Christmas bureau opens
The Mission Christmas Bureau officially opened this week.
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Updated: November 19, 2009 12:37 PM
The Mission Christmas Bureau officially opened its doors for the coming holiday season this week.
We’re ready to accept registrations and donations, said coordinator Phil Hope, who works with Mission Community Services.
Registrations will be taken from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday until Dec. 4 at the bureau, located on Logan Avenue.
Most people register in time, but each year there are about 100 registrations after the deadline. To encourage people to get it done early, those who register after the deadline will not receive the grocery store gift certificate which is included in all the hampers.
“The later people get here, the harder it is for us to get things together,” said Hope.
Volunteers and staff need time to assemble and personalize the hampers. A number of events are already being planned to help raise the $90,000 needed this year. Next week the Rotary Club will be holding its annual Carole Festival, and John Agnew is preparing another outstanding concert for the holidays. The West Coast Express will be running the Santa Train on Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, and the Fireman’s Ride will happen Dec. 9 and 10.
Hope also thanked the Power House at Stave Falls, which raised $5,000 for the group during its Halloween event.
If you would like to help support the Christmas Bureau, donations are being accepted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
“We accept donations of non-perishable foods, new gifts and money, which can be used to purchase items we’re short of,” explained Hope. “We can’t accept used clothing and used toys because of a lack of space.”
“There are some disadvantaged families in our community that need help,” said Mayor James Atebe at the Christmas Bureau opening. “Even a small contribution will make a difference to their quality of life.”
The Christmas Bureau can be reached at 604-814-3333.
