More than 700 people flocked to the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown on Tuesday, all in support of the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, a local program that ensures low-income families have gifts under the tree for the holidays.
Burnaby Community Services hosted two fundraising events that day: the Christmas Angel Breakfast and Toy Drive in the morning, and the Fill a Stocking, Fulfill a Wish gala in the evening.
"The events are growing every year," said Stephen D'Souza, executive director of Burnaby Community Services, which facilitates the bureau. "We are so excited to see so many families, seniors groups, and local teachers coming back every year to the Christmas Angel Breakfast and Toy Drive. There are staff teams and union executives who have made the Fill a Stocking, Fulfill a Wish gala their annual Christmas Party. These two events have become Holiday traditions for so many, and we are just happy to be part of that."
The morning pancake breakfast event drew more than 500 people, who donated enough toys to fill a two-ton truck.
The gala event drew another 220 people, for an evening of food, silent and live auctions and entertainment.
In all, approximately $45,000 was raised, after Scotiabank and an anonymous donor matched the money raised.
"We are so grateful to the organizing sponsors, particularly the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society, Scotiabank, the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, Richie Bros. Auctioneers and ABC Recycling," D'Souza added.
For more on the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, go to www.burnabycommunityconnections.com.
