The following letter to District of Squamish Mayor and Council was copied to The Chief for publication.

Dear Mr. Gardner and Members of Council,

Greetings of the Season. I wondered if you and other members of council are aware that recipients of Christmas Care hampers are inundated with religious paraphernalia, from a copy of the New Testament to invitations to "win prizes" by taking religious courses online, as well as other tracts and pamphlets urging them to join their religion. This does not seem right to me.

I don't think just because someone is poor and in such need that they put their name down for a Christmas hamper that they should be the victims of this kind of coercive behavior. Community Christmas Care was never meant to be an outlet for local churches to promote their beliefs.

I was one of the original committee that started CCC, and know this was never the intent. Just because church members are part of the organizers and workers does not give them the right to promote their religion in this way. And I'm sure that most of the donors are not aware of this either.

I hope something will be done about it before next year. Thank you for all you do for our town. I do appreciate your contribution.

Mary Billy

Squamish