The Burnaby Christmas Bureau's holiday season officially kicked off this week, with the doors to their main location in Metropolis opening up for both registration and donations.
The bureau's annual Christmas campaign provides toys and food for lowincome families in the city.
Executive director Stephen D'Souza told the NOW prior to the opening that it's quite likely they'll see an increase in families turning to them for help this holiday season thanks to the uncertain economy both here in B.C. and across the globe.
"I think that there are a lot of families that haven't been struggling in the past, that maybe had a comfortable income, they've had their hours cut, or lost one of their jobs (in a two-income family), and they're just trying to get by this year," he said.
The bureau often sees the same donors come back each year, particularly businesses, families or community groups who've made a holiday tradition of helping out. They're hoping to see those longtime donors return this year, and draw new donors to the campaign as well.
Registration began Tuesday and runs until Nov. 30 at the bureau's temporary main location at Metropolis at Metrotown, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are also a handful of alternate locations for families to register at, including: Cameron Recreation Centre, 9523 Cameron St., Mondays from 9: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov. 7, 14, 21, and 28); McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street, Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Nov. 8, 15, 22 and 29); and Eastburn Community Centre (old library), 7252 Kingsway Ave., Wednesdays from 9: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30)
For more information about requirements for registration, see http: // burnabycommunityconnections.com.
LIBRARY HELPING OUT
What better way to celebrate Christmas, and help out a local community organization, than by taking in a presentation of one of the classic stories about the season and the power of kindness.
Staff, family and friends of the McGill branch of the Burnaby Public Library are gearing up for their second annual dramatic reading of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol in early December, in support of the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
The evening, set for Dec. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m., will also include choral interludes of favourite Christmas carols.
Tickets are available at the door by donation of any amount, with a suggested donation of $10. Space is limited, so organizer recommend coming early - tickets available at 6 p.m., doors open at 6: 30. The evening is recommended for adults, teens and children ages 10 and up. For more information, see www.bpl.bc.ca/events/ charles-dickens-a-christmas-carol.
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