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Christmas openings in Crofton and Chemainus bring people together

It’s a time for caring and sharing in the community
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Brittney Vaux will be among the staff members welcoming in people for breakfast on Christmas morning. (Photo by Tami Graham)

Not every business or shop in the community is closed up tight just because it’s Christmas.

Mike’s Cafe, at its new location at 1532 Chaplin St. in Crofton, will be open for a couple of hours from 9-11 a.m. for breakfast on Christmas.

“There’s too many people sitting at home lonely,” said owner Mike Hood.

It’s also great for single parent families to come together with other members of the community.

“I just like the smiles and the greetings,” added Hood. “And whether you’ve got a nickel or not, just come in and be happy.”

Sausages, scrambled eggs and pancakes will be served by Hood and his staff members Brittney Vaux and Shelley Anderson plus a couple of regulars who go in to help. There will also be hot chocolate, coffee and juice.

It’s Hood’s way of giving back to the community. There’s no charge for the breakfast, but anybody can make a donation toward the Clements Centre Society if they like.

“Just sit down and talk to your neighbour,” encouraged Hood.

Meanwhile, Riot Brewing in Chemainus opens its doors on Christmas Day from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for anyone who’d like to stop in for some camaraderie and a craft brew or two.

Neighbourhood House Adoption Program

There’s still time to get in on the Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association’s Adopt A Family For Christmas campaign.

More than 115 families and individuals were listed for the program. In the last few days before Christmas, there are still more than 20 families that need adopting.

At this point, with so little time left before Christmas, cash is really appreciated, unless someone actually wants to go shopping.

People like Brittany Pickard-Brown and her husband really helped spread the word in recent days with a video. They adopted an entire family of five, with kids from babies to teens, rather than give each other Christmas presents this year.

“Anything helps with the association, especially at this time of year,” said Pickard-Brown on the video.

“I really encourage people to get out and help out in any way you can.”

For more details, contact Arlene Robinson at Cowichan Neighbourhood House Association (250-246-3203) or cnhaoffice@gmail.com.

Arlene and Chris Robinson, plus a number of dedicated volunteers, have been busy shopping and filling hampers. Christmas hampers have even been delivered on Christmas Eve previously so anyone in the Cowichan region who’d like to make Christmas brighter for others is encouraged to get in touch.

“Christmas is a hard, hard time for many, not only financially but emotionally, and it is nice to know someone cares - both Neighbourhood House and all its volunteers, the people who adopt the families and take the time out of their busy Christmas time to think of and share with others,” noted president Moe Vesey.



Don Bodger

About the Author: Don Bodger

I've been a part of the newspaper industry since 1980 when I began on a part-time basis covering sports for the Ladysmith-Chemainus Chronicle.
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