Imagine feeling invisible and uncared for at Christmas. Many locals with mental health issues live this way year round - and feel it most poignantly at this time of year. But one agency lifts spirits with gifts - and hope.
The Gift of Hope program brings a little seasonal joy into the lives of clients at the Prince George Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association with presents donated by local businesses and individuals.
One local woman understands what it's like to be downcast at Christmas and how it feels to receive the gift of hope.
"The volunteers for Gift of Hope are wonderful people and it's a program that has changed my life," said Elise Brown, 25.
"There was a time not long ago when I didn't have anyone to share Christmas with and the only present under my tree was the one I got through the Gift of Hope."
With her situation now improved, Brown volunteers where she once benefited from services.
"Now for the first time I have a full-time job," she said. "Now I can help others who are where I was not long ago."
Brown said she feels at home while volunteering at the Parkwood Mall warehouse where all the gifts are dropped off, assigned to clients and delivered.
"I feel OK here, there is no stigma like there might be in other places in the community," she said. "When I volunteer here I don't have to worry about judgment."
Penny Jones also volunteers at the warehouse. She takes her vacation to deliver the Gift of Hope, and brings her four children with her.
"We have two little rooms in the back and my kids nap there while we work," said Jones. "This is such an important program. I love it."
Brown said she saw one of Jones's children take her own present of a $25 gift card to the dollar store to buy presents for the Gift of Hope.
"It's just so special to have these wonderful people volunteer here," said Brown.
Brown said she volunteers at the Salvation Army too where people in need are assisted.
"People donate to the Salvation Army because they understand that need and it's nice to see people supporting the Gift of Hope more and more over the years. People might find it hard to understand people who have mental health issues. But we're just people."
Clients are invited to fill out an application form to participate in the Gift of Hope, which is in its 28th year of operation.
Clients were also invited to a Dec. 19 Christmas party at the Legion, where more than 200 people enjoyed dinner and dancing. And for the 200 more who were not able to attend, volunteers deliver presents right to their doors.
"Oh, I'm going to get teary," said Susan Armstrong, interim executive director at the CMHA's Prince George branch, as she described the reaction of those at the party.
"I'm new and this is the first time I have attended the Christmas party. I got to see adults beaming like seven-year-olds because they realized they are seen and heard and that's amazing."
The reactions are especially enthusiastic when the gifts are exactly what the clients hoped for.
"People can make a request on their application for a specific gift and we'll do our best to get it for them," said Armstrong, adding every effort is made to achieve as much gift-giving as possible.
"This event is completely a volunteer-driven effort. Even our staff puts in many volunteer hours so all the donations go directly to getting gifts for our clients."
