Re: ‘Higher-earning families part of St. Albert’s appeal,’ Gazette, April 3.
After reading the letter written by Chris and Karleena Perry, I was shocked and dismayed. Their views on the less fortunate people in our society are both short-sighted and appalling.
As a child and young adult, I grew up in St. Albert in a one-income household. My dad was an amazing teacher but certainly not the ‘high-income earners’ that this letter speaks of. That said, I came home each and every day at lunchtime for a hot meal and some quality time with my siblings and mother, participated in church activities and sports, and played with my many friends (despite my income status).
I was taught the importance of volunteer work and how it is not what you have, but the people and relationships that surround you, that matters. My wonderful parents showed me that it’s how you take care of your family and the values you teach them, not how much money you make, how big your house is, or what possessions you have that truly matter in life.
As I look to start my own family, I hope that I can surround them with positive, kind, caring, and compassionate neighbours, friends and relatives. As a former St. Albert citizen, I remain hopeful that the views expressed in the Perrys’ letter is do not represent the pervasive attitudes of this community and that we, as a society will strive to teach our children the values of compassion and understanding versus that of material possessions.
Erin Blackburn (nee Zalasky), Edmonton
