10 holiday fundraising events spreading the love this Christmas

While the winter season can become distracting with all the events and activities happening around the city, there are ways to take part and give back to your community. The season of giving has officially begun, and we’ve found 10 events to attend that will brighten the holiday spirits of those around us.

Lace up for Kids

Image: www.laceup.ca

• Benefiting B.C. Children’s Hospital’s Rare Disease Foundation
• Thursday, November 20
• UBC Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Arena

The annual fundraising event from UBC’s Recreation department supports children in the province with a rare disease. The evening includes lots of ice skating, live music, games, dance performances and more kid-friendly fun. Register in advance or support a team by donating.

Christmas at Hycroft

Image: University Women’s Club of Vancouver

• Benefiting The University Women’s Club of Vancouver at Hycroft
• November 20 to 23
• Hycroft, 1489 McRae Avenue

The annual Christmas event includes live musical entertainment, boutiques and local artisans, holiday décor and more. Santa Claus will also be visiting.

Treasures of Christmas 2014

Image: Crossroads Hospice Society

• Benefiting Crossroads Hospice
• Saturday, November 22
• Hard Rock Casino

Crossroads Hospice’s annual fundraising gala returns for its 21st year. The event includes a Christmas dinner buffet, entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, raffles and more. Proceeds from the gala go towards providing support for those living with a terminal illness.

Festival of Trees

Image: kardboard604 via Flickr

• Benefiting B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation
• November 20 to January 4
• Four Seasons Hotel and Pacific Centre Mall

The Four Seasons Hotel and Pacific Centre Mall come alive this holiday season with a forest of beautifully decorated trees, sponsored and decorated by individuals and corporations. The event is free to enter, but a $2 donation is encouraged if you’re voting for your favourite tree.

The Crystal Ball

Image: B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation

• Benefiting B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation
• Thursday, November 27
• Four Seasons Hotel

B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation’s annual black-tie event is the premiere fundraising gala for children’s health in the province. This exclusive holiday event sells out every year and includes a Champagne Reception, a four-course dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing.

Bright Nights in Stanley Park

Image: sonson via Flickr

• Benefiting BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund
• November 27 to January 4
• Stanley Park Train Plaza

Three million twinkling lights will dazzle Stanley Park this holiday season and visitors will get to take in the Christmas spirit with snacks, hot drinks, and a by-donation train ride through a winter wonderland. Donations support burn survivors and their families across B.C.

Carol Ships Parade of Lights

Image: Vince Alongi via Flickr

• Benefiting tourism and marine activities in Vancouver
• December 5 to 23

Take in this classic holiday event on board or on shore as more than 50 boats light up Vancouver’s waterways. For the full experience, purchase a ticket for an evening cruise including music, dinner and a visit from the big man himself.

Pan Pacific Christmas Wish Breakfast

Image: Pan Pacific Hotel

• Benefiting the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau
• December 11
• Pan Pacific Hotel

This holiday fundraiser treats you to a lovely Christmas breakfast in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy. Last year, more than 12 tonnes of toys were donated and 12,500 sausages, 500 kg of hash browns, 800 kg of eggs and 4,200 croissants were served. The Good Noise Gospel Choir will entertain.

Christmas at Canada Place

Image: Christmas at Canada Place

• Benefiting Strathcona Community Centre’s Food Security for Children program & Greater Vancouver Food Bank
• December 13 to 31
• Canada Place

A Vancouver tradition for 27 years, the Christmas events at Canada Place include live performances, holiday train rides, festive décor and lights, music and more. Visitors will also be able to view the historic Woodward’s Windows on display.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

• Benefiting Children’s Wish Foundation
• Friday, December 19
• The Commodore Ballroom

The annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party returns this December to give you prime opportunity to don that knitted travesty you keep locked up all year long, while helping to grant wishes to children living with life-threatening illnesses. The event will include caroling, giveaways, eggnog and prizes for ugliest sweater.