T he boys and girls in Burnaby's youth prison were thrilled with Evelyn Florendo's annual Christmas dinner.
"Oh my God, they were screaming. They were all excited," Evelyn said.
Every year, the Vancouver resident gathers volunteers to put on a holiday meal for the incarcerated teens at the Burnaby Youth Custody Services Centre.
The dinner is a gesture of caring for the kids, many of who come from abusive or troubled homes.
Evelyn also invites community figures to sit at the tables with the youth and share a meal. This year, Vancouver Archbishop Michael Miller attended, along with Bill and Lillian Vander Zalm, former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan and ex-B.C. Lions player Al Wilson.
About 70 kids, mostly boys, went to the dinner this year, and prison staff were also invited. Evelyn always brings gift bags for every youth and hands them out near the end of the evening with a hug and the words: I love you.
"I have to hug all the kids and the guests," she says.
This year's volun-teers included Roger Bissoondatt, chief financial officer with the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch, and Herman Schut, president of Nova Beauty in Burnaby.
Evelyn, who is about to turn 71, often talks of retiring from the Christmas dinner, but she has a hard time pulling away from the kids. She's starting a foundation to keep her Christmas dinner legacy going. To donate, send cheques, payable to Evelyn Florendo, to 6290 Dumfries St., Vancouver B.C., V5P 3B3
BEST GUARD
Tip your hats to Deanna Gay, from Windsor Elementary, who was named one of the country's best crossing guards.
Gay has been helping Windsor students safely cross the street for years. She was one of four crossing guards selected as the country's best in a contest sponsored by Federal Express and Safe Kids Canada. A panel of judges picked the winners based on the support they showed, their safety record, proactive initiatives and community involvement. The prize is $1,000 for the school and a trophy.
"We are very proud of her," said Windsor principal Kathryn Yamamoto.
DONATIONS SOUGHT
If you're considering donating to a charitable cause this Christmas, you need look no further than your own backyard. Burnaby Family Life, a non-profit group that runs a host of social services programs, is reaching out for silent auction items for future fundraising events. The money raised helps pay for programs for local families.
"We're fiercely proud of our achievements during this past year and deeply humbled by the resilience of the children and families we have helped," wrote executive director Jeanne Fike in a letter.
"Five thousand, threehundred and thirty-five children and families registered in more than 100 programs. They overcame depression, anger, fear and grief. They moved forward in their lives, learned new coping skills, found new friends, left the streets, found jobs, resolved childhood abuse and overcame adversity."
Burnaby Family Life is looking for gift certificates, theatre or movie tickets, wine, gift baskets and weekend getaways, and those who donate will receive a tax receipt. To contribute, call 6046592208.
For more information on the organization and its programs, go to www. burnabyfamilylife.org.
DIAMOND JEWELRY UP FOR GRABS
It's still a ways off, but tickets for the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House's annual fundraiser are on sale.
This year's event, dubbed the Diamond Cabaret, is on Saturday, Feb. 25 and includes an auction, dinner and burlesque-themed show.
Tickets are $100 per person, or $900 for a table of 10. There will be a draw for some diamond jewelry. Call 604-431-0400 or email [email protected] for tickets.
Proceeds from the event help support the neighbourhood house, which runs a variety of programs to help local families, seniors and immigrants, while building community.
