IT’S JUST over a month until Christmas Day. In my opinion, not nearly enough time jn which to fully expe- rience all the season’s festivities. Unfortunately, for many people Christmas is a time of unhap- piness; the stress of dealing with family obligations, or the pain of being _ family-less, for example, can make. December a bleak month for many. ~ And for those people who wres- te with poverty year-round, the societal emphasis on Christmastime materialism makes their own lot even more depress- ing by comparison. Whatever our circumstances, I think we can all help bring the joy back to Christmas by cutting back on senseless consumerism, taking time out io express goodwill by thoughts, words and deeds, and by treating ourselves as well as - others to some of the simpler pleasures of the season. . The happiness we help bring to others -—— regardless of whether the “‘others’’ are our friends, the impoverished, the friendiess, even _ endangered animals or spaces — will do. a tremendous amount to brighten our Christmas as well as theirs. : . If -we’re lucky, learning to ex- press goodwill might even become a habit that’s not just abandoned on Dec. 26. . : ‘- The following are some ideas > that may help you bring some ~ More caring to your Christmas: .',@ On Saturday, Nov. 28, Beth “Stanger will be speaking on ways ‘you can. constructively volunteer your time at Christmas. : She will speak at 11:30 a.m. at Friday, Nov. 20, 1992 - North Shore News — 17 Be joyful: make Christmas a caring occasion Peggy Trendel-Whittaker West Vancouver’s Silk Purse, 1570 Argyle Ave. Her talk is part of the municipality’s ‘‘Speakers Unlimited’’ series, and the $2 ad- mission includes tea and coffee. Stanger says there are a wide variety of ways we can help out at Christmas, from_ working in theatr-s or galleries, to inviting senio:s with no family to your howe for Christmas dinner. Yor more information, 922-2262 or 925-3605. e Knitters have a wonderful op- portunity to make the winter warmer for many children, thanks to. an annual program organized by Lewiscraft in cooperation with The Salvation Army and Paton’s. “Knit for Kids’? is aimed at providing mittens, scarves and hats to needy children across Canada, - Participating knitters who pur- chase designated yarn from Lewiscraft will be provided with free patterns for warm miiens and other knitted items. When completed garmeai: are returned to the store along with the receipt for the yarn, Lewiscraft will reimburse the knit- ter the yarn’s purchase price. All knitted items will be distributed to those childreis who need them in time for Christmas. Since the program started in Ottawa in 1986, the campaign has garnered more than 60,000 knitted items. This year, all 78 Lewiscraft stores across Canada (there are two in Burnaby and one in Rich- mond) are participating until the Dec. 12 project completion. For more information, contact your nearest Lewiscreft store or cail The Salvation Army at 681- 9311. | @ Most people are now aware of call ECO INFO the extremely successful rainforest preservation programs run by the World Wildlife Federation. For $25, you can protect an acre of rainforest by supporting the WWF's multi-faceted conser- vation ‘programs (call 1-800-26- PANDA for more information). Saving the tropical rainforests — often referred to either as the lungs of the planet or as the world’s pharmacy — is vital for every one of us in every country. For those people who want to see their money at work closer to home, the Nature Conservancy of Canada is now offering a $25 Ca- nadian Acre Certificate. The funds from each $25 dona- tion are boosted with matching funds from the Nature Conser- vancy’s partners in foundations, companies and governments. You can purchase an acre certificate for yourself or as a gift for a friend. There are even six different acre certificates to choose from, five representing the Nature Conser- vancy of Canada’s regional con- servation priority areas and one representing a national initiative: Critical Wetlands (national), Carolinian Woodlands (Ontario), St. Lawrence River Lowlands (Quebec}, Atlantic Coastal (Mari- times), Prairie Grasslands (Prairie provinces) .and Pacific Coastal (B.C.). The Nature Conservancy pur- chases land for conservation pur- poses, and also encourages the ' government to donate land in areas that need protecting and ac- cepting land from private donors who wish to see it safeguarded for future generations. One of their top priorities for Brifish Columbia is the purchase of I!-acre Cabbage Island, a fine atchaeological and natural site located just off the southeast tip of Saturna Island. Each $25 area certificate comes with a Canadian artist’s rendering of the region chosen, a statement outlining the wilderness region’s importance to Canada, and a per- sonalized certificate. If you wish to purchase an acre with Visa or MasterCard, call I- 800-268-4949, toll-free. You can also send a cheque ta the Nature Conservancy of Canada, 110 Eglinton Ave. West, 4th floor, Toronto, ON, M4R 2G5. @ Another great gift is the spon- sorship of one of the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ programs. For $35, you can sponsor pro- jects that help elejhants, rhinos, mountain gorillas, beluga whales, exotic birds, seals, the marine mammal rescue network, Antare- tica, dolphin rehabilitation and release programs and more. With every sponsorship you or your gift recipient will receive a photograph, a certificate and background information on the animal or project you have selected, and a one-year member- ship to the society which includes four issues of ‘‘Animals Interna- 1-800- information, call could-;be suggested. Foodbanks and. ‘soup kitchens are often swamped with Christmas help, but would love a donation of your time, money or food throughout the year as well. Instead of buying yet another plastic gizmo for a child of your acquaintance, make a date for a trip. on the Stanley Park Christmas train. Sing along to the Messiah at the Orpheum. Get together with friends and watch the Caro! Ships. Be joyful. Check out our great selection of Christmas Cards and Gift Ideas Hours: Mon-Sat. 10:30am-6pm Sun. Ipm-Spm 9 Lonsdale (clase to Quay) 988-9932 The businesses below have generously offered to act as depots for donations. Donations by cheque can be made The North Van Christmas Bureau directly to: Non-perishable food items only. Please give before December 17. Wes! Van Santa Claus Fund PO. Box 91114 West Vancouver, BC. V7V 3N3 food - NORTH VANCOUVER PO. Box 38568 North Vancouver, BC. V7L 4T7 : food toys cash Alt three donations may be made at: North Shore Credit Union 1100 Lonsdale 1247 Ross Rd. Stong’s 415 Dollarton Hwy. Lynn Valley Centre Sussex Realty 2996 Lonsdale The Blossom Shop 3077 Woodbine Wheels 1790 Marine Dr. ReMax Esplanade #109-267 W. Esplanade WEST VANCOUVER Pharmasave Caulfeild Village Stong’s Dundarave 2491 Marine Drive Windsor Meats 1810 Marine Drive Sussex Realty 2397 Marine Drive 1080 Marine Dr. 399 \. Dollarion A Shade Better 3131 Edgemont 1877 Marine Drive Beaver Lumber 915 West tst Buy Low Foods 730 West 14th Capliiano Suspension Bridge 3735 Capilano Road Grouse Mountain 6400 Nancy Greene Way North Shore Winter Club 1325 Keith Road NY. District Municipal Hall 355 West Queens Crest Reaity 101-2609 Westview Dr. © Shaw Cabia 1471 Pemberton Save-On-Foods Park & Tilford North Shore News Lonsdale Quay Market 1139 Lonsdale Ave. 123 Carrie Cates Court tovs Please drop off any new or nearly new toys to any firehail on the North Shore. Toys should be clean and in good condition. * The North Vancouver Chnstmas Bureau 1s a division of North Shore Farnly Services Society. Bonatons to the Christmas Bureau not required for the current year wil be used fo support children’s. programs throughout the year. SUNDAY + WEOWESOAY - ¢HIGAY