Erin Fletcher
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 24/02) - Yellowknife is the place to be for those spending the holidays alone.

Volunteers, families and strong community support help alleviate seasonal loneliness and despair often experienced in other communities said Aven Manor recreation aide Wanda Penner.

"Lots of family come in," said Penner of Aven Manor. "I can't see any loneliness...I saw more loneliness in Edmonton than here."

Crafts, family dinners and road trips keeps the hands and heads of the 29 long-term care facility occupants busy all year.

Services like those offered at the Salvation Army also contribute to making the season bright.

The organization hosts a Christmas Eve candlelight service, a dinner on Christmas Day and a community gathering New Year's Eve.

But loneliness is still a problem for a few people, said director of community development Maj. Karen Hoeft.

"We know there is a lot more loneliness," she said of the season.

But despair is a more common problem. The over-commercialization of Christmas is frustrating for those who have little because they don't fit in.

Alcohol is often used to drown the frustration.

Yellowknife Health and Social Services has seen an increase of reported alcohol abuse resulting in child neglect over the past few weeks, said Les Harrison, director of community and family services.

The department assists families with difficult issues like alcohol abuse. And when the holidays roll around alcohol flows more freely, tempting those who can't handle it.

"This time of year is really important for families to be together so don't use this time to increase your drinking if you are struggling with drinking. Get it together and stay sober for the kids' sake," said Harrison.

However, he says Yellowknife is a great place to get help.

"In this place people really band together and are really supportive to others."