Thanksgiving Day 2015
Once we have turned, pressed, poked and tapped that ubiquitous Pumpkin, and we made a final decision that it is truly the best of the bunch, it is then ceremoniously placed into the shopping cart…proud of our relentless search for perfection we make an about turn and begin the pursuit for the Thanksgiving beast. This synopsis is familiar to many of us at this time of year; Thanksgiving, a Canadian tradition with extensive historical roots. Many of us will have fond memories of family get-togethers, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, distant cousins and our immediate siblings. The women and daughters cooking from early morning in the kitchen, the men and boys throwing the football around in the yard or a game of shimmy on the frozen pond. The Thanksgiving table would be adorned with crisp fall linens, plates and cutlery all positioned regimentally at each guests place. The accoutrements of cranberry jam, homemade pickles, and warm buns coveted the empty spaces on the table. The center piece of Indian corn, out of shape gourds and dried maple leafs add the final touches to the harvest table. As the kitchen door swings open the smell of roast Turkey circles the air. Grandma carries the platter with the Turkey and places it on the table, ooh’s and ah’s fill the room, smiles are in abundance and chatter perpetuates through the festive air. When silence resumes, we hold hands and the blessing is said, bowing our heads we thank our maker for the food we are about eat , for friends and family and for those not so fortunate.
It’s this time of year that regrettably we forget the many families and individuals that have fallen on difficult times. Single mothers that strive desperately to clothe and provide food and medicine for their children. Homeless people that sleep in doorways, alleys and under bridges – ill equipped for the cold Alberta winters. The elderly that live alone and rely on ‘Meals on Wheels’ for substance as well as an ear to lament to. The Veterans whose sacrifices seems to have been forgotten, struggle to purchase nutritional food to sustain some molecule of dignity. But kudos to the individuals and groups within SAIT, like the Student Association that organize food banks for some less fortunate students. For the several SAIT schools that establish food drives for Veterans. Moreover, those individuals that go unnamed who give of their generous time to gather clothing – coats, gloves, toques and boots for the homeless and drive the streets to bring these well appreciated clothes to grateful individuals. SAIT people are generous with their time and resources, SAIT management are supportive of commitments to help the unfortunate of our community and college.
While the fall weather remains cooperative, and we marvel at natures color pallet of changing foliage. And as we sit down this Thanksgiving with our families to enjoy the fruits of our labor, be mindful of those folks that are alone and less fortunate.
James McWilliams
SAFA President