Christmas is a busy time for many people, and especially for staff and volunteers with Share Family and Community Services.
Share runs the Christmas Hampers and Toys for Children programs as well as various fundraising initiatives, such as food drives and the annual Christmas Wrap at Coquitlam Centre.
It provides holiday food hampers to 1,800 Tri-Cities families and more than 2,200 children and youth will receive toys through its Christmas program.
You can help Share help those in most need in the Tri-Cities by donating food or cash, volunteering at the gift wrapping booth at the mall, hosting a fundraiser or volunteering for the food drive.
Here's what's happening this holiday season:
• Bring your food, cash or toy donation to the Coquitlam Central Station on the Evergreen Extension during the opening day celebrations this Friday, Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. For your contribution, you will receive a paper ornament saying "I helped share joy."
• Bring an unwrapped toy or gift card (multiples of $10, $15 and $25 are best) for a baby, child or teen to the Share holiday tree at Coquitlam Centre. Shoppers can also get their gifts wrapped by donation at the Share gift wrap kiosk. The gift wrap and toy shop run from Dec. 2 to Saturday, Dec. 24 during mall hours. If you would like to volunteer at the gift wrap booth, call Ruth at 604-529-5102.
• Share Joy Holiday Food Drive will take place Sunday, Dec. 4 at Save on Foods at Austin Station, Coquitlam from 10 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.
• Coquitlam RCMP Cram the Cruiser will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 at Superstore at Westwood Mall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The annual Coquitlam Express Teddy Bear Toss takes place on Friday, Dec. 16 at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Centre. The charity barbecue starts at 6 p.m. and the game starts at 7 p.m.
• CP Holiday Train featuring country star Dallas Smith and the popular band The Odds will be in the Tri-Cities Saturday, Dec. 17. In Port Moody, it will stop behind arena and rec centre, with festivities starting at 3 p.m. and train arriving at 4:20 p.m. Then it will be at the Port Coquitlam's West Coast Express Station, 2125 Kingsway Ave., at 6 p.m. for more fun. Bring cash or food donations for Share to these events as there will be collection points at both sites.
• Wrestling for Hunger will take place Saturday, Dec. 17 in the Elk's Hall at 2272 Leigh Square Port Coquitlam Doors open at 7 p.m.; the bell rings at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at shop.eccw.com or at the door. For more information, visit www.eccw.com or call 604-763-2575.
