The Northern Women’s Forum is hosting the 9th Annual Chili Blanket Event, Saturday, Dec. 10, from noon–2 p.m. at the Prince George Courthouse, serving up hot chili, hot chocolate, cool music, sharp talk. Take the opportunity if you are in Prince George to join this rally against the prison of poverty in BC. The cost of poverty far outweighs the savings of denying our basic rights. Poverty leads to poor health, problems in school, more crime, and greater stress on families; costs British Columbians $8.1-9.2 billion each year. A poverty reduction plan in BC would cost $3-4 billion/year while generating $5.3 billion in additional income. BC is still the province with the highest level of child poverty – for 8 years now. Canadian women working full time, full year jobs still make only 73 per cent of the male wage. In 2008 the poverty related cost of crime was $745 million.
Is it just me or is everything costing more this year than last year?
Listen to a dramatic reading of Dylan Thomas’ “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” on Dec 7, Wednesday, 7 p.m. at the Old Church. Admission is by donation and includes live music by Jenny Lester, traditional Welsh cakes, hot apple cider.
The Scarf/Mittens/Toque tree is at Scotia Bank, waiting to be covered in gifts, plus take time to have your picture taken with Santa on Dec. 9 and 16, from 3–8 p.m.
Holiday Family Fun events at the library: Kids’ Craft Time – Monday, December 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children up to 12 years old can drop by for Christmas crafts, colouring, puzzle fun; Pajama Story Time, Tuesday December 20, 6:30 – 7:30pm. PJs, family and holiday stories; Mother Goose Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 10–11 a.m., for children ages 0 to 3 and their parents.
Planning on buying an e-reader? Learn the ins-and-outs of using one with a workshop on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m.
A Christmas Hamper update: depot is open in the Smithers Mall, Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a desperate need for non-perishable food, new toys. Main items needed: peanut butter, tuna, canned vegetable, canned fruit. Volunteers needed, especially a few with trucks or large vehicles to help out at the depot the next couple weeks and on delivery day which is Dec. 17. Get more information by calling Kristy or Anne at 847-4494, champers@scsa.ca or visit them at the depot in the Smithers Mall. Support the Hamper program as well by heading to the arena on Friday. An evening of skating sponsored by the Lions Club means admission is by a cash or non-perishable food item donation.
Christmas in the Gallery gift shop at the Smithers Art Gallery, December 1 – 24, Tuesdays – Fridays, 12pm – 6pm, Saturdays 10am – 6pm. One-of-a-kind works created by regional artists, artisans.
Lorraine Doiron writes the weekly View from the Porch.
