by Mimi M.
It’s hard to believe that winter is just right around the corner. Many of us are still clinging on to the joys of summer, but wintertime always brings about its own lovely aspects; the star of the show, of course, being the wonderful holiday season. This joyous season is known for bringing people together; Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Yalda, and most other winter holidays of all cultures celebrate family, community, and love amongst people, and the warm, tender nature of these cultural traditions make winter one of the best times of the year to get involved, give back, and spread love throughout the community.
No matter what holiday you celebrate, or even if you don’t celebrate any, there are many fun things and charity events taking place on the North Shore this winter to enjoy. Listed below are six community events to look out for this winter, as well as seven great local charities to support! See the links beside each charity for more information about the charity, how to donate, and how to volunteer during this holiday season.
1. CKNW Kids’ Fund https://www.cknwkidsfund.com/
to support BC children living with physical, social, or mental challenges.
2. Greater Vancouver Food Bank https://foodbank.bc.ca/
to provide nutritious meals to low income/impoverished people and their families.
3. Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau https://www.lmcb.ca/
to ensure that children of low-income families have a positive holiday experience.
4. Covenant House Vancouver https://www.covenanthousebc.org/
to provide shelter, support, and hope for at-risk youth on the streets of Vancouver.
5. YWCA https://ywcavan.org/
to give low-income women/families educational, employment, and financial opportunities.
6. Lookout Society https://lookoutsociety.ca/
to provide housing and support to impoverished/homeless people.
7. BC Children’s Hospital Foundation https://www.bcchf.ca/
to provide the best possible healthcare and support for the youth and children of BC.
1. Ten Thousand Villages: Fair Trade Christmas Market
Where: St. Andrews United Church
When: November 23rd, 10am - 4pm
What: Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit organization that lets impoverished and underprivileged artisans, typically from underdeveloped countries, sell their handcrafted products to a wide consumer market. This year, Ten Thousand Villages has partnered with St. Andrews United Church to host a local pop-up market where residents of the North Shore can buy gifts and support a diverse, humanitarian organization. All of the products are ethically and sustainably produced, and the artisans are paid a great wage, making this a fantastic place to consciously buy gifts.
2. Shipyards Christmas Festival
Where: Shipyards, Lower Lonsdale
When: November 30th
What: At the Shipyards Christmas Festival, North Vancouver’s Christmas tree is officially lit up on the last day of November. If you celebrate Christmas, this is a great place to get into the spirit for the upcoming holiday, and if you don’t, it’s still a lovely, festive setting to spend an evening with friends or family.
3. Shipyards Christmas Market
Where: Shipyards, Lower Lonsdale (115 Victory Ship Way)
When: December 7th, 8th, 14th, & 15th
What: The Shipyards Christmas Market is a large craft fair that gives us a chance to support our talented local artists. Over 50 vendors participate annually, all selling unique and beautiful items that make great gifts. It’s a wonderful place to spend a Saturday or Sunday; admission is free, but donations to the North Shore Neighbourhood House are welcomed.
4. Park & Tilford Hi-Light Festival
Where: Park & Tilford Strip (333 Brooksbank Ave)
When: November 30th - December 31st
What: 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of North Vancouver’s Park & Tilford Light Festival. Each year, the iconic Park & Tilford gardens are decorated with extravagant and beautiful lights, making it a stunning way to spend a December night with loved ones. For a perfect holiday evening, stroll around the gardens with a cup of hot chocolate and take in the views, catch a movie at the cinema next door, and donate a small sum to the City and District of North Vancouver Firefighter Societies, a great community cause to support.
5. Dundarave Festival of Lights
Where: Dundarave Beach
When: November 30th, December 7th, 14th, 21st What: The Dundarave Festival of Lights is a beautiful place to celebrate the holiday season. With the large array of Christmas trees, decorated by local businesses and schools, lit up and on display, the festive music performed by local entertainers, and the scenic views of Dundarave Beach, this festival is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.
6. Santa Claus Parade
Where: West Georgia & Broughton (start), Howe & Davie (finish)
When: December 1st, 8:30 - 4:00pm
What: No matter your age, the Santa Claus Parade in Downtown Vancouver is a fun, exciting, and festive way to kick off the month of December. The parade route is a long one, travelling from West Georgia & Broughton all the way to Howe & Davie, but if you get a good spot, the floats on display are magnificent, featuring marching bands, local businesses, and dance troupes.
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