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VIDEO: Mission Christmas Bureau prepares for a busy season

Organizers expect to create more than 600 hampers to help people during the holidays
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The Mission Christmas Bureau is now accepting registrations for anyone who needs a helping hand during the holiday season. / Kevin Mills Photo

With year-round fundraising in the works and new people and ideas boosting the Mission Community Services Society’s Christmas Bureau/Food Centre operations, those who seek support are getting what they need.

Since 1972, the Mission Christmas Bureau has made a difference in the lives of thousands of vulnerable families by providing festive food hampers and toys at Christmas time.

Christmas Bureau leaders Mika Brosseau and Avalon Lawrence are looking forward to a successful wish campaign in 2018, not only providing for families, but also for single adults, including senior citizens.

“Our goal is to help families with children to enjoy a hearty meal on Christmas day and ensure that every child and their family receive a gift on Christmas morning,” Brosseau said.

“Our primary role in meeting that goal is to coordinate the generosity of dozens of community members, organizations, businesses and volunteers through the collection and distribution of food and toys at Christmas time. That generosity at Christmas has allowed us to provide support to our vulnerable families throughout the year through our emergency food centre.”

Helping to make the wish campaign as strong as ever are community cash and in-kind donations plus the support of volunteers, The Junction Shopping Centre, local schools, the Rotary Carol Festival, the Mission Candlelight Parade, the Festival of Trees, the West Coast Express Santa trains, the Silverdale Haunted House and Mission Fire Rescue Service food drive.

A press release states that “volunteering for the campaign is an opportunity to meet others and work together, along with gaining organizational and communication skills.

“The campaign provides a valuable volunteer opportunity for dozens of community members. Without their support, the Christmas Bureau campaign would not be able to operate.

“And we continually assess our services to ensure we maintain a high standard for preparing and distributing food hampers. We strive to keep pace with the changing face of Mission to ensure that our service is culturally inclusive, encompassing all religions and traditions.”

Registration for the Mission Christmas Bureau Wish Campaign is on now and runs until Nov. 30. To register come to the Junction Mall (unit #142 32555 London Ave.) beside The Source. The bureau is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. (It is closed on Nov. 12.)

In order to register, you will need to bring:

  • proof of income (such as a pay stub)
  • proof of residence (such as a phone, cable, or hydro bill)
  • photo ID (driver’s licence or BC ID)
  • medical card (for you and your dependants – must not be a copy, original only)
  • proof of custody/separation

Donations to the campaign can also be made at the campaign office in the Junction Mall.

For more information, call 604-826-3634 or visit:

info@missioncommunityservices.com.