The Morgan Jayne Project has had an exciting winter with a string of successes.
    Recently, its campaign to fill the Christmas wish list was met head on by residents who polished off the list. They were able to send nearly two and a half tons of packages to the make a brighter Christmas and a brighter future for some of the poorest of the poor in the western hemisphere.
    The gifts have arrived on the island in time for its annual Christmas party.
    While it was a monumental task, the support for the project and its main focus of supplying infant formula to help stop the transmission of HIV and aids from mother to child is also strong.
    In October volunteers spearheaded a grass roots campaign to make sure no penny was lonely. It caught fire and there were donation boxes at businesses all over the valley collecting loose change. In all, the campaign raised $540.
    Last weekend a brave contingent of volunteers had the opportunity to host a barbecue and collect the proceeds. The event raised $175, despite temperatures dropping to -22 degrees Celsius.

    Last week, allegations of abuse at Prairie Bible Institute (PBI) became known to the media after a survivor came forward with her story.
    PBI in Three Hills was established in 1922 and is now facing allegations dating back several years.
    The Calgary Herald reported that Linda Fossen, 53, a former student filed a complaint with the RCMP alleging years of sexual abuse at the hands of her father, a former employee of the school. She attended her class reunion in 2006 and came forward with her story of abuse, and found that she was not alone.
    She published a book on her experience and says she has since heard stories from about 80 former students.
    On November 15, Mark Maxwell, president of PBI issued a statement on the institution’s web site. It says the school will cooperate with the RCMP.
    “To the extent of our information, the incidents in question date back several decades, and the individuals purportedly involved are no longer at Prairie. Nevertheless, we feel it is appropriate to respond and to emphasize our commitment to seeking truth and transparency,” states the letter.
    The institution has selected a board member to be the point of contact of the school for individuals who feel they have been abused by a Prairie staff member while enrolled at the school, and prefer not to take the allegation to the police.
    “The board recognizes the seriousness of any potential allegations and would desire to achieve healing and reconciliation,” states the letter.