It has been a very busy and productive year, and I want to sincerely thank all faculty. staff and students for your hard work and commitment to the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine. We can take great pride in the many accomplishments achieved by the Faculty in 2011.

While we count our blessings at this time of year, we also need to remember those less fortunate than us and do our part to make their holidays as joyous as our own. In the last few weeks, many faculty, staff and students from across campus have demonstrated their holiday spirit by helping those in need.

They have organized toy and food drives and fund-raised for charities such as Christmas Cheer Board, Koats for Kids and United Way. They have volunteered their lunch hours to collect donations for the Christmas Cheer Board, and they have volunteered at Winnipeg Harvest and to deliver Christmas hampers and toys to our inner-city community neighbours. Thanks to all of you for your generosity.

It is incumbent upon us to make our community a better place for everyone. The Faculty of Medicine, along with our faculty members, staff and students, have engaged with our inner-city community over the last year to continue or enhance valuable programs like the Inner-City Science Centre at Niji Mahkwa School, WISH Clinic. computer club and basketball program for inner-city kids, and Jacob Penner Park Program. We know these programs make a difference in the lives of youth and we hope they will continue to grow and flourish in 2012.

Thank you for all of your contributions to the Faculty of Medicine, and may you have a safe holiday season and happy new year!