Saturday, Dec. 8
Knox Church Sale, 4023 East Columbia St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. includes a variety of vendors, including charities benefiting Royal Columbian Hospital. Tea and coffee will be available.
Wednesday, Dec. 12
New West Family Place and Purpose Society annual Toy Drive Breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m., Paddlewheeler Pub in River Market. Breakfast is free with donation of an unwrapped toy or a child from ages zero to 16 of $15 value or cash donation.
Friday, Dec. 14
New Westminster Eagles 320 annual Kids Christmas Party, features snowball game, fish pond, candy count. Etc. Kids aged two to nine are invited to attend this free event, 3:30 to 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church hall, 1010 Fifth Ave. Registration is required by Dec. 7 at foe20aux@gmail.com or 604-431-9221.
Saturday, Dec. 22
Christmas bake sale, Holy Eucharist Church hall, 501 Fourth Ave., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Delicious Ukrainian traditional breads (kolachi), fresh pies, frozen perogies and cabbage rolls, Ukrainian sausage.
Monday, Dec. 31
Are you Man who’s gay, bi-sexual or just not sure? Need a safe place to talk? HOMINUM Fraser Valley is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. Meets today at 7:30 p.m. For information and meeting location, and/or for a copy of our newsletter, call Art at 604-462-9813 or email aapearson@shaw.ca.
Ongoing
Burnaby & New Westminster Newcomers’ Friendship Club. Club welcomes women who are new to the area, as well as longtime residents. Meet women of all ages and cultures to make new friends. Dinner meeting the second Wednesday of each month, plus various events including book club, craft group, social Saturdays, etc. For info, pls. contact Doris at dorisfriend39@gmail.com, or 604-544-3525 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Website: www.burnabynewwestnewcomersclub.com.
Are you a man who’s gay, bi-sexual or just not sure? HOMINUM Fraser Valley is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bi-sexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. We meet on the last Monday of every month. For more information and meeting location, call Art - 604-462-9813 or email aapearson@shaw.ca.
Al-Anon and Alateen, help those whose lives are affected by someone else's drinking. For meeting info visit www.bcyukon-al-anon.org or call 604-688-1716.
Netherlands Association, speak Dutch with others and celebrate your heritage. Visit www.dutchnetwork.ca or contact Edie, ediebijdemast@telus.net or 604-536-3394.
Just Pros Toastmasters, meets first and third Saturdays of month, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. For advanced Toastmasters. Info: www.toastmasters.org.
Overeaters Anonymous, Are you out of control when it comes to food? We can help. Meetings on Mondays from 7 to 8:15 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 335 Seventh St. (enter off Fourth Avenue). Info: 604-520-0703.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Lower Mainland chapter, has 16 different support groups running around the Lower Mainland. The New Westminster support group meets at Royal City Centre’s meeting room, third Friday of each month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. For more information, call 604-689-3144.
St. Barnabas Church, located at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street in New Westminster, is seeking committed volunteers for their thrift shop, community lunch program, emergency food cupboard and for the office. Make a positive difference in the community by helping with programs that benefit citizens in need. For more information, please call 604-526-6646.
Waves Writers Group, write from the heart, with Ruth Kozak. Meets every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon, Waves Coffee House, 715 Columbia St. Bring copies of your work to read. Drop-in fee of $5.
Alzheimer's caregiver support group, meets monthly, every third Tuesday of the month at Century House, Moody Park. Info: 604-298-0780.
Senior peer counselling program at Century House, provides emotional support to people who are facing the challenges of aging. They will visit you at home or at Century House. Info: 604-519-1064, ext. 1, or drop by Century House at 620 Eighth St.
Sunday Dances - every Sunday, September to June, 12:45 to 3:45 p.m., 620 Eighth St. Live Band. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Low Vision group, meets the first Tuesday of each month, September to June, 10 a.m. to noon, Century House, 620 Eighth St. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Navy League and Sea Cadets, holds registration for boys and girls aged nine to 12 at Annacis Island Training Centre, 535 Derwent Way, Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Call 604-525-2298.
Pregnancy Outreach Program, a free weekly support group for high-risk women, includes lunch, one-hour education session, and the services of a registered dietician and public health nurse. Food coupons and vitamins available for clients. Offered at Olivet Baptist Church (613 Queens Ave.) and Edmonds Resource Centre (#104-7355 Canada Way, Burnaby). Childcare provided for children over 18 months of age. Registration required. Call 604-659-2228.
Baby and Me, a support group for moms with babies up to six months, offering lunch, group discussions, support, educational information, child care and more. Offered by Olivet Baptist Church (613 Queens Ave.) and Edmonds Resource Centre (#104-7355 Canada Way). Free. Call 604-659-2228 to register.
Royal City Curling Club, daytime ladies' play, with Tuesday and Thursday leagues, 9:30 a.m. Drop-in clinics will be held on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. for new curlers and experienced players who wish to improve their game. Call 604-522-4737 or visit www.royalcitycc.com for info.
New Westminster business networking meeting, every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Waffle House. Enjoy breakfast with other business people, share leads and referrals and build your business. Free (you pay for your own breakfast.) Guests welcome. RSVP to 778-986-9186.
St. Barnabas Church, located at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street in New Westminster, is seeking committed volunteers for their thrift shop, community lunch program, emergency food cupboard and for the office. Make a positive difference in the community by helping with programs that benefit citizens in need. For more information, please call 604-526-6646.
Purpose Family Circle drop-in, meets Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for crafts, stories, songs, games and rhymes for babies and children to five years, as well as pregnant moms. Health information available through guest speakers. Light lunch and bus tickets are provided. Held at 40 Begbie St., two blocks east of the New West SkyTrain station. For more info, call 604-526-2522 and ask for Josie or Elizabeth.
Volunteer literacy tutors, sought to work with the Douglas College I-CARE program, which helps English-speaking adults learn to read and write. Volunteers should have excellent English writing and spelling skills. Tutoring can take place any day of the week. All tutor training and materials are free. Call 604-527-5409 for information.
Elizabeth Fry Society is looking for volunteers to occasionally help with moving the furniture of their Housing First clients. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Maryam Khalil, Housing First case manager, at 604-657-8404 or 604-520-1166 ext. 213 or key@elizabethfry.com.
New Westminster Tinnitus Support Group, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St., ABC Room. Tinnitus is a ringing, humming, buzzing or other sound in our head or ears that doesn't have an out-side source. The group discusses the latest treatment information and coping and stress reduction techniques and offers encouragement and camaraderie to help combat this debilitating condition. For more information, contact group leader Gerald Blackwell at 604-600-9142 or email nwtinn@inbox.com.
You Wear it Well... Just for Grads is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping New Westminster and Burnaby students find grad outfits - at no cost - that make them look and feel their best. Preparations are currently underway for the sixth annual Boutique Day event, where grads will be outfitted. You Wear It Well is always in need of donation of gently used formalwear (gowns, shoes and accessories) and also needs a seamstress who can do basic alterations (hems and straps) on grad dresses. If you have any items to donate, con-tact youwearitwell@yahoo.ca. If you are interested in volunteering, call Kathy at 778-231-7184 or youwearitwell@yahoo.ca.
Would you like to help an adult learn to read and write? The I-Care adult literacy program at Douglas College is seeking volunteers now. If you are a Grade 12 graduate with strong reading and writing skills, and you are patient and compassionate, we would like to talk to you. Those accepted will receive tutor training (five Saturdays in January and February). Once training is completed, the tutor is available to be matched with an adult learner. Tutors and students meet once a week for two hours in a classroom or library. Call 604-527-5409 for more information.
Fraternal Order of Eagles #20 New Westminster Ladies Auxiliary, looking for members who are interested in having fun and raising funds to donate to local Lower Mainland charities. Group holds dinners, dances, events and picnics and would love to hear from you. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Contact: Marge Ashdown at 604-838-2675.
Artists 50+ are welcome to bring their own art projects to Century House every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. Gather to draw, paint, share or just have a bright and friendly place to work. The drop-in meets in the Spruce Room and donations are accepted.
New Westminster Family Place drop-in at Lord Kelvin Elementary, while school in session, every Thursday and Friday morning from 9 to 11 a.m., 1010 Hamilton St. Drop-in includes free play, stories, songs and craft activities. Info: 604-520-3666 or www.nwfamily.bc.ca.
Are you passionate about the Fraser River? Do you enjoy meeting new people and working with children? The Fraser River Discovery Centre is looking for volunteers to help lead its school programs. No experience is required, only an interest in working with children, a desire to learn about the Fraser River, and a weekday morning or afternoon to spare. Info: 604-521-8401 ext. 105 or email Shannon King at sking@fraserriverdiscovery.org. Info and application forms at www.fraserriverdiscovery.org.
Sing and sign, free drop-in. Learn sign language through the magic of music, Fridays, 1 to 2 p.m., #101-321 Sixth St. Hosted by PosAbilities Association – Aegis West Day Program. Info: 604-522-5524.
Dutch books: Do you enjoy reading Dutch? Visit the Dutch library located at 141 East Columbia St. The library is managed by volunteers of the non-profit Netherlands Association “Je Maintiendrai” (NAJM). For info about ongoing local Dutch-Canadian events visit www.dutchnetwork.ca.
Are you interested in bees, honey, the environment? Have you ever wanted to learn more about bees? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your own hive but didn’t want the whole responsibility of managing a hive? Why not share the beekeeping adventure and join the New Westminster Beekeepers Association? We’re a bunch of amateurs interested in beekeeping, developing our skills, building community and learning about the fascinating world of bees. Contact nwbee.ca.
Yarn circle, for those who enjoy playing with yarn. Wednesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Family Services of Greater Vancouver boardroom, third floor, 321 Sixth St. Join us for an afternoon of fun, meet new friends, talk craft, learn and share, extend your craft connections. All levels of English skills welcome, from beginners to fluent. Register to Pat Steiner at 604-525-9144 or ceds-nw@fsgv.ca.
The Camp Kerry Society offers child, youth and adult grief support groups on Saturday afternoons in Sapperton. Call 604-553-4663 or email info@campkerry.org for more details.
New Westminster Family Place, free family resource centre for parents with children five and under. There is a bright, action-packed playroom filled with toys, games, puzzles and crafts and staffed by early childhood educators and a family support worker. There is a parents' room for relaxing, and parenting classes are available. Drop-in hours are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, and Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. Call 604-520-3666 for info on upcoming programs.
New Westminster Puffers Club, meets every second Monday of the month (third Monday of April), 12:30 p.m., New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Anyone with or having friends with COPD, asthma or breathing problems are welcome to attend meetings, which include guest speakers.
Fraser Works Co-op, offers one-to-one support with employment counsellors, connecting people to no-cost career and job search services and helping people develop a plan to reach their job or career goal. Call 604-522-9701 for appointment.
Sapperton Pensioners Association, meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 318 Keary St. New members welcome. Info 604-522-0280.
New Westminster Lions Club, meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at Boston Pizza, 1045 Columbia St., Columbia Square plaza. New members welcome. Info: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/newwestminsterlionsclub.ca.
Just Pros Toastmasters meets on the first and third Saturday of the month, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd. This is for advanced toastmasters.
Tillicum Toastmasters meets every Monday (except holidays) 7:20 to 9:30 p.m., Unity in Action Church hall, 1630 Edinburgh St. Do you want to get over your fear of public speaking? Do you want to learn the how to's within a supportive environment? Do you want to nail that upcoming interview for your dream job? All guests welcomed for free. No obligation to speak or sign up.
Alzheimer Society of B.C., caregiver support group, meets in New Westminster, third Tuesday of each month, 7 to 9 p.m. For registration or information, call 604-298-0780.
Council of Senior Citizens' Organizations (COSCO), an advocacy group devoted to improving the quality of life for seniors, invites membership and affiliation from seniors' organizations, associations and individuals. Info: Ernie Bayer, 604-576-9734 or ecbayer2@gmail.com.
Breastfeeding, or pregnant and want to learn more? Looking for information or help? Wanting to meet breastfeeding mothers? Contact the La Leche League info line at 604-520-4623 for information about the Coquitlam group, which includes New Westminster mothers.
Family members of individuals with multiple sclerosis, looking for support, are invited to join the MS Society's family members group. Info: 604-689-3144.
Girl Guides of Canada, units meet weekly around Burnaby and New Westminster. Girls aged five to 18 and women 19 and up can join all year round. For year-round registration and volunteer info, call 1-800-565-8111.
Big Sisters, seeks new volunteers. Information sessions held regularly around the Lower Mainland. Call 604-873-4525 or visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca for a listing of information sessions.
Volunteer Grandparents, brings together active, energetic people over the age of 50 with children who need a caring and committed mentor. Families in New Westminster and Burnaby are waiting for volunteer grandparents. To register, contact Volunteer Grandparents at 604-736-8271 or info@volunteergrandparents.ca.
Got stuff you don't want? Recycle it with the Developmental Disabilities Association. Bins take cloth items and non-breakable housewares and pickup of dishes, toys and books can be arranged. Call 604-273-4332 or visit www.develop.bc.ca.ww.develop.bc.ca.
PALS program, parents as literacy supporters for parents and caregivers of children aged two to six. Learn strategies to encourage your child to develop language and literacy skills to help them adapt to their community and prepare them for schools. Runs on Mondays from April 16 to June 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, Olivet Church, 613 Queens Ave. Info and registration at ceds-nw@fsgv.ca or 604-525-9144 (extension 3636) or 604-368-2154.
Raising exceptional children, support group for parents of special needs children ages zero to six year. Relax while connecting with other parents, sharing the challenges of parenting exceptional children and learning about community resources. No cost. Bus tickets and coffee available. Child-minding is available upon registration. Wednesdays March 7 and 14 and April 11, 18 and 25 from noon to 2 p.m., New Westminster Family Place, 93 Sixth St. To register, call 604-525-9144 extension 3636, 604-368-2154 or email ceds-nw@fsgv.ca.
Single mom’s support group. Take a break while connecting with other moms about the joys and challenges of solo parenting and learning about community resources. Wednesday from April 11 to June 6, 5 to 7 p.m., Olivet Church, 613 Queens Ave. Bus tickets and snack available. Free childminding. To register, call 604-525-9144 extension 3636, 604-368-2154 or email ceds-nw@fsgv.ca.
Parents Connect, for parents of children zero to six years old. Take a break and relax while connecting with other parents and participating in guided discussions. No cost. Bus tickets and snacks available. Free childmminding. Runs on Fridays from April 13 to June 8 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. To register, call 604-525-9144 extension 3636, 604-368-2154 or email ceds-nw@fsgv.ca.
Friendly and informative Parkinson’s support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at Century House, 620 Eighth St. Updates from members and latest medical help are discussed. Exercise “and coffee pot plus” are part of the program. Family members and friends are welcome. Info: Salli Walker at 604-524-5934.
Singles social walking club welcomes singles 45+ for walks at various locations, New West, Surrey, Delta, White Rock and Langley. Meets Saturday and Sunday, walking at 10 a.m. followed by brunch at 11 a.m. Info: Sherry at 604-531-4427 or Christina at 604-375-7732.
Moms' Daybreak, meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Olivet Baptist Church, 613 Queens Ave. Children are cared for in their own program, while mothers get to relax and enjoy community speakers, demonstrations, crafts and connecting with each other. No registration is required for this free drop-in program. Info: Shirley Fox, 604-521-8097.
Seniors Gay Straight Alliance, meets on the second Wednesday of each month, 1 to 3 p.m., Century House, 620 Eighth St. Call 604-519-1066 for more information.
Vancouver Rape Relief, needs male volunteers for group that raises money for the crisis centre and transition house. Contact Louisa Russell at info@rapereliefshelter.bc.ca.
Join the WALK30 Burnaby/New West Challenge. Burnaby and New West are challenging people to walk at least 30 minutes a day for better health. From April 9 to May 11, registered participants can track and share daily walking minutes. Walk to school, works, shop or play – every minute counts. Walk on your own or form a team for friendly competition. Register at walkerscaucus.ca/walk30-burnaby-newwest.
Naranon Support Group, a 12-Step program for relatives and friends of those affected by drug abuse and addiction problems. Meets every Monday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., 323 Eighth St. (group meeting room), New Westminster. All welcome. Call 604-878-8844 for more info.
