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> Reah u Reachout-f 5r.somieone thiere SFor most people, the holidays bring joy, ectmn t nd a chance to reconnect with family and firiends. î For somte, however, the festive season is anything but. 1Factors such as mental illness, depression, anxiety over issues such as finances, stress at work or grief over Iosing a Ioved one can seem to be magnlfied. ISorne people find it difficult to see through their trou- bles to find the light and warmth the season promises. >We're pleased to see that our community is becoming increasingly attuned to the needs ofotchers, particu- Iarly at times that can prôve most difficuit such as the holidays. A variety of places of worship offer support and special resources, such as outreach programs and Blue Christmas services that trade the hustie and bus- tie of théebolidays for quiet reflection. Schools, service clubs and volunteers reach out to those who may need a helping hand. They do so in many ways, including donations, in the hope of offer- ing comfort and peace during the festive season. The needs of others are top of mi, and members of the communlity act accordingly. Contrary to a long-held myth, however, the number of incidents of death by suicide doesn't rise during the holidays. In a report recently published on its website, the Cen- tre for Addiction and Mental Health detailed the re- suits of a recent survey that for the first time included questions about suicide. The response îndicated that 2.2 per cent, translating to about 230,000 individuals across Ontario, had seriously contemplated taking their own life in 2013. Some 7.1 per cent of survey re- spondents, rated their own mental health as poor. The numbers reflect a significant public health issue - every month of the year. Our wish this Christmas is to send a message to ail those who are strugglîng or know someone who is: those samie resources, that goodwill and support that are evident throughout December, continue through- out the year. Last week, the Champion and insidehalton.comi fea- tured a compilation of many local resources that can offer meaningful help over the holidays and beyond. We included a video online in which a handful. of those agencies' representatives took time to 'intro- duce'themselves and extend the offer of help. Our hope.is that by bringipig the resources to our readers, those who may need or want to avail them- selves of those avenues of assistance, can do so. As well, others who may wonder how they can assist an individual or famlly they see ta be In need, but don't know where to turn, can find someone to ask for help. Most of ail, wie viant to get the message out that the resources are heme at home, and those who need to reach them, must do Just that. Rural Roots The Nassagaweya Crest was designed by local artist Elizabeth Hoey in 1967. Reeve W Coulter explained: "It was time the township attained an identity With regional govern- ment loorng large on the horizon, wlio kriows how long Nassagaweya will last as a township." The Latin motto translates as «Labour In Peace." The symbols on the shield depict the townships agriculture, forests, wîldhfe and rock deposits while the central lines depict the two watersheds of the township. The name "Nassagaweya" cornes from the Indian word meaning "Parting of the Waters." - Submitted by Nasagiwcya Historical Society Response to Champion's food a nd toy dive,.si r rhe Champion's holiday food and toy drive wrapped. up Fni- iay. rhe response om local residents and hampion staff r4as 50 amaz- ng, we advised he Salvation %rmy of Milton Karen Micill o make sure 'to Managing Editor )ring a truck big enough to accommo- date ail of the donations, which left the )Ins overflowing. Ne couldn't fit any more of the items irider the Champion's Chnis tmas tree, 50 Ive started storing the donations on our unch table, and that was sooni covered. % photo on page 16 shows just a fraction iply amazing of the food and toy items that came in. At this time of the year, there are dozens of food and toy drives organized in town by schools, businesses and various other groups. We have a good idea just how many there are because we publicize a lot of them, and vile often take photos when the items are presented to their charities. So it really touched me and others at the Champion that people took the time to come by our office with their donations to help those less fortunate this holiday season. Thanks to office co-ordinator Sharon Rowley for organizing the drive, but most of ail thank you to Milton residents for thei r generosity. 1 know 1 won't forget it. Karen Micel ton be reached at kmicei@mji- toncanadionchampIon.com otan Twitter@ ChampionEditor. pWdehabtn.com 555 Industriel OiIoe, Mliton, Ont L9T 5El M05-78-2341 Actvertlsing Fax: 905-876-2364 Ciassified.: 905-875-3300 Circulation: 905-878-5947 www.miltoncanadianchampion.com VP - Group Publisher ,NeO 1ver Regional Generai Manager Davl Harvey Director of Advertising Katy Letoumoau Editor in Chief JIl Davis, Halton Reglon Managing Editor Karen M"Ici Production Manager Manuel Garcla Crculation Director Charlene Hall Office Manager Sandy Pare The Canadian Champion, publlshed every Thursdal4 Is a divilsion of Metroland Media Group Ltd. Advertising is accepted on the condit ion that in the event of a typogiraphical errar, tlnat portion of the advertising sparce occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowanoe for signature, wll flot be charge<i for, but the balance of thse advertisement wili be paid for at the applicable rate. Thse publîsher reserves thse right ta categorize advertisements or decline. #«CA CCAS Audited Onai PCe Couei Recognlzed for excelence by Ontario Community _1ý_10cSNewspapers Association Canadian Community CCN Newspapers Association f Suburban Newspapers ofoSmrc The Canadlan champion lis a proud niedia sponsor for: ilahoo leatlvare 1 I 1. ingle Bell Fond MILTON SANTA CLAUS PARADE lW OF MILTON Gala Awards Te("ý 9