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Damien Smith, with father Thomas Smith, is “frozen” with joy as he watches a special message Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds recorded for Damien’s 9th birthday on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Contributed)

Shuswap boy celebrates 9th birthday with family, community and Ryan Reynolds

People from around the world send birthday cards showing young Canoe resident he’s not alone

Damien Smith, with father Thomas Smith, is “frozen” with joy as he watches a special message Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds recorded for Damien’s 9th birthday on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. (Contributed)
The annual West Coast Christmas Show is normally held at Tradex in Abbotsford, but this year’s event is taking place as an online shop. (Abbotsford News file photo)

West Coast Christmas Show goes virtual for 2020

Annual event, normally held at Tradex in Abbotsford, holds online shop

The annual West Coast Christmas Show is normally held at Tradex in Abbotsford, but this year’s event is taking place as an online shop. (Abbotsford News file photo)
This home at 1405 Kaslo Court was all lit up for the holidays in 2019. (File photo)

Tell us about your Christmas light displays

Holiday-light list to be published online and in newspaper

  • Nov 24, 2020
This home at 1405 Kaslo Court was all lit up for the holidays in 2019. (File photo)
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Helen Watson, posing for a photo for her 100th birthday, turned 105 on Saturday (Nov. 21). (File photo)

B.C. woman who survived Spanish Flu turns 105

Helen Watson has packed a lot into life – including being in two pandemics

Helen Watson, posing for a photo for her 100th birthday, turned 105 on Saturday (Nov. 21). (File photo)
The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation holds the third annual It’s a Wonderful Breakfast fundraiser on Dec. 10 as a drive-thru event featuring White Spot’s BC Sunny Start sandwich.

Drive-thru breakfast raises funds for ER expansion in Abbotsford

FV Health Care Foundation holds annual hospital fundraiser on Dec. 10

The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation holds the third annual It’s a Wonderful Breakfast fundraiser on Dec. 10 as a drive-thru event featuring White Spot’s BC Sunny Start sandwich.
Last year’s Realtors Care Blanket Drive collected 192 bags of warm clothing and blankets for the Abbotsford-Mission area. The 2020 version is collecting only cash donations. (File photo)

Annual Realtors Care Blanket Drive adapts to pandemic

Campaign across the Fraser Valley asks only for cash donations in 2020

Last year’s Realtors Care Blanket Drive collected 192 bags of warm clothing and blankets for the Abbotsford-Mission area. The 2020 version is collecting only cash donations. (File photo)
Former BC Lion Angus Reid was the keynote speaker at the 10th annual National Philanthropy Day lunch in Abbotsford on Nov. 16.

Three awards presented at National Philanthropy Day lunch

Event in Abbotsford honours those who have made a difference

Former BC Lion Angus Reid was the keynote speaker at the 10th annual National Philanthropy Day lunch in Abbotsford on Nov. 16.
The annual Toys for Tots event in Abbotsford normally includes a free breakfast for anyone who drops off a toy or cash donation. This year’s event is being held as a drive-thru. (File photo)

Toys for Tots event in Abbotsford holds drive-thru for 2020

Cash and toys collected for Archway Christmas Bureau

The annual Toys for Tots event in Abbotsford normally includes a free breakfast for anyone who drops off a toy or cash donation. This year’s event is being held as a drive-thru. (File photo)
Reverend Patrick John (PJ) O’Maoil Mheana, ordained as Father Luke, has been named the new rector for the Church of the Holy Trinity in White Rock. (Contributed photo)

From chaos to love, White Rock’s newest priest to spread message of hope

Rev. Patrick John O’Maoil Mheana to start work at Church of the Holy Trinity Nov. 30

Reverend Patrick John (PJ) O’Maoil Mheana, ordained as Father Luke, has been named the new rector for the Church of the Holy Trinity in White Rock. (Contributed photo)
Mt. Lehman Community Hall will be all lit up for the holidays, starting Dec. 1. Local residents and businesses are encouarged to Light Up the Countryside.

Community of Mt. Lehman will Light Up the Countryside

Christmas light displays at hall, church and library starting Dec. 1

Mt. Lehman Community Hall will be all lit up for the holidays, starting Dec. 1. Local residents and businesses are encouarged to Light Up the Countryside.
Matsqui Community Hall in Matsqui Village. (Google Street View)

Drive-by light display at Matsqui Community Hall in Abbotsford

Santa and his elves will be on hand every Friday and Saturday night starting Nov. 28

Matsqui Community Hall in Matsqui Village. (Google Street View)
Gerri Charles waves to guests attending the virtual Character in Action Awards on Thursday (Nov. 19), during which she was named a recipient.

Character in Action Awards presented to three recipients

Annual awards event hosted virtually by Character Abbotsford Society

Gerri Charles waves to guests attending the virtual Character in Action Awards on Thursday (Nov. 19), during which she was named a recipient.
Dwight Ballantyne started #WeSeeYou day to draw more attention to the plight of remote indigenous communities. (Special to The News)

B.C. man aims to bridge gap between remote communities and rest of Canada

Schools across country to send activity kits to isolated towns for Dwight Ballantyne’s #WeSeeYou Day

Dwight Ballantyne started #WeSeeYou day to draw more attention to the plight of remote indigenous communities. (Special to The News)
Peter and Hilda Froese of Abbotsford on their 60th annivesary in 2010. (Submitted photo)

Abbotsford couple celebrates 70th anniversary, but not in way they had hoped

COVID-19 cases at care home put damper on plans for Peter and Hilda Froese

Peter and Hilda Froese of Abbotsford on their 60th annivesary in 2010. (Submitted photo)
The Abbotsford group Care for Community Abbotsford is holding a fundraiser for items for Christmas care packages. Among the good deeds the group has done previously is delivering donuts to health-care workers. (Submitted photo)

Abbotsford group holds fundraiser to buy items for care packages

Care for Community Abbotsford will distribute packs to those in need

The Abbotsford group Care for Community Abbotsford is holding a fundraiser for items for Christmas care packages. Among the good deeds the group has done previously is delivering donuts to health-care workers. (Submitted photo)
Matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley have been bonding over an online role-playing game and recently got together in person for a group photo. (Submitted photo)

‘Bigs’ and ‘Littles’ bond over online role-playing game

Pairs from Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack find creative outlet during pandemic

Matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley have been bonding over an online role-playing game and recently got together in person for a group photo. (Submitted photo)
Renegade Prospectors co-founders Rick Curiston and Tina Francis pose near Cayoosh Creek. Former Agassiz resident Curiston recently celebrated one year sober from alcohol and eight years drug-free, loving his new lease on life, family and their love for treasure hunting. (Contributed Photo/Tina Francis)

Former Agassiz DJ turned prospector finds treasure, renewed life in Lillooet

Eight years drug-free, Rick Curiston reflects on his passion for agate, gold hunting

Renegade Prospectors co-founders Rick Curiston and Tina Francis pose near Cayoosh Creek. Former Agassiz resident Curiston recently celebrated one year sober from alcohol and eight years drug-free, loving his new lease on life, family and their love for treasure hunting. (Contributed Photo/Tina Francis)
The Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign in Abbotsford-Mission starts Monday, Nov. 23. (Black Press file photo)

Salvation Army kettle campaign aims to raise $150K in Abbotsford-Mission

Annual fundraiser begins Nov. 23 with changes due to the pandemic

The Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign in Abbotsford-Mission starts Monday, Nov. 23. (Black Press file photo)
The City of Abbotsford goes virtual this year for its sixth annual Involve Symposium.

City of Abbotsford hosts virtual sixth annual Involve Symposium

Event helps organizations develop skills and network with others

The City of Abbotsford goes virtual this year for its sixth annual Involve Symposium.
Photo by Brooks Rice on Unsplash

Abbotsford seniors’ home raises funds for Christmas stockings for residents

Tabor Village plans to purchase gifts for all 262 residents

  • Nov 13, 2020
Photo by Brooks Rice on Unsplash