Frost sparkles on trees and rooftops and the snow is getting deeper. This holiday season, wherever you are and however you celebrate: be safe, check in on your neighbours and if able, take time to support or join in with your local events and experience the warmth and fun of connecting with your community.
Here are a few of BC CRN’s hosted events happening around the province this month. Contact the local CRNs highlighted for more information to help or attend. Check your local community centers and news sources for more events and activities scheduled near you.
CRN Holiday Events, Meals and Gift Giving Underway
Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows/Katzie CRN is hosting a Christmas “Coffee and Connection” at the Home Restaurant on December 7th from 10:30am – 12pm. There are also two bus trips planned to see the Christmas lights around town: December 12th and 19th, from 5pm – 6:30pm, departing from the Ridge Meadows Seniors Center. Contact the CRN Coordinator for details.
Tri-Cities CRN will be jointly sponsoring a “Christmas Zoom Party” with the Tri-Cities Senior’s Action Society on December 14th starting at 2:30pm. There will be trivia, music, prize draws and more.
The Robson Valley CRN serves the communities of Valemount, Dunster and McBride, has a holiday event planned through their agency partner, Robson Valley Community Services, to host a Christmas event in Dunster. They will be transporting seniors on buses from the neighbouring communities to the event. Contact the CRN for more information.
Bowen Island CRN and host agency Caring Circle will be hosting an educational Christmas lunch and learn for local seniors. Fancy ham and BC CRN resource materials are on the menu! The Coordinator and Regional Mentor will be on hand to do a presentation and answer any questions. Thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion, Seniors Keeping Young, the United Church and Snug Cove House for Seniors.
Kamloops CRN is once again partnering with the Kamloops Brain Injury Association, Better at Home and the Centre for Senior Information for their annual “A Seniors Christmas”. They have a few events planned for the month.
The annual ‘survivors and families’ Christmas gathering will feature a full turkey meal. Attendees will be taking home a gift and some BC CRN resource information.
The Centre for Seniors Information had to downsize this year but their Secret Santa campaign continues to grow. Through the help of many volunteers and sponsorship from the local London Drugs, they are busy bundling gift bags full of goodies for over 600 local seniors to spread holiday cheer. Thanks to CFJC TV7, Kamloops Rotaries and the many volunteers that offer their time and love to this project.
Logan Lake CRN, with their community partners, is hosting their fourth annual “Adult 60+ Angel Tree”. Volunteers are preparing to deliver gifts to older adults alone for the holidays. This initiative is to check in and show support and care to seniors living alone or unable to travel in the community. Thanks to Logan Lake Wellness Health & Youth Society, Better at Home, Hilltop Stampers, Ruth’s Baking, District of Logan Lake, RCMP, Logan Lake District Fire Hall, Emergency Services and Home Health.
Salmo CRN is hosting a sit-down turkey dinner with all the trimmings. For those who cannot get out to the event, arrangements will be made to deliver the meal. Each person attending or having a meal delivered will receive a handmade card from a local student, a small gift from the Legion Auxiliary and a small gift and information package from the BC CRN. Thanks to the Salmo Legion 217, Salmo Ladies Auxiliary for Legion 217, Salmo Food Bank, Salmo Village, local businesses, and the students at Salmo Elementary School.
Whistler CRN and local partner the Mature Action Committee (MAC) are hosting a Christmas banquet for volunteers and local seniors. It will be a fun evening of socialization and appetizers with prizes from local businesses. Tickets are being sold at a subsidized price to cover the event.
Sea to Sky CRN is partnering with Better at Home and Westwinds/Squamish Senior Citizen Society for their annual “Holiday Afternoon Tea” to bring together seniors living in remote parts of the community and those without family and at risk of isolation during the holiday season. The event will offer tea, baked goods, crafts, gift bags and carolling to celebrate the season and end the year.
In Pemberton, they will be hosting their annual pancake breakfast where they will hand out gift bags to seniors through the Better at Home program. At both events there will be a BC CRN display table with information and resources.
Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
