Local News

The signs are definitely out there. More and more in our community are facing a bleak Christmas this year.

More than a year ago, Roland LaPlant had to quit his truck driving job for medical reasons. "I was sick all winter and springtime," he says, but now he's feeling better and has moved from Parksville to the West Shore looking for work.

Food, clothes and toys are filling Christmas hampers at area schools.

Victoria sculptor Fredwin Perry and Babak's Oriental Carpets join forces in aid of the Times Colonist Christmas Fund at an East Meets West event Dec. 5 and 6.

Number of people applying for holiday assistance up about 25 per cent: bureau

Please donate to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Your contributions are used to buy groceries and children's toys for people in need. - Mail a cheque to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.

Mustard Seed reports 44 per cent increase in demand in one year

With the second instalment of the Twilight vampire movies about to open, a University of Victoria professor says parents and young fans should realize the series doesn't depict healthy relationships between the sexes.

Nick Dronsfield didn't ask to be a torchbearer.

Dear God. It's me, Jack. Haven't spoken to You for awhile. Being a busy middle-aged Canadian man like myself, You'll understand. Busy, busy, busy.