Getting kids involved in sharing at Christmas, changing the narrative

One organization is offering families an opportunity to change the narrative and overcommercialization of the holidays with chickens, pigs, and fish.

Being a mother is a part of why Laura Kalmar is helping those less fortunate with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). 

"My daughter's birth was the best Christmas present I ever had. I remember bringing her home in her little car seat and sitting around the Christmas tree with the lights. Reflecting on the message of new life and hope," says the associate director of communications and donor relations at MCC Canada.

Kalmar is passionate about sharing this resource of generosity with her children. 

"It's hard to combat the messages you hear on social media and advertising about 'What gifts do you want this year and what's on your Christmas list?' To change the narrative and story a little bit to 'How can we give back?' because we have so much to be thankful for."

The online catalogue with MCC is one way Kalmar says she gets her children involved and encourages families to do the same. 

"Christmas is a hard season actually. Sometimes giving back helps that. There may be personal loss or circumstances that makes the holiday season really hard for people. I think this can change that story a little bit."

Giving back allows people to focus on the meaning of Christmas even more, according to Kalmar. 

"When you give a gift in honour of someone for that teacher or aunt and uncle who seem to have everything, by sending a card in the mail or ecard, (you are) letting them know you've given this gift in their honour."

With a few clicks of a button, people can choose how to bless less fortunate communities.

"Our Christmas giving guide has been available for many years and it's a great way for people to give back and connect their lives and generosity with people around the globe who may be in need or in a vulnerable situation this Christmas."

There are a whole host of different things and opportunities people can give to those in a tough spot this winter. 

"They can give a lantern to kids who might find it difficult to continue their studies when the sun goes down because they rely on sunlight. With these solar lanterns, they can continue their homework and studying," she says.

People can give a gift of health and well-being, especially during a pandemic that affects the whole world, like a latrine or handwashing with soap and clean water.

"As soon as the pandemic hit, MCC and our partners were really well-positioned to respond quickly, to pivot some of the things we've already been doing and ramp up our work for COVID-19 protection and prevention."

People in the communities can now wash their hands at different stations to stay healthy.

"A lot of people don't realize that the global pandemic has actually turned into a hunger pandemic. It's because with everything shut down, farmers aren't able to get to their fields, stores and resources aren't readily available."

Food and emergency relief have become critical at this time in third world countries. 

Through the catalogue, people can purchase things like fish, goats, chickens, pigs, fruit trees, and even help plant a garden in a community that needs it. 

"A lot of people love the animals because especially here in Manitoba we have such a generous farming community and we know people rely on farming and animals in other places in the world."

Kalmar says that there was a severe drought in Zambia earlier this year. 

"MCC is providing nutritious meals at schools and food items for households where the school is shut down and the kids can't get there," she says. 

The organization's reach is worldwide, specifically in countries such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bolivia.

"This is a way people here in Canada can connect their lives to people around the globe and I think it's a really neat way to share generosity and gifts we have with people who might need them."