Two new groups have signed up to help the Rotary Coats for Kids campaign.
The BG Urban Café at Metrotown (at 4575 Central Blvd.) is offering a free coffee to anyone who donates a jacket from Oct. 17 to 21. The Heights Merchants Association (at 4019 Hastings St.) is also helping by collecting coats and promoting the campaign during the Heights Halloween festivities.
The Rotary Coats for Kids campaign started in 2004. Volunteers collect cash donations, warm and waterproof winter coats - new or gently used and preferably with a hood - for local kids in need.
The coats get loaded onto a truck that functions like a mobile dressing room, where children and teens can pick a coat. Demand for donations is growing.
"Each year, we have seen the need increase," said Carina Tan-Lucero, one of the campaign organizers. "We have gone from distributing 300 coats in the first year to close to 1,500 last year alone, and we know that we are only scratching the surface of the need in this community."
The campaign runs till Nov. 30. Coats can be dropped off at all Burnaby library branches, Burnaby Staples stores and Burnaby MP and MLA offices. For more collection sites, visit www.burnabymetrotown rotary.org.
INVASIVE SPECIES
The Lower Mainland Green Team is descending on Burnaby's Central Park this Saturday. Volunteers will spend the day pulling up invasive species that choke off native plants.
The event starts at 10 a.m., and volunteers are meeting at 9: 50 a.m. in the parking lot south of the swimming pool. Equipment, gloves and instructions will be provided, but people are encouraged to bring gardening gloves, a rain jacket, drinking water, comfortable shoes or rubber boots and a packed lunch. The plant removal runs till 1 p.m., followed by a picnic lunch. For more information, go to www.meetup.com/TheLowerMainlandGreenTeam.
REMEMBERING
The Burnaby Hospice Society and Deer Lake United Church are holding a multi-faith memorial service on Monday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 2 p.m. It's a chance to express public grief or reflect privately for anyone who has lost a loved one. The service is at Deer Lake United Church, 5135 Sperling Ave., and includes readings, music, a candle-lighting ceremony and refreshments. To RSVP, email info@burnaby hospice.org or call 6045205087 by Oct. 17.
NEW PLAYGROUND
The parent advisory council at Confederation Park Elementary is celebrating the grand opening of its new playground this weekend. Parents have been fundraising to expand the playground facilities. The celebration is on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be free hotdogs, popcorn and drinks. The school is at 715 Pandora St. RSVP by emailing christine@ spitfirefilms.net.
Send Here & Now ideas to jmoreau@burnabynow,com.
