For years, the Burnaby Village Museum has dedicated the first night of its Heritage Christmas to the bureau, with all gate admissions going towards the organizations annual fundraising campaign.
But with the museum celebrating its 40th anniversary with free admissions all year long, a new plan was hatched to allow the giving to continue.
"This year, on Dec. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m, instead of the gate (admissions), the carousel proceeds will be going to the Christmas Bureau," said bureau executive director Stephen D'Souza.
"This is the first night that they are open in the evening (for Heritage Christmas) just like every year," he said. "There's going to be lots of fun things, it's going to be a very special night."
As well, the regular donation boxes for the bureau will be at the Village Museum throughout the season.
He says they're hoping the carousel proceeds will be a significant contribution to their fundraising efforts.
"Once you've ridden it, you know - once is never enough. You have to ride it again," he says with a laugh. "So maybe some people will ride a few times."
According to a report from the parks department, the gate revenue in past years equaled a donation of $800 to $1,000 and that the carousel plan is expected to generate about the same.
D'Souza says the night is a prime opportunity to create a fun family tradition while also helping out a local organization and fellow families.
"We really want to see people enjoying themselves, and celebrating the season - that's what it's all about," he said.
Helping out
There are a number of other ways to help the bureau this year, including:
- Financial donations: donate online at the bureau's website at http://burnabycommunityconnections.com; send a cheque to 204-2101 Holdom Ave., Burnaby, B.C., V5B 0A4; donate by credit card by phone at 604-299-5778; drop off a cash or cheque donation at the bureau's new temporary location at Metropolis at Metrotown, on the upper level near Winners, in Unit E8.
- Participate in the Angel Wall program: this program is a toy drive program held by schools, community groups or local businesses. The bureau provides decorative angel themed cards with the gender and age of a child written on each one, as well as posters that can be used to encourage participation. Individual participants then choose an angel, purchase a toy for the appropriate age and gender and bring the gift back to the organization for drop-off at the bureau's toy room.
- Sponsor a family: the Burnaby Christmas Bureau matches families with a group that provide them with a food hamper and gifts. These groups can include companies, religious groups, school groups, families, or individuals. The sponsor has direct contact with the family.
For more information about the bureau, including information about registration (running until Dec. 1) see http://burnabycommunityconnections.com.
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