One of the most heart warming Christmas traditions in Drumheller began this week in zeal, it is time to make a wish come true.
    The Morgan Jayne Project is ramping up its Christmas Miracle campaign. The Christmas wish list from Familias Saludables in Roatan is out and already Fred Makowecki said the first wish has been granted.
    Every year the clinic sends out a wish list for families that would never normally receive anything for Christmas. These are families in one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, whose lives have been affected by AIDS. The list is long and the need is great. There are about 60 families on the list and each has their own tale.
    A description of one family reads, “This very resilient mom is raising her daughter as well as two grandchildren. Ashanti is 12 and still very much a little girl. She would like a snow cone maker (she saw one on TV) or something to make necklaces and crafts. She is a size 12. James is two now and likes big cars and trucks. He is a rough, tough little guy so please buy him something strong. He is a size 3. Evolit is a little princess; her grandma is helping raise her after her father was killed by Columbians. She is a size three and loves clothes, purses, and would like a princess blanket or suitcase.”
    Makowecki said the list maybe longer because of some donors in the United States, facing their own economic crisis, are not able to support the project as much. He adds that for every family on the list there are many more who could use the help.
    “We have asked for that list, but what people don’t realize there are lots of kids not on the list that we have to address. These are kids who are physically or sexually abused or come in after the list is done,” said Makowecki.
    He says for example if you look at the list and want to buy a gift for a young girl, he says don’t be discouraged if there is not one available in the letter.
    “We know that everything that comes to us will end up in a kid’s hand,” said Makowecki.
    They are hoping to have the packages wrapped and shipped by the end of October to arrive in time for Christmas.
    On top of the regular list there are other items that the clinic could aways use, including the Morgan Jayne projects bread and butter, infant formula. Cash is always needed, for the Christmas party and also for logistics. Makowecki asks those who donate to bear in mind that it literally costs thousands of dollars to ship the packages overseas.
    The list is available by going to www.themorganjayneproject.com or by checking out the Morgan Jayne Project’s Facebook page. Items can be dropped at Image Crafters in Drumheller.

The annual Morgan Jayne Project Christmas Wish list is being circulated. Organizers hope to have the gifts packed and ready to ship by the end of October.

    Albertans are being asked to give their two cents.
    The latest Government of Alberta initiative asking the opinions of Albertans is asking for help in determining the boundaries for spending, saving, and funding infrastructure  through public consultation.
    The initiative, dubbed Dollars and Sense, is being labeled as a way for Albertans to have their say in the province’s financial decisions.
    “Delivering on Premier Redford’s commitment, I will be leading a conversation about the government’s financial planning to ensure decisions are in line with Albertan priorities,” said Kyle Fawcett, Associate Minister of Finance, via press release. “Dollars and Sense delivers on this commitment. I hope people take the opportunity to share their opinions about how we can shape our province’s future prosperity.”
    The questions being asked include when the province should save, whether a dedicated account for infrastructure should be created, and what the Alberta Heritage Trust Fund should be used for.
    Dollars and Sense is another in a series of public consultations initiated by the provincial government. In the past year, Albertans were asked to share their opinions on property rights, health care, and electricity prices.
    Fawcett will host a series of panel discussions in Calgary and Edmonton until September 21.
    There is also an opportunity to participate online. A questionnaire, and the times and locations of the public meetings, can be found at www.dollarsandsense.alberta.ca.