Prince George, B.C.-  When Darlene Thorne  received  the  donation request letter from the BC Schizophrenia Society  of Prince George,  she knew she  could make a difference.

The Society was looking for donations  for its holiday dinner and dance for the members of its Activity Centre for Empowerment (A.C.E.).  That  event, which includes dinner, a dance and gifts, may be the only Christmas celebration  for  many  who attend.

The letter brought back  childhood memories for Thorne, whose late mother had  suffered with schizophrenia.  For many years,  the illness had gone undiagnosed.  There  were Christmases when there were no presents, no Christmas dinner.

” We all know that Christmas is a time for family and friends and more so a time to reflect” says Thorne, “It’s the time of year that reminds us that we can make a bigger difference in someone’s life whether in the form of volunteering or making a donation.”

Darlene  Thorne  launched her own “campaign of giving” in memory  of  her mother, Gina Hinsley.

So, with help from family, friends and clients of her business the “Nail Cellar” she launched her campaign.   Ten days later, she and daughter Chelsey arrived at A.C.E. with more than $2000 in cash donations, $740.00 in gift cards and over $1000 worth of other gifts and non-perishable food items.

The Schizophrenic Society of Prince George says it was a “Christmas miracle”.

In a statement issued this morning, the Society says “These gifts along with all the other donations and gifts we have from the generous people of Prince George, will make this season’s celebration for the special people of A.C.E. a ‘ miracle to remember’. “