The Lieutenant Governor's 2009 Holiday Message

TORONTO , Dec. 23 /CNW/ - On this Christmas Day 2009, I want to wish you all the very best of the season. This is a time of family, celebration, reflection and renewal. It is also an opportunity to assist the less fortunate among us.

As I look back on the year, my thoughts turn to a warm day in July when I visited several groups who help the homeless including Youth Unlimited, the Salvation Army Gateway, Sanctuary and the Yonge Street Mission.

I was also deeply moved when I participated in the Scott Mission's Remembrance Day Ceremony for homeless veterans who, having served Canada , fell on hard times and now live on the streets. They and other homeless people are helped by the Mission.

At this time of year it is important to remember those in need and do what we can to help them. Let us remember as well, those serving as peacekeepers around the world or in harm's way in Afghanistan .

May I also take this time to extend a warm invitation for you to join us at the Lieutenant Governor 's New Year's Levee. The Levee will be held in Toronto , in the Lieutenant Governor 's Suite at Queen's Park on Friday January 1st between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. We look forward to meeting you there.

As The Queen's representative in Ontario, I wish you all Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, and a very Merry Christmas!

For further information: Nanda Casucci-Byrne, Office of the Lieutenant Governor, [phone], www.lt.gov.on.ca