 20-year service recognition. In the first photo, Brian Black, second from left, receives congratulations from (left to right) Major Vida Ryan, Major Stan Folkins and Small Blessings Director Lorraine Veysey. In the second photo, Lorraine Veysey receives congratulations from Major Stan Folkins and Major Vida Ryan. Below, a selection of photos from Small Blessings Christmas events.
