Just Ask // December 20
By Sarah Tesla
The holiday season is here, bringing festive events and support services for people of all ages in our community. While this time of year can brighten the darker winter days, it can also bring challenges like loneliness, isolation, grief, and financial stress for many. To help navigate the season, here’s a quick roundup of accessible holiday resources and events available in the coming weeks.
Community Meals and Events
Egmont Community Christmas Potluck: Mark your calendars for Friday, December 20, at 6 p.m., when the Egmont Community Club hosts its beloved annual Community Christmas Potluck at 6801 Bathgate Rd. Enjoy carols by local musicians during dinner and a visit from Santa for all children aged 13 and under. Important reminder for out-of-town guests: If you’re bringing children, please provide a wrapped and labelled gift for Santa to deliver to your little one.
Helen at St. Bart’s Food Bank in Gibsons will be available throughout the holidays from 9–11 a.m. (except likely Christmas Day) with frozen soups and non-perishables for those in need.
The Arrowhead Clubhouse in Sechelt has some wonderful holiday events: Art and Bake Sale: Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Christmas Feast: Wednesday, December 18, at 12:30 p.m. They will be open on Christmas Day: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Gibsons Legion Pancake Breakfast with Santa. Bring your friends and enjoy some company on Dec 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre (SCCAC) New Year’s Gala: Ring in the new year in style on December 31, from 7–10 p.m., with live music from the Creek Big Band and Definitely Diva, and enjoy a champagne toast at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance at the SSAC front desk or $30 at the door.
Welcoming Spaces
Our libraries are always welcoming spots to relax, learn, and connect. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, books, and magazines.
Gibsons Library: Will be closed on Dec 24, 25 and 26 and will close on Dec 31 at 2 pm. Other than those exceptions, they are open Monday to Saturday, 10-5:30, with Wednesday hours extended to 8:15.
Sechelt Library: Open Monday to Saturday, with special holiday closures: Closing early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. The Sechelt Library also offers free knitted hats, mitts, and scarves in the lobby, lovingly created by the Sunshine Coast Spinners and Weavers Guild.
Support Services
Chantelle Burke is a Community Outreach worker for the Town of Gibsons, Everybody Deserves a Home project and offers mental health support, blankets, and warm clothing: 604-741-1474.
Coast Hospice: Grief phone support runs Dec. 23–Jan. 5, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at 604-840-2342. Compassionate support is available at 604-740-0475 or info@coasthospice.com.
Single Session Walk-In Service (SSWIS) at Sunshine Coast Mental Health Services
Available Monday to Friday, with holiday closures on Dec 25, 26 and Jan 1st. Call early at 8:30 a.m. to book same-day service.
- Drop-in, walk-in, and phone/virtual services are available through 604-885-6101.
- No cost mental health support for individuals 19+.
- Designed to address immediate needs and explore potential solutions.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact 911, or the National Suicide Crisis Help Line text or call 988 for immediate support (24/7).
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.
Indigenous Crisis and Support Line: 1-800-588-8717.
Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234.
The Resource Centre will take a short break during the holiday week; our hours will be December 24th: 10-12 pm, December 25th Closed, December 26th Closed, January 31st: 10-12 pm, January 1st Closed.
Let’s spread kindness and support this season. Check in with your neighbours, donate where you can, or if you need support — please don’t hesitate to reach out. From our entire team at the Resource Centre, we wish you a safe and restful holiday.
Have questions or need resources? Contact us at help@resourcecentre.ca, call 604-885-4088, or visit us at resourcecentre.ca to search our directory.