Earlier this month, we attended the City of Surrey Heart in the City award ceremony as one of three shortlisted nominees out of 38 submissions. While we did not win top spot, we received recognition from the City of Surrey for the work we do ‘Strengthening our Community.’
The event allowed us to share a bit about who we are, and what we do, and gave us an opportunity to see the contributions of others in our community.
Many of the nominees recognized a grassroots approach to community building, which, in the neighbourhood house philosophy, is an essential neighbourhood building block.
In a grassroots approach, we work together to build safe, inclusive communities where people have a sense of belonging, and the knowledge that we, as individuals, have the ability to make a difference in our own lives, in our neighbourhoods and in our community.
Our School’s Out After School program for kids ages 5-12 is up and running at White Rock Elementary and Peace Arch Elementary. There’s lots to do – healthy cooking, arts and crafts, sports, music and drama, and homework, social and life skills support. For more information call 604-541-3273.
Kids ages six to 12 are invited to join us Thursday, Dec. 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m.. at Holiday Crafts and Cooking, an afternoon of fun games, winter crafts and festive food. Call 604-535-0015 to register.
Join your neighbours at noon on Wednesdays to share stories, music, activities, soup and a sandwich at our Community Drop In and Light Lunch. Rides are available in the Crescent Beach/Ocean Park area. Please call 604-535-0015 by Monday afternoon to let us know you’re coming. Cost is $6.
The Lodge Lounge is also available after lunch for your ideas – Bridge? Discussion groups? Knitting? Scrabble? Fitness? Call 604-535-0015 ext. 236 for more information.
Don’t miss our Alexandra Family Place third annual Pancake Breakfast on Dec. 15 and the chance to kick off the holiday season with auntie, uncle, grandma, grandpa and other special people.
More information to come; tickets will be available in December.
The winter solstice is the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere, and summer in the southern hemisphere, and for us, it’s also the shortest day and longest night of the year. Since there’s nothing we can do about it, we might as well celebrate it.
We’ve been exploring the idea of holding an indoor candlelit labyrinth walk Dec. 21.
If you’re interested in volunteering to create a magical holiday activity for your community, please contact Jenn at 604-535-0015 or communityprograms@alexhouse.net
It’s that time of year again, and every dollar helps!
The funding we receive from the United Way helps us to support and strengthen individuals, our neighbourhood and our community. We give children the best possible start in life, help seniors to stay active and independent, and help vulnerable members of our community to improve the quality of their lives.The United Way is truly about people and the power of community. Please support this year’s United Way campaign
For more information, go to www.uwlm.ca.
Donni Klassen is program and communications director at Alexandra Neighbourhood House. For information on programs/services, call 604-535-0015 or go to www.campalex.com
