As families begin to register with the Christmas bureau, organizers say now is the time to think about getting involved to help the bureau this year.
With the crunch of a tough economy (see story on page XX), the bureau was forced to dip into reserves last year to help an everincreasing number of clients.
Donors, including individuals, community groups and small and big businesses, can get involved in the bureau in a number of ways:
? Financial donations: donate online at the bureau's website at http: //burnabycommunitycon nections.com; send a cheque to 204-2101 Holdom Ave., Burnaby, B.C., V5B 0A4; 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 Metropolis at Metrotown, on the upper level near Winners, in Unit E8.
? Participate in the Angel Wall program: 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.
? Fill a Stocking, Fulfill a Wish: an evening of food, fun and dancing in support of the bureau, with live and silent auctions, set for Nov. 24, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. Tickets are $50 each. Call 604-299-5778 ext. 32 to purchase tickets.
REGISTRATION
Registration continues until Nov. 30 at the main bureau registration location and at satellite locations around the city: Metropolis at Metrotown, upper level near Winners, Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Cameron Recreation Centre, 9523 Cameron St., Mondays from 9: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov. 14, 21, and 28); McGill Library, 4595 Albert Street, Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Nov. 15, 22 and 29, but not Nov. 1); Eastburn Community Centre (old library), 7252 Kingsway Ave., Wednesdays from 9: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30)
For more information about both registration and donation, including requirements for registration, see http: //burnabycom munityconnections.com.
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Are you involved with the Burnaby Christmas Bureau campaign as a client or donor? Tell us about it by emailing reporter Christina Myers at cmyers@ burnabynow.com.
