Christmas is just around the corner believe it or not and YANA (You Are Not Alone) is gearing up to make the annual Christmas crackers and we need the help of the community to reach our goal of 5,000 crackers.
Each year, volunteers gather at our office at 495 Fitzgerald Avenue for drop in sessions to make the festive crackers. Everything is provided including instructions on how to make them.
Drop-in sessions are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting Oct. 16. Group sessions of six or more can also be arranged for Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
If you plan to do a group session you must register early as these spots go quickly. Call the YANA office at 250-871-0343 or contact board director and cracker chairperson Lesley Hunter at 250-338-4831.
Volunteers are asked to refrain from bringing children because the YANA office is small and can get chaotic.
The crackers will be on sale at the Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire at the Florence Filberg Centre on Nov. 9 and 10 and also at various businesses throughout the Valley. They will also be sold at the YANA office and the Driftwood Mall's Christmas tree display, starting Nov. 21.
Crackers sell for $2.50 each. Most crackers feature the traditional coloured hat, quote and toy but there will be 50 special crackers that will contain an extra surprise and one will include the grand prize, which will be announced at a later date.
Last year, the grand prize was a beautiful diamond ring donated by Mark Dalziel, who has donated the grand prize for many years.
Since 1986, YANA has been assisting families who must travel from the Comox Valley and seek medical help elsewhere. YANA has four fully stocked apartments in Vancouver where families can stay while their children are hospitalized at the BC Children's Hospital.
Cracker co-ordinator Lesley Hunter says it is a great opportunity to meet old and new friends and give of your time by dropping in to our workshops. It's fun and everyone enjoys the fellowship and it's for an excellent cause.
— You Are Not Alone