Hodgepodge
Charlie’s Christmas Angel list
By Charlie Hodge
One of the nicest things in my warped columnist world is occasional conversations with readers who feel welcome enough to contact me. Most often they are cherish able chats which lead to chuckles during or after the conversation. I had just such a charming call earlier this week.
On Nov. 22 Natalie Perrino and Kathleen North were leaving a restaurant in West Kelowna when Natalie took a nasty tumble. “After I fell down a couple of gentlemen in a service vehicle stopped and helped me up,” Natalie said when nominating them as angels for the Charlie’s Christmas Angel list.
“Kathleen took a fall after I did and they helped her get up as well.” Natalie could not recall the name of the restaurant nor the service vehicle however we concluded, “they would know who they were.”
Thanks for caring and sharing Natalie.
Doug Whittle nominates Gloria Jean Simmons.
“She’s only been in Kelowna a few years and was finding it difficult to meet people so she wrote a small add in the newspaper asking if anyone was interested in meeting at the Spaghetti factory for a ‘Dine and Chat’ session. Gloria had eight people the first day and 16 the following week. We now meet at the Sandman Inn with about 50 plus followers. I asked her last week how many were on the list and she said over 300 names. She only started the club in February. And she really is a great lady. She should be on your list.”
She is now Doug.
Sharon Christiansen named Jill Fai. No reason and none needed.
Nicole, Ralph, Jesse and Levi Zaiser nominate, “a host of Angels at Save On, Mission, too many to name each one here, working hard yet took time to remember us with their many heartfelt thoughts and prayers and their many generous gifts. All very much appreciated in our time of need, as Ralph is recovering from the very recent loss of his right leg. Thank you and God Bless you all, you wonderful Angels! XOXOXOXO.”
Dawna Mulock writes, “Due to medical issues this past year I relied heavily on assistance from others. Two little girls Gabriella Pruden age 11 and Daisy Miles age 6 rose to the occasion. These children never missed a beat. Their warm big smiles accompanied with love, homemade posters, cards, visits and treats will never be forgotten. Gabby and Daisy you are my angels and I thank God for you.”
AME Hot lunch Coordinator Bobby-Jo writes, ” At AME we have a Baba (grandma in Croatian) that volunteers relentlessly two times a week. She knows all the children’s names and gives her gift of time year after year! (Clearly her kids are way too old for elementary so she must have a great grandchild there). How fantastic to see her every week sharing her warm smiles and wisdom with the children.”
Brad Perrault nominated neighbour Joyce. “We live in a townhouse community called Sandringham. I call it a community because Joyce is the one who makes it a community. She is always looking out for all of her neighbours. Either by looking after our place when we are gone, bringing in our garbage/ recycling bins, shovelling peoples walks, going to care homes to sit with people to keep them company, baking us treats, welcoming new people to the community etc. Even though she is in her 80’s she is an energy bunny. She has more energy, spirit and kindness than anyone I have met. If well all lived by the values Joyce embodies the world would be a better place 10 fold! I strive to be a better person in my community because of Joyce! She has made me feel welcome since the day I moved to the complex. She is an angel indeed! Cheers.”
Debbie Gamache also nominates her neighbour. “Janis Fisher took us in into her house in the summer when we had a flood in our place and had nowhere else to go as the tourist season took up all the hotel rooms. I am sure it was a difficult transition from living alone to having a family with two special needs children living under her roof. Janis is a special person and we are grateful for her kindness and her dog Zoey, whom brings comfort to our family!”
Meanwhile Ken Woodward nominates Patricia Wong, owner of Mad Mango Cafe.
“My wife, Wendy, and I have been going to Mad Mango for many years. I still remember fondly how, after only eating there once, Pat remembered what we wanted the next time we went there, even after several weeks had passed! We ate at Mad Mango today and, despite not having been there since springtime, as soon as we walked in the door Pat greeted us with a big smile and said, ‘two veggie curry rice bowls’ – our usual meals. Very cool. Pat always makes us feel welcome and valued whenever we pop into Mad Mango. She is a big part of what draws us downtown.”
That’s it folks. The rest will have to run next week.
