Amidst the festive ho-ho-hos and the fa-la-la-las, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that Christmas isn’t joyful for everyone. The Campbell River Hospice acknowledges this can be a difficult time for some and offers a way to remember those who have died and who are still lovingly remembered.
Again this year, the 22nd in a row, the hospice is offering their “Celebrate a Life” project at Campbell River Common, formerly Ironwood Mall. The concept is a simple one: Christmas trees are strung with lights and for a donation, people write the name of the person they wish to remember on a paper shaped dove, place it on a tree, and turn the light on. It’s a quiet yet meaningful way to take time out at this busy time of year and honour those we love who are no longer with us.
This year the volunteers and the trees are available from 10:00am to 7:00pm starting tomorrow, December 15, until December 24 (they close at 3:00pm on Christmas Eve).
The trees are left up through the holidays so you’re welcome to take your dove home during the week after Christmas. After that, please feel free to stop by the hospice office to pick it up if you would like it as a remembrance. The office is located at #104 - 301 Dogwood Street, near the curling club. Call them at 250-286-1121. Office hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday.
Thanks to the hospice for offering this opportunity. It’s important to a lot of people.
One of the things I love about this time of year is the multitude of Christmas related events sponsored bya variety of groups, including non-profit organizations. They feature funky gifts as well as opportunities to socialize with friends and neighbors and meet new peeps. Here are some suggestions:
The Fair Trade Global Craft Fair is an event unlike any other. It’s a chance to browse through a host of fun, environmentally sustainable gift ideas from around the world. Beaded jewellry, journals, brightly colored textiles, handcrafted wooden carvings, musical instruments, and food are just some of the items on offer. Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided by students involved in the International Co-op Program. See you at Timberline this Saturday, November 28 from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Give Brenda a call at 250-287-8198 if you need more information.
The Sportsplex in Willow Point is where the Toy and Craft Show is happening this weekend, Saturday, N0vember 28 and Sunday, November 29 from 10am to 4:00pm both days. Call Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-286-1161 with your questions.
This weekend is a popular time for Christmas events. Step back in time to the Victorian era with the Order of the Eastern Star, Chas Maria Chapter, for their Candlelight Tea at the Masonic Hall at 2:00pm. There will be home baking and door prizes. The Masonic Hall is just over the bridge at 2905 North Island Highway. Cost is a modest $10 for dainty sandwiches and tea served in a fine bone china tea cup. Wear a hat and gloves and get into the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas. Monies raised support Eastern Star’s cancer projects.
And coming up early in December -
Homemade baking and crafts are the focus for the SPCA Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 5 at Campbell River common. Check it out between 9:30am and 5:30pm. Crafts can be dropped off at the shelter on Merecroft Road. Due to the lack of space at the shelter, please drop off your baking on the morning of the event at Campbell River Common. For further info call the shelter at 250-286-6131.
Tags: Campbell River Common, Fair Trade Global Craft Fair, Masonic Hall, Merecroft Road, Order of the Eastern Star, Parks Recreation and Culture, SPCA, Sportsplex, Timberline Secondary School, Toy and Craft Show
Arts and Culture, Local Events, Non-profit organizations | ginaforsyth November 25, 2009 | 
Comments (2)
It would appear the rain, wind and cooler weather has arrived. The five day extended forecast is for a Campbell River-typical fall so haul our your umbrella and boots (and maybe even your duck feet).
Despite the gloominess, one of my favorite events starts tomorrow and will certainly brighten my week: the annual used book sale sponsored by the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. The selection is broad – from a variety of fiction to non-fiction with kid’s books too. There’s an exciting selection and it’s sure to satisfy the rabid readers in Campbell River.
Funds raised go to towards fighting cancer.
Please note: the location has changed. The sale is no longer happening at Campbell River Common but on Shopper’s Row, in the former location of Inner Odyssey, beside San Marcos.
The bibliophile can browse for three consecutive days starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 15 from 10am to 5pm. On Friday, October 16, hours are 10am to 6pm. They’re back to 10am to 4pm on the final day, Saturday October 17th.
