The Burnaby Christmas Bureau’s pancake breakfast fundraiser is becoming a yearly tradition in the city.
The third annual Burnaby Christmas Angel Breakfast and Toy Drive takes place Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown.
“This is quickly becoming an annual tradition, part of the celebration of families for the holidays,” said Stephen D’Souza, executive director at Burnaby Community Services, which facilitates the bureau.
From 6 to 10 a.m., people can bring a new, unwrapped gift or cash in exchange for a pancake breakfast, courtesy of the Burnaby firefighters. There is also a take-away continental breakfast option for people who may be in a hurry and on their way to work. The event features entertainers Jim Byrnes and AJ Woodworth. The toys and cash go towards the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, which makes sure local, low-income families have enough food and gifts for the holidays.
Burnaby firefighters, Scotiabank and a number of different sponsors started the pancake breakfast three years ago, D’Souza said. Last year’s event drew hundreds of attendees and pulled in $5,000 and a truckload of toys.
But that’s not the only Christmas Bureau event on Nov. 25. Later that evening, at the same location, Burnaby Community Services is hosting Fill A Stocking, Fulfill A Wish, a fundraiser with food, auction items and entertainment, from 6 to 10 p.m.
“It’s really just an opportunity for the community to come together in a different way,” D’Souza said. “It’s a way to really start off the holiday season.”
The Hilton Vancouver Metrotown is at 6083 McKay Ave.
