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Deadline is seven days prior to publication date at 5 p.m., earlier submissions are helpful. Mail to Times Colonist, Box 300, Victoria, B.C., V8W 2N4, Attn. Listings. Fax to: 250380-5353. Questions? Call 250-380-5337.
COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SOCIAL ACTIVISTS
End Homelessness: Meetings first and third Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at Silver Threads, Douglas and Herald, second and fourth Wednesdays, 1 p.m. at Our Place., 919 Pandora Ave.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Lymphoma/Leukemia Society social evening, Thursday, 7 p.m. in Begbie Hall, Royal Jubilee Hospital. Tel. 250-642-5088.
South Island Health Coalition AGM with Alan Cassels, leading researcher on Canadian medical reporting and author of Selling Sickness. Wednesday, 12: 30-3: 30 p.m. at BCGEU Building, 2994 Douglas St. Free, RSVP to carolthibault@shaw.ca
Ladies Fitness/Self-Defence. Free, meet every Wednesday, 8 p.m., 4091 Braefoot Rd. Tel. 250-882-8831.
Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Branch, to assist members and their families. Mondays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tel. 250-652-3016.
TOPS (Take Pounds Off Sensibly): A non-profit, non-commercial, affordable weight loss support and wellness education organization meets weekly. Visit tops.org, contact 800-932-8677 or connerly@telus.net.
Massage with Vitality Plus Program. First session is $10. Cook Street Village Activity Centre, 380 Cook St. Certified chair practitioner. Tel. 250-590-2220 for appointment.
SELF IMPROVEMENT, SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Christian Unity Discussion Group, for casual respectful discussion. Wednesday, 7-8: 30 p.m. at The Well, 821 Fort St. Free. Contact: collegemhc@gmail.com.
Brentwood Vipassina Insight Meditation meets Sundays, 4-6 p.m. at 7167 West Saanich Rd. Brentwood Bay. By donation. Contact: peninsula.mindful.living@telus.net
Emotional Freedom Technique and Insight Meditation with Unity of Victoria, 838 Pandora Ave. Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. Tel. 250-382-1613; unityvictoria.com
Victoria Pranic Healing and Meditation Centre presents a compassionate, healing 20 minute guided meditation. Mondays, 7 p.m., followed by healing clinic and Tuesdays, 1 p.m. relaxing lunch time experience at 409 Hillside Ave. Details at pranichealingvictoria.ca or tel. 259-590-1398.
A Training and Employment Opportunity for unemployed non-EI British Columbians of 55 years of age or older. Contact: 250-381-1194 or 250-381-2298 or ksmith@worklink.bc.ca.
Awake Ministries: Christian Counselling for Women, counselling for trauma, depression, anxiety, loss/grief, divorce, abuse, isolation, anger, restlessness, and more. Available throughout the week, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Bayview, 100 Saghalie Rd. Free. Contact: phoebe.keeran@gmail.com
A Course in Miracles: In-depth study of course principles. Mondays, 7-9 p.m. at James Bay New Horizons Community Centre. Cost: $2. Tel. 250-220-9797.
Free adult ESL classes with free childcare at SPEAKWELL ESL English Conversation Program. Wednesdays, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Gordon Head Lawn Bowling Bldg (next to Gordon Head Rec Centre). Contact 250-721-0497 or speakwellesl@gmail.com.
Free ESL Classes at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave. Sundays, 9: 30-10: 15 a.m. Tel. 250-385-7786; centralbaptistchurch.ca Free ESL classes for Seniors, Wednesdays, 1-2 p.m. in the Juan de Fuca 55+ Activity Centre, 1767 Island Hwy. Membership is required. There is financial help through the LIFE program. Learn English, make new friends and join in some of the activities at the Centre.
ShoDai Meditation, Wednesdays, Cowichan University Campus, Duncan. Buddha Discovery Service, Nichiren Buddha Society, Sundays.
Details at tel. 778-722-0155 or VIRetreats.com
Modern Buddhism: Discover the power of meditation. For complete schedule of classes, retreats and special events, please contact Bodhichitta Buddhist Centre, 2020A Douglas St. Tel. 250-592-7164 or visit MeditateInVictoria.org.
Weekly drop-in classes $10:
? Mondays, Bodhichitta Centre, 7-9 p.m. or Sidney Public Library, 10: 30 a.m.-noon.
? Wednesdays: Esquimalt Rec Centre, 7: 15-8: 45 p.m. or Fairfield United Church, 7: 30-9 p.m.
? Dharma for Kids, with meditation, story time and arts and crafts, taught by experienced Dharma students.
Today, 11 a.m.-noon. Suggested donation $5 per child, maximum $10 per family. Tel. 250-380-1391 to register; meditateinvictoria.org
Falun Gong: A special qigong method for cultivation practice of mind and body. Free. Tel. 250-658-2089.
Way of Mastery: From sleep to wakefulness, from illusion to reality, from fear to love. Wednesdays, 7-9: 30 p.m., 415-200 Dallas Rd. By donation. Tel. 250-920-0948 first.
Making the Divine Connection: Meditation on the Inner light and sound presented by Science of Spirituality. All programs free of charge. Tel. 250-479-5731 or go to sos.org.
SPECIAL INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
Carded: Crafting Christmas Cards. We'll glue, sew and paint our way to unique Christmas card. Saturday, 9: 30 a.m.-12: 30 p.m. at Victoria West Community Centre, 521 Craigflower Rd. Cost: $24. Contact: coordinator@victoriawest.ca; details at victoriawest.ca
Embroiderer's Guild of Victoria evening meeting, Thursday, 7 p.m. Day meeting, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. Both at St. Aidan's United Church, St. Aidan's Street. All stitching levels welcome. Tel. 250-595 0685; embroiderersguildvictoria.ca.
Chess Night at James Bay Coffee and Books, bring your own game, or use one of ours, bring a friend, or come alone. Mondays, 6-8: 30 p.m. 143 Menzies St. Tel. 250-386-4700.
The Theosophical Society presents Life After Life, an audio course. Mondays, 2-4 p.m. at 3793 St. Aidan's St. Tel. 250-655-9471 or theosophyinvictoria.com. Visit theosophicalsocietyvictoriabc.com
Golden Rods & Reels Fishing & Social Club meets Tuesdays, 9 a.m., at 1728 Douglas St. For information, visit goldenrodsandreels.com.
Victoria Model Shipbuilding Society meets the second Thursday of every month at 7: 30 p.m. at St. Peter's Anglican Church Hall, St. Peter's Road. New members are welcome. Tel. 250-385-9552.
Saanich Songmen welcome male seniors who can carry a tune (no auditions). Friendly, fun group singing popular standards. Rehearse Saturdays, 9: 30-11: 30 a.m. and give concerts every Wednesday afternoon. Tel. 250-361-9878 or 250-382-3151.
Victoria Mandolin Orchestra welcomes new members on various instruments, guitar and bass. Intermediate level playing and music reading. Practice Tuesdays 7: 30-9: 30 p.m. Contact chandrac@shaw.ca or members.shaw.ca/cmvarcoe
Toastmasters International welcomes guests. Find time, place at victoriatoastmasters@tumblr.org.
Village Squires barbershop chorus practises every Tuesday 7-10 p.m. at Centennial United Church, 612 David St. (at Gorge Road East) Tel. 250-472-2626 or go to evg.org/vsquires
VOLUNTEERING
Victoria READ Society - Noisy Kids Reading Club needs volunteers. After school reading program gives elementary students extra literacy support. Six students work with one teacher and two volunteers. Now in four schools. tkidd@readsociety.bc.ca or 250-388-7225.
Capital City Volunteers seeks people to visit seniors or drive them to medical appointments. You can make a difference, even one hour a week will help an isolated senior.
Tel. 250-388-7844 or info@capitalcityvolunteers.org. Victoria Riding for the Disabled Association for children and adults. No experience is necessary, (we provide training), however, volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Classes Monday-Thursday mornings and Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. 778-426-0506 or vrda@shaw.ca Oak Bay Lodge is looking for a volunteer to bring senior residents to the hair salon. Regular shift is every Friday 8: 45-noon, training is provided. Contact 250-370-6642 or Ruth.McCowan@oakbaylodge.org
Habitat for Humanity Victoria is seeking volunteers for several positions: ReStore sales and warehouse assistants; committee members and special events volunteers. For more information, contact Hazel Yeo, volunteer co-ordinator, tel. 250-480-7688 ext. 101 or info@habitatvictoria.com
Board of Directors: Centennial Day Care Society seeks new board members interested in supporting young families and contributing to a small non-profit society. Tel. 250-479-0334.
LifeRing Secular Recovery is looking for board members and volunteers. Exciting opportunities available at liferingcanada.org/get-involved or tel. 250-598-1389.
Local book reviewing newsletter, writerschoicereviews.com, needs volunteers to work on reviewing, selling ads, distribution and production. All ages welcome, contact wcreviews@hotmail.com
Crystal Clear Drug Prevention Society seeks volunteer board members. Our mission is to stop illicit drug use before it starts. Contact Don Monsour, 250-589-1001 or becrystalclear.com Primary Schools For Africa Society, a non-profit charity, is building schools in Tanzania. Volunteers needed to help promote and be involved in its inspiring fundraising initiatives. Tel. 250-598-4207.
Saanich Volunteer Services seeks drivers, visitors and home repair persons to help a neighbour. Tel. 250-595-8008.
Craigdarroch Castle is seeking volunteer docents and cashiers to help share the history of Victoria and the castle with 100,000+ visitors per year. Contact 250-592-5323 x32 or ehazell@thecastle.ca.
Seniors Serving Seniors: Return to Health Program. Volunteers needed to provide social support and encouragement to isolated and lonely seniors before, during and after a hospitalization. Tel. 250-382-4331.
Recreation Integration Victoria needs volunteers to share recreational interests with a person with a disability. Contact the leisure assistance coordinator at 250-477-6314 or volunteers@rivonline.org.
Knitters and Crocheters: Blanket squares needed, either knit or crocheted, or help in creating blankets. Michaels craft room, Thursday afternoons, 1-4: 30 p.m. Tel. 250-727-6786.
Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders needs foster homes for dogs and cats, reliable volunteers and board members. Email info@animalcrusaders.ca or visit animalcrusaders.ca
Volunteer Driver Dispatchers to coordinate drives for cancer clients to medical appointments through volunteer driver program. 250-414-4253 or see cancervolunteer.ca
Single Moms: Mentors needed for the Moms and Mentors Program, Single Parent Resource Centre. Weekly connection with mom, monthly meeting for all moms and mentors. Tel.
250-721-5995. Kids Help Phone seeks volunteer student ambassador liaisons in the Victoria area. Tel. 1-877-267-7057 or bc@kidshelpphone.ca.
Volunteer Mentors needed for young people at risk of becoming involved with crime. Tel. 250-386-3428 or kidstart.ca Peer Helpers - Single Parent Resource Centre seeks volunteers to help single parents using the centre. Send resumé and covering letter to cheryl@singleparentvictoria.ca or 250-385-1114, ext. 226.
FUNDRAISERS AND THRIFT STORES
Community Closet Thrift Store in James Bay Square. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Profits support James Bay Community Project. Please donate gently used clothing and accessories. Tel. 250-388-7810.
Victoria Hospice Thrift Boutique, profits to Victoria Hospice end-of-life care. Help by donating better-quality fashions, jewelry, accessories, collectibles and household items. 1315 Cook St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Tel. 250-361-4966.
EMI Gift Shop, 2334 Trent St. New, used books, clothing, jewelry etc. Proceeds to clients of CMHA. Tel. 250-370-8497.
Canadian Diabetes Clothesline program needs usable clothing. Free pickup. Tel. 250-380-3024.
Church Thrift Shops
? Gordon Head United Church Thrift Shop, 4201 Tyndall Ave., Monday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 250-477-4142.
? St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Thrift Shop, 680 Courtney St., first and third Tuesday, 10 a.m.-noon. Tel. 250-384-5734.
? St. Aidan's Thrift Shop, 3703 St. Aidan's St. 250-477-2089 ext. 7. Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the last Saturday of the month, 9: 30 a.m.-1 p.m.
? Church of Our Lord Thrift Shop, 626 Blanshard St. Friday, 9: 30 a.m.-1: 30 p.m. 250-383-8915.
? James Bay United Church Thrift Shop, 517 Michigan St. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 250-384-5821.
? Oak Bay United Church, corner of Granite and Mitchell. Thrift Shop/ Annex Fridays, 10-2 p.m.; annex open first Sat. of month, 10-noon. tel. 250-598-5021 ext. 0
SUPPORT GROUPS AND COUNSELLING
Facing the holidays after a loved one's death or with the pain of separation or divorce? GriefShare and DivorceCare: Surviving the Holidays, Monday, 7-8: 30 pm. at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave.
Tel. 250-385-7786 to register. Greatlife Design presents Manifesto and Mapping Workshop, explore the possibilities your life holds for 2013. Today. Details and registration at yoUnlimited.com. Contact: carolyne@24carrotlearning.com
Peercare offers free, confidential support and encouragement for individuals going through a difficult time. Call Central Baptist Church at tel. 250-385-7786.
DivorceCare, for people struggling through separation and divorce. Tuesdays, 7 p.m., to Dec. 11 at Central Baptist Church, 833 Pandora Ave. Tel. 250-385-7786 to register.
Nicotine Anonymous meeting, Saturdays, 10: 30 a.m.-noon at 1078 Joan Cres. Tel. 250-388-3151. Borderline Personality support group, drop-in, Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m. at Capital Mental Health, 125 Skinner St. Friends, partners, family all welcome. No charge. 250-383-5144 ext. 2127 or bpdvictoria@gmail.com. Al-Anon: Do you love an alcoholic? Do you suffer from another's drinking? Find us at 250-383-4020 or bcyukon-al-anon.org NarAnon: For families and friends of drug addicts. Meetings Mondays, 7-8: 30 p.m., 5500 Hamsterly Rd. and Wednesdays, 7-8: 30 p.m. at Pearkes Arena, 3100 Tillicum Rd. Tel. 250-704-2801.
For men only: An ongoing facilitated support group for men committed to living a nonviolent life style. Every Monday night, minimal cost. For details, contact ccporter@shaw.ca
Beyond Affairs Network - Are you dealing with the aftermath of learning about your spouse or partner's affair? BAN can help. Contact the Vancouver Island co-ordinator at qualicumbeachban@yahoo.ca to learn more about our support group.
Seniors Entitlement Service, assisting seniors with pensions, health care and other issues at Blanshard Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd. Trained advocates are on duty. Tel. 250-388-7696, ext. 223.
