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Spirit of giving

In an increasingly cynical world full of Grinches, two St. Albertans have provided a much-needed morale boost. Re/Max realtor Brian Cyr was quick to dig into his wallet recently to aid the St.

In an increasingly cynical world full of Grinches, two St. Albertans have provided a much-needed morale boost.

Re/Max realtor Brian Cyr was quick to dig into his wallet recently to aid the St. Albert Kinettes, a group struggling to collect enough food and toy donations to fill Christmas hampers to distribute to more than 300 needy families.

The situation was bleak, with the organization dipping into its own accounts to make up for the shortfall in supplies.

Cyr, who read about the dilemma in the Dec. 15 St. Albert Gazette, took immediate action, eager to ensure those in need didn’t go without during the holidays.

After surprising the group’s president with the offer of a $10,000 shopping spree, Cyr, with his wife and two sons in tow, headed to Walmart to meet several Kinettes keen to purchase toys and food, all of which was packed into a St. Albert Transit bus.

The shopping spree was a spontaneous decision by a St. Albertan eager to share the joy of the holidays with strangers.

Cyr said he wanted to make a difference in his community and indeed he has.

Ensuring the hamper campaign achieved its goal means a merrier Christmas for hundreds of families and eases the financial burden placed on the Kinettes, who were overwhelmed by Cyr’s altruism.

The generosity of the businessman, dubbed a “Christmas angel,” is heartwarming and inspiring. It offers hope at a time when Albertans can use it.

Cyr said the spur-of-the-moment shopping spree was a “life-changing experience,” especially for his children who witnessed their father’s determination to pay it forward.

Cyr is the second St. Albert businessman this month who has garnered attention for his giving spirit.

Jason Roe, owner of ROE Roofing & Exteriors, provided an early Christmas present to homeowner Elaine Reimer by covering the cost of a roofing project.

Reimer had hired the company to repair a roof that had been leaking for five months.

The cost estimate issued in the fall was pegged at $3,000.

But before the repairs could be done, the woman lost her job.

Roe said he felt bad for Reimer, who had called to cancel the planned roof upgrade due to financial constraints.

Instead of scrapping the repairs, Roe, whose company gives back to the community every Christmas, chose to play Santa and replace the roof for free. The project was completed on Dec. 8.

All Roe has asked of a grateful Reimer is to “pay it forward,” something she has promised to do.

These displays of kindness will hopefully not only resonate with those who were helped, but with other city residents who, after being bombarded on a daily basis with news of economic woes, criminal activity and other assorted troubles, might be less inclined to step up to assist their fellow St. Albertans.

As we enjoy the merriment of the festive season and look ahead to the new year, consider following the example set by Cyr and Reimer, a pair of problem-solvers with big hearts, the 2018 Mayor’s Philanthropy Award winners John and Terri Farlinger, and the many giving people in this city who you may not read about in this newspaper.

There is always room for more goodwill and you set an example for us all.

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