A group of university students from New Westminster normally goes Christmas carolling for fun, but this year they're doing it for a cause.
Michelle Murray, Kristy Hancock, Leah Zroh and Meghan Gilhespy, all graduates of the New Westminster Secondary School Class of 2010, will be collecting food and monetary donations when they go carolling next week. They'll be carolling near Herbert Spencer Elementary on Dec. 22 and near Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary on Dec. 23.
"We have been going carolling for four years," Murray said. "We have never done it as a food drive before."
While many people have offered them donations in the past, the women didn't accept them because they were doing it just for fun. They decided to make this year's carolling excursion a fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
"We usually just go in my neighbourhood. It is usually people we know," Murray said. "It's fun."
The four women have sung together for years, including as members of the vocal jazz choir at NWSS.
"We really enjoy it, Murray said. "We just like singing anyway."
Flyers are being printed and distributed to homes where they'll be stopping during their nights of carolling, so residents will know to expect them.
WISH LIST
The Christmas Wish List is aiming to make the season merrier for residents of the Cliff Block and Russell House in New Westminster.
Concerned about the number of homeless people in Vancouver, Dan and Jennie Keeran started the Christmas Wish List in 2005 by posting the personal stories and wish lists of homeless people across the Lower Mainland on a website. This year's Christmas Wish List includes information about people living in shelters in New Westminster, whose wishes include practical items like coats and gift cards.
The website (www. homelesspartners.com) enables homeless people or those living in transitional housing to tell their story and communicate what they really need. Along with a gift, people may want to write a message of encouragement.
PUB HELPS OUT
Moonrakers Pub is hoping to make Christmas a little merrier for some of the city's seniors.
Mike McKee, general manager of he pub, said about 60 people attended a fundraiser at the pub on Dec. 15 that raised funds for the Seniors Services Society. The pub is following up the fundraiser by holding a Christmas dinner for seniors on Christmas Day.
"Christmas is a time of celebration and we've decided to celebrate the people who often get overlooked at this time of year," McKee said. "Let's put it this way. There won't be any Justin Bieber Christmas carols playing on the stereo."
The pub is opening its doors on Dec. 25 for a Christmas celebration that's geared to anyone over the age of 60 and in need of a warm turkey dinner and good cheer.
The pub will be arranged in a way that accommodates people using walkers, wheelchairs and scooters.
The pub is in need of a volunteer driver to pick up and return seniors to their homes. It's also looking for carollers who may want to entertain the seniors during the dinner that will take place from noon to 2 p.m.
"We hope we can entices as many seniors as possible to share the day with us, but we still need a little help," McKee said.
Anyone wanting to volunteer at the dinner can contact the pub at 6045229010.
KIDS GET LESSONS IN KINDNESS
Local kids attending Core Education and Fine Arts are collecting toys for families in need.
Children ages one to five who attend the junior kindergarten school in New Westminster scoured their toy chests for items to donate to local families.
"When children learn the importance of gratitude, compassion and kindness at an early age, it extends into adulthood," said CEFA founder Natacha Beim in a press release. "Lessons in compassion and kindness are as important as lessons in math or reading."
Each child is also writing a personalized message of gratitude. The note, which will accompany their donation, will extend well wishes to the families receiving their items.
The donations will be given to the New Westminster Christmas Bureau, which is operated by the Salvation Army.
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