It’s been an amazing transformation at the Salvation Army over the past few years to better serve their clients. Also amazing is just how much positive impact the organization and the church have on our community: well over $1 million in food distributed, and over 9,000 volunteer hours last year.
A positive sign is that intake for services has been down 12 per cent in the first month of 2013. A huge thank you to Captains Claudine and Randy Kadonaga and to all the volunteers for the wonderful work you do on behalf of the community.
I’m excited that we will welcome a new Chief Administrative Officer in March.
I know Don DeGagne will be a great addition to City administration and to the community. I encourage everyone to help us extend a warm welcome. A big thank you to Geoff Goodall, who has been our Acting CAO for the past few months, and to our staff and residents, for the hard work and patience as we transition to a new CAO.
I’ve visited a few new businesses in the past few weeks, including Bloom ‘n’ Gifts, Hear Clear, and the newly re-opened Comer Station Pub. It is so inspiring to see people follow their dreams, take the plunge, and open a business. It’s also a very positive economic sign for the city.
Congratulations to the Williams Lake Stampeders, who advanced to the playoff semifinals Saturday. It was great to see our old Timberwolves billet Drew Rose play strong defence for Lac La Hache.
The City has put together a Q & A to answer questions on the fire protection issue. Check it out on the City’s website at www.williamslake.ca.
Be sure to come down to the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex to celebrate the first Family Day in B.C. Monday with a free skate, free swim, free hot chocolate and hot dogs, and free skate rentals. The City is grateful to the province for a grant to make this possible. Have an incredible Family Day!
Kerry Cook is the mayor of Williams Lake.