Mark your calendars and help out this holiday season. Here's a round-up of current events, fundraisers and other activities related to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau's campaign.
? Saturday, Nov. 19: Starting today, the annual Santa photo program is running at Metropolis at Metrotown, until Christmas Eve. Photos are by donation, with all proceeds going to the bureau. Photos happen at Santa's Castle in the Grand Court, Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
? Thursday, Nov. 24: Fill a Stocking, Fulfill a Wish, 5 to 9 p.m., Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, with dinner, entertainment, silent and live auction and more. Tickets at 604-299-5778, ext. 32, for $50 each.
? Friday, Nov. 25: Drop in at the 4Cats Capitol Hill for a family holiday party in support of the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, from 5 to 7 p.m. and make a snowman project by hand. Parents must accompany children. Treats and prize draws. Entry to the party will be by donation of a new, unwrapped toy, and owner Maggie Murphy will donate $1 in cash for every toy donated. (Cash donations will be collected until Dec. 18). Located at 4676 Hastings St. For more info, see www.4cats.com/ capitolhill.
? Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26: As part of Burnaby North Secondary's fundraising efforts, the Brentwood Town Centre McDonald's and the Capitol Hill McDonald's will donate $1 from every purchase of a McCafé beverage. (The McCafé beverages include hot and iced mochas, hot and iced lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolates and Americanos.)
? Friday, Dec. 9: Christmas Carnival from 4: 30 to 8 p.m., hosted by Burnaby North Secondary School's Christmas Cheer Committee, for kids from kindergarten to Grade 3, with entrance by donation and all proceeds going to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
Parents must accompany their children. Games, activities, food, drinks and more, including a visit with Santa.
? Friday, Dec. 9: A dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, hosted by staff and volunteers with the McGill branch of the Burnaby Public Library, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets available at the door, starting at 6 p.m., by donation of any amount with a suggested donation of $10. Event is recommended for adults, teens and children ages 10 and up, and includes choir performances. All proceeds go to the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
TOY DROP SITES:
Toys can be dropped off during regular hours at the Burnaby Christmas Bureau's main toy room and registration site, on the second floor near Winners inside Metropolis at Metrotown. However, toy drop boxes will also be set up at other local shopping centres:
? Brentwood Town Centre will have a toy drop box starting Nov. 22, near the children's play area near Sears.
? Lougheed Town Centre will have a toy drop box starting Nov. 19, near the Santa area.
Have a fundraising event or activity in support of the Burnaby Christmas Bureau? Send details to cmyers@ burnabynow.com.
