The spirit of Christmas was alive and well during the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society’s fifth annual angel breakfast and toy drive on Dec. 8.
The fundraiser, which supports the Christmas Bureau and the CKNW Orphans Fund, raised $10,000 in donations (thanks to matching funds from Scotiabank), and $10,000 in gifts.
“Thank you to the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable
Society, and all of the presenting and supporting sponsors, for such a great event,” said Burnaby Community Services’ Stephen D’Souza in an email to the NOW. “The angel breakfast and toy drive has become an incredible way for the community to celebrate the holidays together."
The event took place at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. Attendees were asked to bring cash or a new, unwrapped toy. The pancake breakfast was held in the hotel’s ballroom.
More toys
There was another fundraiser held recently which benefitted the Christmas Bureau.
CMW Insurance Service employees dropped off toys on Dec. 7. During their Christmas party, staff were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the cause.
A bear for all
B.C. Liquor Stores has launched its annual Share-a-Bear program.
For $12.50, customers can choose one teddy bear to take home while its “twin” is donated to a local shelter, hospital or the worthwhile charity to brighten the holiday season for a child.
Staff from each store select charities to support their respective communities, states a press release.
The liquor store at Willingdon and Kingsway has chosen Burnaby Family Life as its charity, which gives the bears to moms in its pre- and post-natal programs.
“This year’s design has a retro look – to coincide with the Liquor Distribution Branch’s 95th anniversary – to resemble 1920s-era teddy bears,” the release reads.
The program runs every November and December. More than 625,000 teddy bears have been donated to B.C. non-profits since the initiative started 27 years ago.
Send Here & Now items to tverenca@burnabynow.com.
