Sparks live up to promise

The 1st Bridgetown Sparks take their Sparks Promise seriously: “I promise to share and to be a friend.�

This year they decided that rather than exchange Christmas gifts, they would buy food for the Bridgetown and Area Food Bank.

Tom Porter, food bank treasure, welcomed the gift of food.

"The need is there all year long but especially at this time as we head into the winter months,� he said. “This year the Food Bank has had to undergo an additional burden due to having to relocate.�

Sparks is a two-year program for five- and six-year-olds, as part of the Girl Guides of Canada. Usually, they meet for one hour on a weekly basis in groups of about 10 to 15 girls. There are at least two leaders at each meeting and girls are supervised at a ratio of one leader or helper for every five girls.

Sparks are involved in many different activities as part of the Spark program: They learn about themselves, learn to be a friend, are active outdoors, play games, do crafts, sing songs, learn to respect and protect the environment, have fun and much more. Through sharing, girls take their first step in learning about service to others and a commitment to their community.

Outdoor activities, including camping, are emphasized to foster a love of nature and a caring attitude towards the environment.

The food bank donation recently was a manifestation of what they are learning.

The food bank is now located in the Bridgetown Development Centre, 26 Bay Road.

“We hope this will be our home for as long as the food bank is needed by our community,� said Porter. “The move and the renovation costs have seriously eaten into the monies that are required to purchase food, however the people of Bridgetown and area have been generous in the past and the board and volunteers look forward to serving those requiring our services in the New Year."