From now to Dec. 24, young ones can get their picture taken with St. Nick himself at Metropolis at Metrotown for a minimum donation of $3. Guests will receive a digital, shareable photo.
All funds raised go toward the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, which ensures those less fortunate have a gift under their tree.
Santa can be found in the Grand Court (lower level) from Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. On Sundays in November, he’s there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Next month, he’s there on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Photos will wrap up at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Start your Christmas shopping early
Need gift ideas for the holidays?
The Burnaby Gogos are hosting their annual Swags and Bags sale on Sunday, Nov. 27 at Deer Lake United Church, 5135 Sperling Ave.
The sale, on from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers “a wide variety of quality handmade items,” notes a press release, including the group’s signature “gogo” totes, the popular Safari denim children’s clothing, jewelry and a host of stocking stuffers.
All proceeds go toward the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign, which, through the Stephen Lewis Foundation, has raised millions of dollars for African grandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS. The money covers food, educational supplies, uniforms, school fees, medical care, HIV counselling and testing, housing and more.
The Burnaby Gogos (gogo is the Zulu word for grandmother) meets on the third Monday of every month, and you don’t have to be a grandmother to join.
For more info, email [email protected] or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/burnabygogos1.
Funds raised
The first-ever Multiple Myeloma March at Burnaby Lake Rowing Club was a success.
The five-kilometre walk on Oct. 22 raised $25,000 for the cause, $5,000 more than the original goal.
Multiple myeloma is an incurable form of cancer affecting the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Every day, eight Canadians are diagnosed with the disease, with the average age in the mid-60s.
“Despite a growing prevalence, myeloma remains relatively unknown,” says Aldo Del Col, co-founder and chairman of Myeloma Canada. “This is why there is an even greater need for early awareness programs to promote timely diagnosis.”
The Multiple Myeloma March is held during the months of September and October in 17 communities across the country.
Trees take root
Three ceremonial trees have been planted in Central Park as part of Canada’s 150th and Burnaby’s 125th birthdays this year.
Burnaby was one of 50 communities across the nation to be awarded $25,000 by the Canadian National Railway Company to fund local tree-planting projects in honour of the anniversaries.
The tree grant allows some 400 native conifer trees (Western hemlock and Douglas fir) and 600 shrubs (elderberry and huckleberry) to take root in Central Park.
“As a result, the park will benefit from a sizable reforestation program that protects, preserves and replenishes this valued greenspace for the surrounding communities,” reads a press release.
