Date Book is a free community service provided by The Chilliwack Progress to local community and non-profit organizations. If you would like to be part of Date Book, please email your listing to: events@theprogress.com. You can also add your event to our online calendar at www.theprogress.com/calendar.
Chilliwack Common Threads Knitting Circle is collecting handmade hats for local charities this Christmas. People can drop off knitted, crocheted, etc. hats from now until Dec. 7 at Chilliwack Wool and Craft store, Carman United Church, or contact Angie McDermid at loriangela@telus.net.
The Chilliwack Lions Club Poinsettia Sale is underway at 46293 Yale Rd., across from the post office. The Christmas fundraiser is your opportunity to purchase beautiful Christmas poinsettias. Runs until Dec. 15, hours are Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Ed at 604-798-3061.
The Optimist Club of Chilliwack's second annual Circles of Friends fundraiser takes place Friday, Dec. 5 at Evergreen Hall. Bring an unwrapped toy and/or non-perishable food bank item. Includes beef and turkey on a bun, casual buffet, silent auction, and live band. Tickets $20 (pre-sale only) and available from Glenda Standeven: 604-792-6638 or gstandev@shaw.ca. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This event supports kids in our community.
The public is invited to help feed those in need this Christmas by stocking the kitchen shelves at Brixton Station at Garrison Crossing (45554 Tamihi Way) on Friday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a special performance by local country artist Madeline Merlo, at 5:30 p.m. Admission free with donation of non-perishable food item.
RCMP members of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment will once again volunteer their time to support community food banks. The annual Stuff the Cruiser event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Save-On Foods (both Salish Plaza and Vedder Plaza), and Cooper's Food (Garrison). RCMP members will volunteer their time in Red Serge and, in partnership with community grocery stores, seek contributions of non-perishable food items or cash donations. A marked police vehicle will be at each location and the goal is to fill it to the brim. The Stuff the Cruiser event has become a major contributor for the food banks which are administered by the Salvation Army in Chilliwack. In 2013, the event resulted in donations totalling more than $23,000 and a total of 18,413 pounds of food. For further information please contact the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611.
The Chilliwack United Church is having its Christmas Cake, Cookie Sale and Tea on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1:30 p.m. This annual event is located at the church (45835 Spadina Ave.), across from Save-On Foods. It’s a lovely way to get some of your Christmas baking done.
The Chilliwack SPCA is hosting its next Pet Photos with Santa event at Chilliwack Mall on Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also during that time there will be a bake sale. Pet photos with Santa are by donation (minimum $10 per photo), and all proceed go to the Chilliwack SPCA.
The Chilliwack and District Senior Resources Society is having its annual Christmas Luncheon on Dec. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Evergreen Hall (9291 Corbould St.). Members $18, non-members $20. Purchase tickets at the CDSRS resource office in Evergreen Hall.
Chilliwack Girl Guides will be Christmas carolling while collecting non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army food bank on Tuesday Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Cultus Lake area around the school. If the weather is wet, they will be singing at Cultus Lake Community School. The public is welcome to drop by the school and join in or listen as they celebrate this joyous season. Donations can also be dropped off at the school if you’re unavailable Dec. 9.
All Chilliwack/Hope Municipal Pension Retirees (members and non-members) and their spouses/partners are invited to attend the next meeting of the MPRA at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Chilliwack Library. Retirees who receive a public sector pension are also invited to attend and they may join as associate members. Refreshments will be served.
The Chilliwack Métis Association is holding its annual Christmas Party and Potluck on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. with dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Central elementary (9435 Young Rd.). Please bring a non-perishable item for our food hamper and a dish to feed five people. There will also be a jigging demonstration.
St. Mary's Catholic School students invite you to drive by their Living Christmas Crèche (under the church bell tower) at 8909 Mary St. between 6 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. Donations of non-perishable food items gratefully accepted.
Ongoing Events:
The Chilliwack Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help group meets on the third Wednesday of every month from noon to 2 p.m. in the lunchroom of the Royal Café (45886 Wellington Ave.). New members (and old ones) are welcome.
The Chilliwack Senior Recreation Centre has bingo on Mondays (12:30 to 3:15 p.m.), rug hooking on Tuesdays (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), arts and crafts at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, doubles bridge from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesdays, al-anon meetings on Thursdays (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.), acoustic country jam sessions at 7 p.m. on Saturdays ($4 admission, bring your own instrument), and the Less Fortunate Citizens Breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. every Sunday.
The B.C. Government Retired Employees Association Branch 2000 Cheam View meets on the third Tuesday of the month (excluding July and August) at Canton Gardens at 11:30 (lunch at noon) for a speaker of interest, a meal, and a short business meeting. www.bcgrea.com. Contact Peter Maguire for more info at 604-392-3645, or rpmaguire@shaw.ca.
The Sardis branch of the OAPO #173 welcomes newcomers (age 55+) to the area. They offer crib, whist, paper tole, carpet bowling, and Friday afternoon bingo. They invite people to check out their facility at 5725 Tyson Rd. (beside Twin Rinks). 604-858-4066.
Chilliwack Grief Support continues to provide long-term support for mourners grieving the death of a husband, wife or partner. This group meets Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. at Chilliwack Community Services. For details, or to register, please contact 604-793-7239.
The Snow Peaks Toastmasters meet Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (8871 School St.). www.d21ltoastmasters.ca
The Chilliwack Common Threads knitting circle welcomes new and experienced knitters to join them Tuesday nights at Carman United Church (7258 Vedder Rd.). This is a non-religious knitting group. They meet upstairs in the Heritage Room above the church office. Share your skills and passion, knit along with our charity plans, or just come to share the good company. For more information, check out our group on Ravelry.com or email loriangela@telus.net
The B.C. Schizophrenia Society has its monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Chilliwack Communitas (18-45966 Yale Rd.).
Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship luncheons are held every Saturday at 12 p.m. at Homer Restaurant (46090 Yale Rd.). Come and hear exciting testimonies. Everyone welcome. For more info call 604-316-4540, or 604-824-0185. www.fgbmfi.ca
Are you gay, bisexual or just not sure? Hominum Fraser Valley is an informal discussion and support group to help gay, bisexual and questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. They meet on the last Friday of every month. For information and meeting location, call Art at 604-462-9813 or Don at 604-329-9760.
Chilliwack Toastmasters meets weekly every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Mt. Cheam Lions Club on Spadina Avenue (near Corbould Street). They welcome guests and new members who wish to improve their communication and leadership skills.
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. The local group meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at 9800 McNaught Rd.
The Prayer Shawl Knitting Group meets on Wednesdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lynnwood Retirement Residence (9168 Corbould St.). Those who wish to knit prayer shawls or learn how to knit are invited to join them. For more info, call Svea at 604-795-0380 or Janine at 604-392-9479.
If you have problems in your home with gambling, please call 604-701-8448 or 604-858-0321.
Are you living with mental health issues and struggling to find a safe place where you can share your concerns? The Living Healthy Group (Chilliwack Association), a non-profit group of self-advocates welcomes new members. They meet Wednesdays on the west side of Prospera Centre parking lot at 1 p.m. for 30 minutes of walking, followed by cool down stretches, a positive focus and a sharing time. They finish at 3 p.m. For more information contact Barb at 604-792-1059 or Agnes at 604-792-0112.
Catholic Divorce Survival — Are you having a difficult time with the end of your marriage? Are you separated, divorced and still carrying a lot of baggage? You are not alone. This seminar/support group will guide you through the rich wisdom of the catholic church and point you to the sacraments where you'll encounter Christ. The group meets Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. in the loft, St. Mary’s Church (8909 Mary St.). Call the church office (604-792-2764) or Barry Neufeld (604-793-9053) for more info.