Bridges, trails, volunteers and even politicians: What you're thankful for

Photos: OWL Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society/Facebook; D-Visions, Matthew Collingwood/Shutterstock; Tyler Olsen

It’s that Thanksgiving time of year—or was, a little more than a week ago, when we asked readers what they’re thankful for this year.

Some touched on local organizations and places. Others are grateful for fundamental parts of their lives. And some singled out specific people in the community.

Today, we share your thanks.

I am so grateful for all the farmers who provide us with such an amazing array of fresh things to eat. We are lucky to live in the Chilliwack area. - Glenys Grimsdick

Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and Abbotsford’s duplicate bridge clubs run by Lois Mazeran and Jim Garnier. The challenge of competitive bridge is enormous plus it’s great fun. Being well into my 80’s it’s something I can still compete in with some semblance of success. - Eve Jensen

Thankful for The SPCA, water that I can drink from the tap, safe sky, the CAF, freedom and most of all, my family. - Kim Macleod

The Vedder River trails - forever grateful! - Jane

This morning I am grateful for The Fraser Valley Current and their talented writers, You are inspirational, humorous and knowledgeable. - Marie (Editor: One of these comments comes from the editor’s mothers, but it’s not this one. Thanks Marie!)

Chilliwack City Council, because they are doing a great job of refreshing our city. The downtown area is amazing and they have not forgotten parks throughout the area by adding the cement flowerbeds! And we have not heard of any disagreements between the members of THIS group, which seems to be quite a feat in this political era! - Dee Mainer

The events to mark Orange Shirt Day on September 30th, hosted by the City of Abbotsford. It was creative, dynamic, and engaging for people of all ages. Absolutely brilliant. I hear they plan to do this again next year.....it is one of the best things I have experienced in this community during the 10 years I have lived here. - Kate Jordan

Nature the creator did a wonderful job so colourful. - HB

Super thankful for our Central Heights Church in Abbotsford. Their worship teams and pastors are so focused on helping us draw nearer God. The preschool volunteers are amazing too! - Sheila Bailey

My health and my family - Anonymous

I am thankful for all the people who make up the organization known as Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF), who do so much good in the most difficult areas of the world, without proselytizing or discriminating in any way. - Sara Shadbolt

My job because I enjoy going to work everyday. It’s also rewarding and fun. - Chris

Our business LLT LLP - Casey Langbroek

I am thankful for my family and my good health. Without these 2 my life would be sooooo different. - Annie

My grandkids! They make me feel loved,wanted and needed. And they are soooo much fun! - Grandma Julie (Editor: Hi mom.)

Loving family and friends. - Terry H

So very thankful for my spouse Dr. Francis Horne Sr Thankful for his unconditional love in sharing this journey together. I am blessed, living my best life with him, every day His prayer for gratitude: Creator, Gratitude for everything, good, bad or otherwise Gratitude for good people Gratitude for people with bad behaviors, I will learn from them all in a good way Thank you Creator Thank you Angels Thank you Ancestors Thank you Grandmothers and Grandfathers. - Brenda Horne

The strangers who return my smile as we pass each other on the street or in a store. + Amber Price, Owner of Bookman Stores, She has been the catalyst in the revitalizing of the downtown core of Chilliwack. She continues to make positive changes to our small city. - Penny

I don’t mean to sound religious, but my Heavenly Father. He’s been my strength for all my life, but especially since I lost my husband. - Sherrie

I am grateful everyday because we live better than kings of old. Our systems are not perfect but I can think of tougher places. I am grateful that Canadians help globally and locally. - Marion

I’m thankful for my employer and in particular my direct leadership team because for the first time in my career I feel like my opinions matter. It’s truly a collaborative approach to decision making and problem solving…. I am proud to be part of Archway Community Services. - Peg Marr

I am grateful always for the peace to think freely in my mind. To gather thoughts without oppression or imposition. I can choose to put down my gadget and live in this moment, to be very very present. - Anonymous

The WaterWealth Project - Dave Stephen

Special Olympics because it is wonderful exercise, socialization, making friends, etc. for mentally challenged persons. - Anonymous

For friends. - Anonymous.

I am thankful for friends who stick with me in good and bad times. - Margreet Schon

I am thankful to have been born in Canada and the beneficiary of public education and free health care. We are able to express our opinions and not worry about being "disappeared". Living in Canada is a little like winning the lottery. Sure, there are a lot of things that could be better but my life has been blessed by the opportunity to live in a free, safe and democratic society. - Roberta Kawasaki

Thankful that my European family came to Canada and that we live here - Karen McDonald

Fraser Valley Regional Library. - Anonymous

I am so very thankful to be a Canadian. - Beverly

I’m thankful for my family and the freedoms we enjoy in a country not at war. + I’m thankful for freedom to worship without fear of reprisals. - Irene

Family, friends and neighbours. Those you can trust for help and advice in this ever changing world. - Bev Staeheli

Health care providers, who continue to do their best through some awkward times. - Anonymous

All the organizations in the Lower Mainland that rescue, rehabilitate and release injured and orphaned wildlife. (Critter Care Wildlife Society, Wildlife Rescue Association, OWL Wildlife Rehabilitation, Elizabeth's Wildlife Recovery Centre to name a few) There are so many volunteers who give their time to this great cause. - Anonymous

I am thankful for so many things, its hard to narrow down. I am so very thankful to be living in Canada because it still ranks high as a very desirable place to live. We did a cross country road trip earlier this year and it was amazing, we are so fortunate. The people we met along our way were so wonderful. I am also truly thankful for my family and friends who lift my spirit and feed my need for human connection. - Janet W.

The blonde lady at the Chilliwack Bottle Depot. She has to be the world’s nicest person. - Karen Saenger

(Editor: We read this and had to know more. Watch The Current for an interview with, as Karen put it, the World’s Nicest Person!)

I’m truly thankful for having an unfailingly positive and generous readership willing to share their thoughts, show their appreciation—and also understand when we make an error along the way. - Tyler O.