A sample of what the snowflakes will look like for this year's campaign. (Submitted Photo/Catholic Family Services)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

Snowflake

Snowflake Campaign to raise funds for 15-person van

Nov 16, 2023 | 5:07 PM

Memories of snow will be falling on the office walls of the Catholic Family Services of the Battlefords Inc., shortly as the organization gears up for another Snowflake Campaign.

This year, they’ve got a large goal in mind: to purchase a 15-passenger van for their community program – part of their Supported Independent Living Program – that helps take clients around on community outings.

“It has been growing and we really appreciate that because our needs in the community have been growing too,” Executive Director Kim Morrison said.

The campaign, which will run until January, allows community members to make donations in whatever amount they’re able to give and dedicate snowflakes on behalf of loved ones. Morrison also noted seeing the growing number of flakes on the window year after year has been inspiring.

“It makes your heart feel warm when you walk by and see the snowflakes building up on the wall there, with people’s memories of who they loved on there,” she said.

PA Police

Charges dismissed against PA Police officer

35m ago

summer stories

Saskatchewan's own Nessie? The tale of the Turtle Lake Monster

56m ago

TIME TRAVEL, SORT OF

WATCH: Engines of the past roll through North Battleford

18h ago

The funds raised have historically gone towards other support programs within the organization including Strong Hearts, Strong Minds and Banana Split. The campaign has been a tradition for a number of years, and it began with, of all things, a simile.

“It started with the idea of snowflakes not just in winter but there’s that saying that ‘Snowflakes can be like kindness,’” said Morrison, further noting, snow like kindness spreads over everything.

The ultimate goal for the organization is to help the community and as the holidays can be a time of sorrow for some, this campaign offers a way to give hope to those in need of having their spirits lifted.

“It’s always hard when we lose somebody and we like to be able to remember them in positive ways.”

“The snowflake campaign helps turn our losses into helping others, which can help us heal as well.”

To donate to the 15-passenger van fund or other community programming, visit: https://www.battlefordscfs.ca/events/christmas_snowflake_campaign.html or phone the office: 306-445-6960.

—

julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @jls194864