Holyrood councillor offered unfair characterization of local facilities

Regarding The Shoreline News Article, dated May 5, “King calls for new Holyrood Rec Centre.” Councillor Sadie King’s plea for a new community centre in Holyrood, while laudable in itself, takes some unfair shots at organizations such as the Star of the Sea and the Royal Canadian Legion.

To state that there is “no place to hold a celebration of life, no place for birthday parties, family reunions, social events for seniors or for anybody” flies in the face of the very tenets these organizations stand for.

The Star of the Sea and the Royal Canadian Legion sponsor birthday parties, family reunions, social events and a myriad of other activities not just for those with “deep pockets” but for everybody. These organizations are staffed by volunteers whose efforts keep them functioning. But like any business organization there are operational costs that have to be covered. Hence, the need for rental fees and food charges.

It is interesting to know that the group Councillor King represents is called Active for Life. Well, for many volunteers who join the Star of the Sea or the Legion, they also become Active for Life, the former for personal health and fitness and the latter for the betterment of the community. The Star of the Sea has done this now for 121 years, offering dedicated service to the Community of Holyrood.

Terry Smith

President,

Star of the Sea Association, Holyrood