More than 60 sea cadets helped collect piles of food for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
Youth involved with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Fraser partnered with New Westminster residents for their fourth annual food drive. The cadets report that the giving spirit is alive and well in New Westminster, with donations rivalling the 2,600 pounds of food gathered in 2013.
The food drive got underway when cadets dropped off bags on doorsteps with a note stating they would return to collect any food donations residents may provide.
“It was wonderful to see that although we only dropped one paper bag at each home, some households chose to leave two or three additional bags of donations for collection,” said a press release from the sea cadets corps.
Cadets collected the food on Dec. 6, after taking part in the city’s Santa Claus Parade, where they performed Feliz Navidad and other Christmas classics as the Fraser marching band shared Christmas cheer along Columbia Street.
“We’re pretty proud of the success of the band program this year,” said Lt. (N) Bryan Watson, commanding officer of the corps. “They really sound amazing.”
According to Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Fraser, the band has doubled in size since June under the direction of acting sub-lieutenant Julia Howe, who arrived in September from Brandon, Man. Howe, who has a bachelor of music from the University of Brandon, volunteers two nights a week to teach music theory to the cadets and provide opportunity to practice.
“The band is looking for new members, and cadets receive music instruction for free,” said the press release. “It’s a great environment to hone your musical ability.”
Sea cadets is a national program for youth aged 12 to 18. There is no cost to join or participate in the group that meets on Wednesday nights on Annacis Island. For more information, visit www.joinseacadets.ca.
Eagles host party with Santa
The Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 20 aims to put a smile on the faces of local kids this Christmas.
Christmas With Santa is open to kids aged one to 12. It’s taking place on Friday, Dec. 19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the CAW 2200 hall at 707 12th St.
“Christmas with Santa is our way of saying Merry Christmas to some of the children who live in the neighbourhood, and we are trying to put a smile on their face,” Marge Ashdown of the Eagles said in an email to The Record. “Santa and Mrs. Claus are obviously our main attraction, but Ralph the Elf will also be joining us.”
Along with a visit with Santa, young ’uns will enjoy a yo-yo demonstration, a fishing pond, popcorn and treats.
The event is free and limited to 100 kids. You can reserve a spot by calling Marge at 604-838-2675.
Looking back at Christmases past
The New Westminster Historical Society is taking a look at Christmases past at this month’s presentation.
It’s taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the New Westminster Public Library. Because the First World War began in 1914 and the Second World War began in 1939 (75 years ago), the presentation is focusing on Christmases from those years.
“The presentation will also include a number of seasonal images appropriate to the particular period of time,” a press release notes.
The program is free, and everyone is invited.
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