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Pay it forward focus on Facebook

Christmas gifts to community encouraged in posting

Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) executive director Lisa De Paoli says a recent Facebook posting by Bobbi-Jo Dayman touched her heart.

In the posting, Dayman talks about her decision to support the CFEC, De Paoli adds.

"It was so heartfelt ... about how good it is to 'pay it forward' and how wonderful it is to receive help at this time a year. Something simple to us is a great gift to a family in need."

Dayman's comments on Facebook explain what her family gains from its gift-giving.

"Every year since our son was born, my husband and I have chosen to 'pay it forward' for our family Christmas gift," says Dayman in the post.

"We sponsor families to provide someone who may need a bit of faith passed their way during the holidays.

"Last year was our first holiday season living together here in the Cariboo, and we approached the [CFEC] with toy donations and offered sponsorship to a special family. We are doing it again for the 2014 season.

"Has anyone else considered this as your family gift option?

"We are blessed and fortunately in a place that allows us to help out during the holidays. It has taught our son a valuable lesson about philanthropy and community values.

"There is a great need in our community. I encourage anyone who can to please help out at 'home' with even a small donation to any one of our amazing community support agencies.

"A small thing may be the biggest thing that someone will receive. Merry Christmas."

Dayman says she posted this message because she never hears much about CFEC amongst the other local agencies that do get supported at Christmas.

"Debbra Williams [at CFEC] had told me there was still such a need this year especially. She was seeing a growing need in this community.

"With the mill downsizing [staff at West Fraser] and things like that, people who thought they had a more secure job don't.

"If somebody has a little extra this year they may want to 'pay it forward' in the community, so these families don't have to keep moving away. Why can't we show what a strong community 100 Mile House can be?"