An upcoming event in Burnaby is one part Christmas spirit, one part good deed and one part pure fun - and tickets are now available.
The Burnaby Christmas Bureau's Fill a Stocking, Fulfill a Wish gala is set for Nov. 22, and organizers say the event will include good food, plenty of entertainment, a silent and live auction and, best of all, an opportunity to help out.
"This is going to be a really, really fun night - it's the big one," Stephen D'Souza, the bureau's executive director, told the NOW earlier this month.
The event, happening at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown in Burnaby, helps raise funds towards the bureau's annual campaign to provide toys for children in low-income families.
But D'Souza says it's also a great time to simply connect with others in the city and kick off the holiday season.
"We hope it becomes a tradition for people - some businesses will book a table and make this their holiday celebration."
Burnaby singer Stephen Scaccia will be on stage to perform.
The up-and-coming singer, now 20, has become a well known performer in the Metro Vancouver area in the last few years, following, he hopes, in his idol's footsteps.
"I love Michael Bublé - I've followed him for a long time, and just learned so much from watching how he does what he does," said Scaccia.
As for performing at the gala, this is a first for the St. Thomas More graduate.
"I've never done this one before, and I'm really looking forward to it. I think it's going to be a great night and it's a good cause," he said.
He's still working on his line-up for the night, but he says there will be an interesting mix of songs, including several Christmas favourites.
"It's going to be great. . I love performing, it's what I live for."
The evening will include a wine auction, silent and live auction, entertainment and dancing and runs 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 22. Tickets are $55 each and can be purchased by calling 604-299-5778. For more information about the event and the bureau, see burnaby communityconnections.com.
What a voice: Local singer Stephen Scaccia, left, will take the stage at the upcoming Burnaby Christmas Bureau's annual Fill A Stocking, Fulfill A Wish event. Set for Nov. 22, the event helps raise funds for the bureau's Christmas efforts.
Other ways to help
? Financial donations: donate online at the bureau's website at burnabycom munityconnections.com; 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 Brentwood Town Centre, inside by the Sears mall entrance.
? Participate in the Angel Project: this 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.
To find out more about registering or helping the bureau, see burnaby communityconnections.com.
A BIG NIGHT
What: The Bureau's annual Fill a Stocking, Fulfill a Wish gala night fundraiser, with dinner, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and more.
When: Nov. 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $55 each. Call 604-299-5778 to purchase.
Where: Hilton Vancouver Metrotown at 6083 McKay Ave., off Kingsway.
