TOTEM
Suwa'lkh students under the guidance of Coast Salish artist Xwa-lack-tun carved a beautiful house post, which was raised during the school's traditional Christmas dinner this month.
The yellow cedar log was gifted by the Kwikwetlem First Nation, whose land crosses the Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam borders.
Students Amanda Collins and Faith Adams contributed to the design and carving with one of their traditional animal totems.
SHARING
Jake Moir, fund development officer for Share in Coquitlam, dropped by the SUCCESS Social Services Centres in Coquitlam this month to pick up 450 pounds of non-perishable goods for Share's food bank that the immigrant settlement group had collected.
Also, Anita Simpson, a member of Coquitlam's Dogwood Pavilion, was at the Share food bank to unload 385 pounds of food - and $90 - on behalf of the seniors' centre. "I feel like our seniors need a little recognition... a job well done," she said.
UNION HELP
More than 100 Coquitlam preschool and kindergarten students - including brother and sister Ryan and Savannah - lent a hand during the holiday season to provide food and gifts for low-income families in the Lower Mainland.
The donations, along with help from Wind and Tide preschoolers, were brought through a partnership with the Union Gospel Mission.
BRANCHING OUT
The new TD branch on Burke Mountain marked its grand opening this month by donating $5,000 to a green group based in Coquitlam.
The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation handed over the cash to the Watershed Watch Salmon Society for its salmon habitat enhancement projects in the city.
ALL WELCOME
Organizers part of the rebuilding of Port Moody's Mossom Creek hatchery saw a good turnout for their winter solstice open house this month, with supporters, neighbours, regular members and Centennial secondary graduates turning on the Christmas cheer.
Refreshments were brought in by Tracy Green and donations for the Share food bank were also collected during the event.
FA LA LA LA LA
Residents along Port Moody's Bentley and Alderside roads got into the Christmas spirit this month when the Pleasantside Carollers made their round.
On Dec. 15, the 25 singers collected 325 pounds of food and $557.55 for the Share food bank during their fifth annual event, which was organized by Paul and Yvonne Harris.
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