The Community Support Society has awarded recognition to 17 local people who were nominated through Gold Boxes found at several local stores. Each nominee has helped members of our community who have been victims of crime, or have been supporting those who are dealing with grief and loss.
“Originally, the grant was to be for victims of crime, but it changed along the way to include those who were hurting, many who were nominated were helping people grieving or experiencing loss. Unfortunately this was very relevant in our community at the time of the granting.” said Teresa McCausland, Executive Director of the CSS. “To stand up for somebody who has been a victim, especially in such a small community, means going up against family and friends, and the perpetrators family and friends. There are a few brave individuals who risk standing alone with these victims.”
“It’s not an easy place to be in, but otherwise the victims would just suffer in silence,” continues McCausland. “People who have been victimized feel alone and this was to acknowledge those who stand with victims. The community nominated these people and we couldn’t pick just one, so we split the funding in order to recognize everyone who was nominated.”
Every nominee will receive a $55 gift certificate to either Swan ’Goose, the Co-op, Tru Value, or Moore’s Market, as well as a spirit kit, containing some thoughtful items for when you might be down; “a Hershey’s Kiss for when you need it” is one such item.
Maria Spuxanm Savard-Tweedie, who works with the Bella Coola Victim Assistance Program, perhaps summarized it best “The importance of having people remember that using your heart and not having to be paid for it is priceless in and of itself.”
Congratulations and a big thanks to some of our great community members: Andre Brind’Amour, Caitlin Thompson, Claire Prong, Dona Grace-Campbell, Fawn Gunderson, Frank Tallio Jr, Gwen Pollard, Lance Nelson, Lorna George, Mike George, Paul Grace-Campbell, Sandie McLaurin, Shauna DeGrace, Tara Nelson, Teresa Hood, Tim DeGrace, and Wanda Apps-Edgar.