Stonehill Alumni Help Give Wounded Soldiers a Christmas to Remember
December 18, 2009
While the Stonehill campus is bustling with holiday festivities and fundraisers, alumni of the College are also doing their part to spread holiday cheer and help make this season a special one for those in need. One extraordinary example of this outpouring of support comes from Gerald '56 and Dolores '58 Carrier. Last year, the couple launched its foundation Christmas Can Cure in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps give families of wounded soldiers a Christmas to remember.
The Carriers' goal is to provide the families with the quintessential old-fashioned New England Christmas by inviting them to stay in their hometown of Jackson, New Hampshire, located in the heart of the White Mountains.
"Christmas Can Cure was formed with the belief that, for some, the holiday season brings out the very best in people, while in other circumstances, the pressure to provide that perfect Christmas can also bring out some of the most difficult emotions. The pressures associated with returning from service and physical recovery can make the spirit of Christmas difficult, if not impossible to embrace. By granting that family in need a perfect (hopefully white) Christmas, perhaps that sadness becomes glee, fear becomes pride, depression becomes enthusiasm, and the holiday can give them the fresh start they need in the new year. Then, just maybe, the magic of Christmas can start the healing process in their lives and perhaps Christmas Can Cure," states the Carriers in their mission statement.
Last year, the Carriers welcomed two families of U.S. soldiers to Jackson, where they took part in several Christmas festivities like sleigh rides, skiing, cookie and ornament making, and much more.
This year, the Carriers are welcoming three new families to Jackson. Like last year, this year's itinerary includes a flag raising ceremony at the Jackson town offices on December 18th and a flag lowering ceremony on the 22nd when the families depart.
"Last December, the Christmas Can Cure participants, the Mitchell and Cortinas families, were presented with the flags that flew over the town offices during their stay. They kept the flags for a year but were asked to pass them on to this year's families and if desired, to include a note, detailing their White Mountain Christmas," explains Dr. Carrier.
The program is also expanding to Park City, Utah this year, where the Carriers' son Andre is spearheading the effort with his long-time friend Greg Lee. Two families will stay in Park City Dec. 18-22nd.
"We're very excited to have the Park City community on board as our second host town for many reasons. Not only is it one of the great ski towns, but it's also home to the National Ability Center (NAC), the world's premier rehabilitation and outreach facility for many men and woman living with disabilities," says Dr. Carrier.
The Carriers are quick to note the Christmas Can Cure project would not be possible without the help of several volunteers and donations. To show their appreciation, the Carrier Family will recognize individuals who are working behind the scenes and assisting with the program at a special reception next week.
"We never dreamed this would become what it has. God has been so good to our family we wanted to give something back by helping others. To find out that so many others want to help as well has been such a blessing," notes Dr. Carrier.
Contact
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