For the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, it's all about people: from the clients who turn to the organization during tough times, to the volunteers who help stock the shelves at the toy room, from the staff who help organize the entire operation to the donors who turn their passion for helping into a positive experience for their fellow community members.
The Burnaby NOW is taking a closer look at one of those people: Burnaby North Secondary Student Nicole Shum, who heads up the Christmas Cheer Committee at her school. The student group has donated more than $200,000 to the bureau - which provides toys and food to low-income families in Burnaby - since its inception in 1989.
The NOW asked Shum a series of questions about her involvement with the bureau, and here's what she told us:
Question: Can you tell us who you are and what organization you're with?
Answer: My name is Nicole Shum and I am 17 years old. I am with Burnaby North Secondary's Christmas Cheer Committee that works with the Burnaby Christmas Bureau.
Question: How many other people are you working with in your group? And what is the goal?
Answer: I work with a team of seven other high school students. Our goal is to raise at least $10,000 within a period of three months every year.
Question: Is this the first time you've been involved with the bureau? If not, how many years have you been doing this?
Answer: I have been involved in the bureau for four years now.
Question: Why do you think this is an important organization to help with at this time of year?
Answer: I think that this is an important organization to help with at this time of year because for many, the holiday season is a time for families to get together and spend time with each other. However, many families don't get what some of us take for granted; by working with the bureau, we help families create everlasting memories.
Question: What would you say to encourag others to help the bureau this year?
Answer: To see a child's face full of disappointment because their parents couldn't afford anything is heartbreaking to see. Also families shouldn't be left out in the cold without essentials, such as clothing and food. By being involved with the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, we put smiles back where they belong and we provide essentials that families need during the holiday season.
Question: Why is this important to you personally?
Answer: This is important for me personally because the Burnaby Christmas Bureau is a local organization; it's important to support our local charities and organizations because it is so rewarding to see our efforts having an impact in our own community. I have seen firsthand the smiles on families' faces after we help them pick out gifts for their children. To me, Christmas time is a time for giving and I enjoy giving back what I can to help others. The Burnaby Christmas Bureau provides me with an opportunity to give back to my community and that is why it is so important to me.
For more about the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, see www.burnabycommunityconnections.com. Do you know someone involved in the bureau who should be profiled by the NOW? Send details to [email protected]
