For years, Pat Patterson received forms allowing her to apply for the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund.
"But I was usually able to get by and never wanted to do that," explained the 56-year-old, who lives on social assistance. Then this year Patterson's mother, whose lives with her, fell and broke her hip and then fell again and broke her knee. The 86-year-old is now in hospital, and Patterson is stretched to the breaking point as well.
"When something like that happens, you want to give your mom a little extra, and the only place to take from is the food budget. I also have to renew my driver's licence in February, so it's going to be a tight year."
Reluctantly, but very gratefully, Patterson accepted the offer of help this month and is so happy she wants to tell the world. "Because I'm not sure everyone knows how special this is.
"Christmas is a time when I like to stop worrying about what I don't have and be thankful for all I do," she said simply. "This will help me do that. I could get by on Kraft dinner, but it's so nice to have a real meal with my brother. I'm hoping mom will be home too, although it's not looking good."
Patterson, who has dissociative identity (multiple personality) disorder, has had her ups and downs.
"I'm a lot better, and so I do volunteer driving now. I am contributing and it makes me feel better. And I think the people I drive really like me too, because I try to be cheerful. For me, the glass is always half full -- a little better than half actually."
She works for Saanich Volunteer Services Society, taking people to appointments or shopping. "Sometimes they're frightened so I go into the store with them. They like the one-on-one attention."
She did receive another sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund voucher a few years back, and it was a life-saver.
"My mother has celiac disease and a milk allergy, so a voucher is better than a hamper because I can choose food she can eat," she said.
And this year's assistance is a godsend, she said. "At first I felt guilty accepting help. I held off till I really needed it."
Besides buying Christmas dinner, it will allow her to stock up on tins of food. "It will help reduce stress, and we all know that stress can spoil the best times."
Last year, donors to the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund gave more than $250,000, which helped 2,300 households with Christmas dinner and gifts for the children.
