The extended sunshine may have been deceiving, but make no mistake - fall is here.
And with fall comes thoughts of Thanksgiving, Halloween and yes, even Christmas.
Though the season of all-things-jolly may be a few months off yet, for those who work to make the season better for families in need, the preparation has already begun.
Each year, the Burnaby NOW carries extensive coverage of the Burnaby Christmas Bureau's campaign in its fundraising and toy-drive efforts.
The bureau's efforts are no small feat: last year, they helped more than 1,400 families, totalling more than 5,000 individuals in all.
In recent years, the bureau has seen an increase in those needing help but a decrease in those able to make a donation, in large part due to a challenging economy and job losses. That imbalance led to a need to use up a portion of their reserve, leaving them in a precarious position: if they didn't raise $190,000 by Christmas, they wouldn't have enough left in the reserves to stay afloat and help everyone who came to them.
In the end, they made the goal - though only by a few thousand dollars.
As the bureau's fundraising season approaches, the NOW is on the hunt for local residents who have their own special bureau experiences and memories.
Have you been helped by the bureau in the past? Or dropped off a donation to help the campaign? Perhaps you've volunteered in the toy room or office?
The NOW wants to hear about it and, more importantly, to hear what the bureau means to you and your holiday season.
Send a message to reporter Christina Myers by email at cmyers@burnabynow. com or by mail to 201A-3430 Brighton Ave. with contact information and your name.
Last year's bureau coverage in the NOW garnered a finalist spot for community service in the Canadian Community Newspaper Association's annual award. www.twitter.com/ChristinaMyersA
