FRIDAY
Big River and The Zone is joining forces to raise awareness and donations for the Richmond Food Bank Society. Donations can be brought to The Zone or Big River Brew Pub, 14200 Entertainment Blvd. Every donation gets an entry for the Big River's Meat Draw worth $100. The draw is on Jan. 5, and the last day for entry is Jan. 4. Last year, the team collected $300 and 12 50-pound boxes of food.
Richmond Public Library and Literacy Richmond are partnering with Kwantlen Polytechnic University to offer a unique program for parents wanting to gain workplace skills. The Learning Together program combines family reading readiness with adult workplace literacy into an all in one program. It runs Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Kids Place Program Room at Brighouse branch, beginning on Friday, Nov. 16. The program is free and drop-in, although it's suggested participants attend regularly. For more information, visit any branch, www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm or call 604-2316413. Bring a canned donation to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery now until Dec. 31 and receive two for one admission on a guided tour. Donations go to the Richmond Food Bank.
Natural Capital Exhibit is on now until April 30 at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Emily Carr University in partnership with the David Suzuki Foundation and OCAD University present an interactive community mapping and storytelling project. Digitial narratives feature stories from diverse community members, highlighting the importance of our vanishing wetlands.
Gatway Theatre presents Fiddler on the Roof now until Dec. 12. Directed by Chris McGregor, the show features musical director Allen Stiles and choreographer Dawn Ewen.
SATURDAY
The Richmond Orchestra will host a free show at Aberdeen Centre on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2: 30 p.m. The show will also feature eight-year-old child prodigy Spencer Tsai.
The Richmond Yacht Club presents the annual Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday Dec. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Decorated vessels will parade between the Middle Arm Bridge and Dinsmore Bridge, but best viewing is from the Richmond Yacht Club at 7471 River Rd. Open to anyone, refreshments will be served with traditional holiday music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Food donations or unwrapped children's gifts will also be received and prizes will be awarded to the best decorated vessel. For more information, contact Jon Triance at 604-250-6476.
Cinevolution Media Arts Society presents "Close Encounters: A Celebration of Diversity in Richmond" on Saturday, Dec. 15. The event features a screening of Kenda Gee's Lost Years: A People's Struggle for Justice (at 11 a.m.), a book launch of Escape to Gold Mountain: A Graphic History of the Chinese in North America with a presentation by author David H.T. Wong (at 1: 15 p.m.) and a community dialogue about the power potential of intercultural engagement see Around Town page 24 and exchange (at 1: 45 p.m.). For more information, contact Yun-jou Chang at 604-719-7380 or email yunjou.chang@ cinevolutionmedia.com.
The Richmond Chorus presents two performances on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7: 30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m., at Gilmore Park United. Its traditional Christmas concert centres on a performance of Conrad Susa's "Carols and Lullabies of the Southwest." Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors/students, $6 for children (six-12), children under six are free. Tickets are available at the door or in advance by contacting the ROCA office at 604-276-2747 or at Long & McQuade, 6760 No. 3 Rd. Cash donations will also be accepted for the Richmond Christmas Fund. For more information, visit roca.ca/current-season.
SUNDAY
The Steveston Farmers and Artisans Market takes place inside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery on Sunday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is by donation.
Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir presents Sing Noel: Gospel Tidings of Comfort and Joy, a concert series with gospel Christmas music and classic Christmas favourites on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. Joining Good Noise is the award-winning St. Thomas More Collegiate Chamber Choir, under the direction of Johnson Lui. The concert takes place at Fraserview MB Church, 11295 Mellis Dr. and tickets are available online at www. brownpapertickets.com or call 1-800-838-3006, adults $25, students/seniors $20, children 12 & under $10. For more information, visit www.goodnoisevgc.com or email tickets@goodnoisevgc. com.
Richmond Youth Soccer Association will be hosting its second annual Jingle Bell 3K Run in support of the Richmond Food Bank on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. The family-oriented event encourages everyone to join. The run is free, but donations for the food bank are recommended. Registration is not required. There'll be hot chocolate, special guests and prizes for best costume. Visit www.richmondsoccer. com.
TUESDAY
Richmond Hospice Association Library is open Tuesdays 2 to 5 p.m. at The Caring Place, Suite 310, 7000 Minoru Blvd. Come and meet the librarian and see the resources for bereavement support. For more information, call Janice at 604-279-7140.
The Ironwood branch of Richmond Public Library will be holding a free drop-in Christmas in the Library celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 3: 30 to 4: 30 p.m. The event is for all ages and includes carols, holiday stories and crafts. For more information, call Melanie Au at 604-2316425 or email melanie. [email protected].
WEDNESDAY
The Cambie branch of Richmond Public Library will be holding a free drop-in Christmas in the Library celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 5 p.m. The event is for all ages and includes carols, holiday stories and crafts. For more information, call Melanie Au at 604-231-6425 or email [email protected].
