To the Editor:

The Thompson Citizen and sponsors, volunteers and entertainers of the Old Fashioned Christmas Concert on Dec. 8 should be congratulated and thanked for their contribution to Thompson and the A Port in the Storm project.

Although the final tally is not in, I understand that close to $3,000 was raised to support the project. For those not aware, the project will provide affordable accommodation for Northern and rural people who need to be in Winnipeg for medical reasons. The up-to-date facility will focus on family accommodation at extremely low rates — similar to Ronald McDonald House, except it will be for adults and their families.

There is a parallel between A Port in the Storm and the reason for the Old Fashioned Christmas Concert. Organizers of the concert wanted to be sure that the birth of Christ was maintained as the central focus. It is interesting that Mary and Jesus had problems finding accommodation for their medical emergency, much the same as we have had problems finding accommodation in Winnipeg.

We hope that in only a few short years, our problems in finding affordable accommodation in Winnipeg will be lessened through A Port in the Storm. Thanks to events such as the Old Fashioned Christmas concert and the people who donated their talents, time, facilities, equipment and expertise, the day when we can put the shovel in the ground will come sooner, rather than later.

Penny Byer

A Port in the Storm

Northern region board member