Christmas

Firefighters of Greater Victoria use their latest calendar as a venue to highlight how members cope with the cumulative stress of being first responders. (Saanich Firefighter Charitable/Facebook)

Greater Victoria calendar sales inspire mental health, help hospice

Greater Victoria firefighters calendar sales support the Victoria Hospitals Foundation

Firefighters of Greater Victoria use their latest calendar as a venue to highlight how members cope with the cumulative stress of being first responders. (Saanich Firefighter Charitable/Facebook)
A parcel of land on the Sahtlam Tree Farm is seen, in the Cowichan Valley area of Duncan, B.C., on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The effects of climate change are taking a toll on Christmas tree farms in British Columbia and beyond, and one forestry expert says the sector that’s already shrinking will need to adapt in the coming years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Climate change affecting Christmas trees in B.C. and beyond: expert

Drought, extreme heat making it difficult for seedlings to grow

A parcel of land on the Sahtlam Tree Farm is seen, in the Cowichan Valley area of Duncan, B.C., on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The effects of climate change are taking a toll on Christmas tree farms in British Columbia and beyond, and one forestry expert says the sector that’s already shrinking will need to adapt in the coming years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
Terry Campbell’s display of Christmas miniatures takes up the entire dining room of his Chilliwack home. He started the display in 2007 but it has been more challenging for him lately as he’s been legally blind since 2018. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

VIDEO: Legally blind B.C. man builds Christmas display that takes up entire dining room

Terry Campbell lost most of eyesight in 2018, but still adds to miniature Christmas village every year

Terry Campbell’s display of Christmas miniatures takes up the entire dining room of his Chilliwack home. He started the display in 2007 but it has been more challenging for him lately as he’s been legally blind since 2018. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)
Police are warning the public about suspicious buyers on the Used Victoria website. (iStock photo)

Police warn of a spate of scams on Used Victoria site

Buyers give cheques for higher amount, asking people to send extra to a different account

Police are warning the public about suspicious buyers on the Used Victoria website. (iStock photo)
The Sooke Firefighters Association’s annual Santa Run is Saturday (Dec. 10) starting at 5 p.m. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

In Sooke, more folks in need of Christmas hampers

Christmas Bureau sees an increase of about 50 requests for hampers

The Sooke Firefighters Association’s annual Santa Run is Saturday (Dec. 10) starting at 5 p.m. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
Langley Trappers, seen here during the previous regular season at George Preston, won’t be asking fans to toss teddy bears this season. Instead, trappers and arena mates Langley Rivermen are asking fans to throw “warmth items” such as blankets, socks, gloves and toques for the homeless. (Langley Advance Times file)

Instead of a teddy bear toss, 2 B.C. hockey teams are asking fans to throw ‘warmth items’ for the homeless

Langley Trappers and Rivermen are asking for socks, gloves, toques and blankets

Langley Trappers, seen here during the previous regular season at George Preston, won’t be asking fans to toss teddy bears this season. Instead, trappers and arena mates Langley Rivermen are asking fans to throw “warmth items” such as blankets, socks, gloves and toques for the homeless. (Langley Advance Times file)
A BC Hydro survey shows more British Columbians are planning to go all out with their Christmas displays this year, but the majority of residents will stick with more minimalist decorations. (Black Press Media file photo)

More ‘mega’ Christmas displays expected this year despite cost concerns: BC Hydro

Lower Mainland residents three times more likely to be mega decorators

A BC Hydro survey shows more British Columbians are planning to go all out with their Christmas displays this year, but the majority of residents will stick with more minimalist decorations. (Black Press Media file photo)
Tom Verbrugge and his son Mica have the bonfire stoked and the hotdogs ready to roast when Tom’s Trees Christmas tree farm opens on Nov. 26, 2022. (PHOTO COURTESY TOM VERBRUGGE)

It’s beginning to look a lot more expensive for a Christmas tree this year

Variety of factors contributing, effect on Islanders will vary depending on where you shop

Tom Verbrugge and his son Mica have the bonfire stoked and the hotdogs ready to roast when Tom’s Trees Christmas tree farm opens on Nov. 26, 2022. (PHOTO COURTESY TOM VERBRUGGE)
Turkeys are shown in a pen at Root Down Farm in Pescadero, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)

Turkey shortage ahead of Christmas fuelled by avian flu: BC Poultry Association

‘It’s a terrible time of year for this to have to happen’

Turkeys are shown in a pen at Root Down Farm in Pescadero, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Haven Daley)
Fire trucks from three departments will roll through the communities during the Peninsula Firefighters Food Drive on Dec. 10. (Sidney Volunteer Fire Department/Twitter)

Local firefighters fan out to douse hunger on the Peninsula

Peninsula Firefighters Food Drive takes place Saturday, Dec. 10.

Fire trucks from three departments will roll through the communities during the Peninsula Firefighters Food Drive on Dec. 10. (Sidney Volunteer Fire Department/Twitter)
Volunteers (from left) Adrian D’Silva, Alex Wright, Veronica Carroll, Mike Lukoni and Tracey D’Silva. (Courtesy of the Children’s Health Foundation)

Jeneece Place gets decked out for the holidays

Local couple steps up to spread holiday cheer in View Royal for the 11th Christmas in a row

Volunteers (from left) Adrian D’Silva, Alex Wright, Veronica Carroll, Mike Lukoni and Tracey D’Silva. (Courtesy of the Children’s Health Foundation)
A serene group surrounds Scrooge (Louise Phillips) in the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s A Tiny Christmas Carol. From left: Yasmin D’Oshun, Jay Clift, Emma Slipp and Stephen Thakkar. (Photo by Don Bodger)

A Tiny Christmas Carol challenges expectations at the Chemainus Theatre

Small cast covers large number of roles in adaptation of a familiar Dickens classic

A serene group surrounds Scrooge (Louise Phillips) in the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s A Tiny Christmas Carol. From left: Yasmin D’Oshun, Jay Clift, Emma Slipp and Stephen Thakkar. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Pharmasave Sooke’s Christmas Trees of Wishes is on again to support those in need. You can also get a photo of your child with Santa on Dec. 23 for $10 in support of the Sooke Food Bank. (File - Sooke New Mirror)

In Sooke, Christmas charities shine for those in need

Many businesses and organizations have stepped up with fund-raising initiatives

Pharmasave Sooke’s Christmas Trees of Wishes is on again to support those in need. You can also get a photo of your child with Santa on Dec. 23 for $10 in support of the Sooke Food Bank. (File - Sooke New Mirror)
The “eight maids a milking” display is one of a dozen 12 Days of Christmas installations at the Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas. The garden-wide display opens Dec. 1 and runs to Jan. 6. (Black Press Media file photo)

Butchart Garden lights up for the holidays in Central Saanich, Sidney to sparkle with parade

Sidney Sparkles Parade returns Dec. 4, Butchart Gardens lights up Dec. 1

The “eight maids a milking” display is one of a dozen 12 Days of Christmas installations at the Butchart Gardens’ Magic of Christmas. The garden-wide display opens Dec. 1 and runs to Jan. 6. (Black Press Media file photo)
Oak Bay resident Michael Hardiman reminds others to play it safe while hanging holiday lights after he fell, Saturday, Nov. 12 and returned home from the hospital the next Tuesday with a fractured vertebra. (Courtesy Michael Hardiman)

Oak Bay man with fractured spine warns of dangers in hanging holiday lights

It’s no day at the beach, as partner heads off solo for an already twice-delayed Mexican vacation

Oak Bay resident Michael Hardiman reminds others to play it safe while hanging holiday lights after he fell, Saturday, Nov. 12 and returned home from the hospital the next Tuesday with a fractured vertebra. (Courtesy Michael Hardiman)
For the first time since 2019, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will make its annual journey through Canada and the U.S. to bring live music and raise holiday spirits across the regions. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Canadian Pacific/Neil Zeller **MANDATORY CREDIT**

CP Holiday Train returns to the rails for the first time in three years

Popular cross-country run will wrap up in Port Coquitlam on Dec. 18

For the first time since 2019, the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will make its annual journey through Canada and the U.S. to bring live music and raise holiday spirits across the regions. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Canadian Pacific/Neil Zeller **MANDATORY CREDIT**
To the tune of holiday music, an Oak Bay crew posts lights and banners throughout the village, one small step in the significant light display put on the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association each Christmas. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)

Community Christmas party lights up Oak Bay

11-year-old B.C. Fiddle Champion takes the stage Sunday

To the tune of holiday music, an Oak Bay crew posts lights and banners throughout the village, one small step in the significant light display put on the Oak Bay Business Improvement Association each Christmas. (Christine van Reeuwyk/News Staff)
The Winter Market and Moss Cottage Christmas return to Sooke Region Museum on Dec. 3. (File - Metro Creative)

Winter Market and Moss Christmas Cottage return to Sooke Region Museum

Visitors can enjoy festive museum grounds and support local artisans

The Winter Market and Moss Cottage Christmas return to Sooke Region Museum on Dec. 3. (File - Metro Creative)
Bev Elder, executive director of the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank; organizer Catriona McHattie; Mrs. Claus (Alice Howes); Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith; Carey Salvador, marketing coordinator with the Mary Winspear Centre; Denny Warner, executive director of the Mary Winspear Centre; and Maggie Calder, client services with Mary Winspear Centre, stand outside the centre’s banquet hall, which will host the Christmas Community Dinner Dec. 25. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)

Sidney’s Community Christmas Dinner serves up holiday cheer

Popular event returns to Sidney’s Mary Winspear Centre after two-year hiatus

Bev Elder, executive director of the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank; organizer Catriona McHattie; Mrs. Claus (Alice Howes); Sidney Mayor Cliff McNeil-Smith; Carey Salvador, marketing coordinator with the Mary Winspear Centre; Denny Warner, executive director of the Mary Winspear Centre; and Maggie Calder, client services with Mary Winspear Centre, stand outside the centre’s banquet hall, which will host the Christmas Community Dinner Dec. 25. (Wolf Depner/News Staff)
Sooke Firefighters’ annual Santa Run is set for DEC. 10, with four trucks moving neighbourhood to neighbourhood to collect donations for the Sooke Food Bank. (File - Sooke News Mirror)

Sooke firefighters rescue Christmas for many

Annual Santa Run set for Dec. 10 throughout town

Sooke Firefighters’ annual Santa Run is set for DEC. 10, with four trucks moving neighbourhood to neighbourhood to collect donations for the Sooke Food Bank. (File - Sooke News Mirror)
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