Just in time for Christmas is a new book dedicated to the British Columbia Regiment, an armoured reconnaissance reserve unit with an armoury at 620 Beatty St.
Swift & Strong is a pictorial history dedicated to the highly awarded regiment, which since its formation in 1883 served in two world wars and later world-wide peace keeping missions. The regiment's history also includes serving during the Nanaimo Coal Riots of 1913, the tragedy of the Komagata Maru in 1914, fire fighting in Kelowna and at home during the 2010 Olympic Games. Today, the Duke of Connaught's Own, as the regiment is known, remains a citizen unit.
And while today's Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»isn't exactly known for its long and storied military history, that's all about to change with Swift & Strong, which includes 600 photographs and took five years to complete. For more information on the book and the regiment, go to bcregiment.com.
DEC. 9
For the fifth consecutive year, the annual Tree Lighting event takes place at Jack Poole Plaza at the Convention Centre. This year the festivities run from 5: 30 to 7 p.m., Dec. 9. The lighting of the 50-foot tree takes place at 6: 55 p.m. That honour goes to Rick Hansen. Besides the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Children's Choir and Christmas soloists, there'll be a special appearance by the B.C. Lions and Felions. The MC for the event is Bro Jake from Rock 101.
DEC. 10
The third annual South Hill Christmas event takes place this Saturday
Along Fraser Street near East 47th Avenue from 1 to 3 p.m. South Hill Christmas brings together residents and businesses for a celebration that includes music, free gifts for children and a special appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. (It's about time Mrs. C got the recognition she deserves.) For more information visit southhillbia.ca.
DEC. 11
Rev. Grant Zweigle, senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene, recently returned from a small village in Kenya where he was accompanied by his 11-year-old son. The father and son team was accompanied by Domenic Peluso, who heads up Heal the Kids Project, an organization dedicated to helping children in developing countries. Before leaving Vancouver, the trio collected bags of clothing and school supplies, including 50 school uniforms.
Zweigle will speak about their journey and what they observed in Kenya at a public event Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 998 East 19th Ave.
DEC. 11
Now here's a deal. Burnaby-based MattressRecycling.ca is waving its almost $70 residential pickup fee in exchange for a bag (any size) of non-perishable food, which will be donated to Covenant House.
Covenant House Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»is a safe haven for youth forced out of their homes, often due to physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Certain conditions apply. To arrange for pick up during the Heaping or Humble Food Drive call 604-973-0183 or email [email protected].
FYI: I try and get as many events covered in this column as I can, but it's been an uphill battle keeping up, particularly this close to Christmas. Beginning next Wednesday, Community Calendar will run twice a week and I'll do my best to get as many events mentioned as possible.
Twitter: @sthomas10
