The MHA for Burgeo-LaPoile understands Christmas won’t be the same for many residents in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, but he says the people are resilient.

It’s been a tough and emotional few months for residents of the southwest coast who bore the brunt of Fiona’s fury in late September.

Still for all, Andrew Parsons says, area residents have shown great strength.

As one affected resident told him, “you can take away a house, you can take away belongings, but if you have family around you, you can’t take away memories.” He hopes that people, no matter where they are, will find a way to celebrate with their family and loved ones and realize that “this is truly what matters.”