Pancake breakfast

Enjoy a pancake breakfast on Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 8469 Cedar St., Mission. Cost is by donation, all are welcome.

Computers for seniors

Sign up for beginner and intermediate computer classes at the Abbostford Seniors Association, 2631 Cyril St., Abbotsford, on Oct.12, 11 a.m. to noon. Beginner class starts at noon on Oct. 12 and on Oct 15. Classes run three weeks, cost is $60.

Singalongs at ASA

Join the sing-a-long at the Abbotsford Seniors Association drop-in centre (between Essendene and Ferguson Way) on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., to celebrate the 'old tunes' with the A-Tones. Guests sing, play or listen to past pop, folk, blues, country, gospel, standards and requests. Acoustic instruments welcome. Volunteers to play piano, help organize also wanted. Phone Ed at 604-853-8624.

Pumpkin fest

The Applebarn holds a Pumpkin Fest from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31. Enjoy fresh apple cider, meet the goats, launch a pumpkin out of the pumpkin canon, try to win a giant gourd. Come and check out our store for unique carving kits and accessories, at 333 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford. See all the details at www.applebarn.ca.

Sen. Jaffer at lunch

Senator Mobina Jaffer, the first Indo-Canadian lawyer in B.C., is the guest speaker at the Abbotsford Business and Professional Women's lunch on Oct. 13, at the Cascade Community Centre, 35190 Delair Rd., Abbotsford. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon. Members is $15, and $20 for guests. RSVP to 604-897-1690 or bpwabbotsford@gmail.com.

Dining with Hawes

Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes talks about his 100 Mile Diet, eating local experience at the Abby-Mission Newcomers Club, Oct.12, at 7 p.m. in the Real Canadian Superstore's Community Room, 2855 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford.

Abby-Mission Newcomers welcomes women of all ages and all walks of life.

Quilters wanted

The Abbotsford Quilters' Guild meets every second of the month at Ross Road Community Church, 3160 Ross Rd., Abbotsford. Morning meetings are at 10 a.m., evening meetings are at 6 p.m. Call 604-855-7744 or see www.abbotsfordquilters.org.

Learn English

Practise English with our English conversation group on Wednesday mornings from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave. Everyone is welcome. For more call 604-826-6610.

International Knitting Club

Join us for knitting, conversation and fun at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave. Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 pm. Experience is not necessary. For more information, phone the library at 604-826-6610.

Gladwin knitting

Gladwin Language Centre has free knitting classes on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 210-2580 Cedar Park Place. Expert knitters and newcomers are welcome. Refreshments, wool and needles are supplied. Blankets for Canada volunteers assemble projects and donate them to the needy. For information call 604-854-8160.

Host immigrants

The HOST program at Gladwin Language Centre seeks volunteers to help newly arrived immigrants learn about Canadian culture and practice English. Training provided. The centre also hosts knitting classes on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 210-2580 Cedar Park Place, Abbotsford. Expert knitters and newcomers are welcome. Completed projects are donated to the needy. Call Chandra at 604-854-8160.

Family Fun Night

Learn a game or craft with the family at the Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., on Oct. 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Starbucks refreshments available. For more information, call the library at 604-826-6610.

Daddy and me

Daddy & me drop-in is every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., except long weekends, at the New Beginnings daycare, 32355 Mouat Dr., Abbotsford. See www.abbydads.ca, or 604-850-7303, ext. 4261, for more.

Matsqui Flyball and Agility

The Matsqui Flyball and Agility club meets at the Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way phone, 604-859-7814) on Oct. 14, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Find out about the dog sports of flyball and agility. Registration required.

Lifetime fashion show

Lifetime Learning presents a fashion show fundraiser at Cedarbrooke Chateau, 32331 Seventh Ave., Mission from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 14. Admission is $20.

Federal retirees

The Central Fraser Valley Federal Retirees meet Oct. 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Abbotsford Recreation Centre, at McMillan and Old Yale roads. Const. Wanda Lang talks about fraud and scams. Christmas lunch is on Dec. 6 - tickets are $5. Call Gary at 604-820-9179.

Woodturners gather

The Fraser Valley Woodturners Guild meets Oct. 14 at Robert Bateman School, 35045 Exbury Ave., Abbotsford at 7 p.m. There will be a demo on hollow turning. It's also dues collection night. Everyone is welcome. For more, contact Brian Murphy at 604-858-8083 or bmur56@telus.net

Teen book club

The League of Extraordinary Readers Teen Book Club welcomes readers between the ages of12 and 18, at the Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., Oct. 14 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Food, fun, and great books. Then on Oct. 16, at 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Manga and Anime Club will meet. For more, call the library at 604-826-6610.

Arthritis support

Abbotsford Mission Arthritis Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at Super Store (community room) 2855 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford. Share education, information and support with others. For information call Terry Davies at 604-853-8138 or e-mail koipond@telus.net.

Juvenile diabetes

Abbotsford's Juvenile Diabetes Network meets Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. with discussion on infusion sets and site management, at the Homes Society office 31581 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford. For more contact Heather at 604-852-6770 or Tara at 604-855-9174, or e-mail at AbbyJDN@shaw.ca.

Humane burger, brew

The Fraser Valley Humane Society holds a burger and brew fundraiser at the Big B Saloon, Bellevue Hotel, 32998 1st Ave., Mission, on Oct 16, starting at 6 p.m. It's $15 a person, and includes the Kelli Mitchell Band live, a silent auction, 50/50 draw and more. Tickets are at the The Fraser Valley Humane Society, 33103 North Railway Ave., Mission. Donations of new items (goods or gift certificates)for the silent auctions would be very welcome. Call 604-820-2977. Monies raised go to take care of lost, abandoned and unwanted cats in the Mission area.

FV Mushroom show

Eat edible wild mushrooms and learn about the poisonous ones at the Fraser Valley Mushroom Club's fall show, Oct. 17 on from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Andrew's United Church, 7756 Grand St., Mission. Learn to cultivate, preserve and cook fungi, bring specimens for identification. Adults $3, kids under 12 free.

Dealing with government

How to Do Business with the Federal Government workshop is presented Oct. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way, 604-859-7814). Staff of the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises will discuss the fundamentals of selling goods and services to the Government of Canada, in Punjabi and English. Registration required.

Hospice diva night

Oct. 19 is Diva Night, a fundraiser for the Abbotsford Hospice Society, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Phoenix Grill and Lounge, Abbotsford. Tickets $40, call 852-2456.

Genealogy meeting

The Abbotsford Genealogical Society meets Oct.19 at 6:30 p.m., at the Clearbrook Library, on topic: A Barnardo Boy in Alberta. Everyone is welcome. See www.abbygs.ca

Mission book club

Join a book club at the Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., to meet other lovers of literature, the first Monday evening each month at 7 p.m. Refreshments provided. For more call 604-826-6610.

Women's social

Mission Abbotsford Women's Social Club meets Oct. 20 and Nov.17 at 7 p.m. at the Mission Foursquare Church, 33837 Prentis Ave., Mission. New members, guests welcome, non-demoninational. Drop in cost is $3, yearly membership $27. Contact Malonie at 604-814-2280 or missionabbysocial@hotmail.com.

Magic lantern nights

The MSA Museum Society invites you to visit the Magic Lantern Exhibit displayed in the Trethewey House at 2313 Ware St., Abbotsford, until Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon, and 1 p.m. 5 p.m., and evenings by appointment. For more see www.msamuseum.ca or call 604-853-0313.

Better breathing

MSA Better Breathers Club meets Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon t the Cascade Community Church, 35190 Delair Rd., Abbotsford. Join us for tea and coffee and bring any questions you may have re breathing problems.

Wine festival

Trethewey House presents its fall Wine Festival featuring local wines, on Oct. 23, 7 p.m., at 2313 Ware St., Abbotsford. Tickets are $40 at the MSA Museum Society, Raymond James (Garden Court),

Cooperators Insurance (King and McCallum), Tourism Abbotsford, and Abbotsford Arts Council. Call 604-853-0313.

Family storytimes

Family Storytimes

The Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., hosts family storytimes for young children, on Tuesdays until Oct. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Read to baby program is on Fridays until Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m. For more call 604-826-6610.

Hominum meets

The Hominum Fraser Valley chapter is a support and discussion group to help gay, bi-sexual or questioning men with the challenges of being married, separated or single. It meets Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. For information and location call Don at 604-329-9760 or Art at 604-462-9813.

Elvis gospel night

The Spirit Bear Centre Society presents a fundraising gospel show featuring Elvis tribute artist Steve Elliott on Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. at the South Abbotsford Mennonite Church, 32424 Huntingdon Rd., Abbotsford. Tickets are $20 at the House of James, 2743 Emerson St., (604-852-3701), from Gerry Ennis at RE/MAX Little Oak (604-859-2341), or from the Spirit Bear Centre at 604-864-0553, or see www.spiritbearcenter.com

Library quiz night

The Friends of the Mission Library present their annual Quiz Night on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave. Enlist your spouses, friends and neighbours for the challenge between 10 teams. Come as a single and be adopted into a team. Costumes are optional but encouraged. Tickets are $10, available at the Mission Library.

SAINTS fundraiser

The senior animal sanctuary in Mission (SAINTS) holds 10 meat draws on Oct. 30 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., plus 50/50 and one special draw, at the Dewdney Pub, 8793 River Rd. south, Mission. Call 604-826-4762.

Halloween dance

Matsqui Community Hall, 33676 St. Olaf Ave. in Matsqui Village, hosts a Halloween dance on Oct. 30, featuring the DJ Silver Disc. Doors open at 8 p.m., dance at 9 p.m. Prizes for costume prizes, must be of legal age. Tickets are $15 each including a light snack. Get them from Larry and Lynn Weymouth at Weymouth Meats (604-826-2473). See more at www.matsquihall.com.

Sweet classes for immigrants

Dessert cooking class for adult immigrants at the Creekside Centre, 35131 Straiton Rd., Abbotsford, on Tuesdays until Dec. 7. Classes are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. The fee is $25. Register at www.clcc.ca or contact Susan Short at susan.short@fraserhealth.ca.

Mood disorder help

Living Room is a faith-based group that offers peer support to people with a mood disorder, on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Sevenoaks Alliance Church, 2575 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford. The Living Room partners with the Mood Disorder Association of B.C., at mdabvc.net or call 604-873-3095.

Cancer support

A Women with Cancer support group meets every third Thursday of the month at the Superstore, 2855 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford. For more call the Canadian Cancer office at 604-852-1410. Everyone is welcome.

Sundown Toastmasters

The Sundown Toastmasters club is a fun, diverse group of young and old, but all with the same goal: to improve our speaking skills. E-mail sundowntoastmaster@gmail.com for more.

Word Keepers

The Word Keepers writers' group meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., Mission. Call 604-826-6610.

Bridging cultures

Abbotsford Community Services seeks volunteers to help new immigrants learn about Canadian culture, connect with local resources and practise English. Call Andrea Dykshoorn, program coordinator, at 604-217-3055, or e-mail andrea.dykshoorn@abbotsfordcommunityservices.com.

Christian grief support

GriefShare, a faith-based video seminar support group for those who are grieving a loved one's death is held each Thursday until Dec. 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Central Heights Church, 1661 McCallum Rd., Abbotsford. For information call 604-852-1001.

International Knitting Club

Join us for knitting, conversation and fun at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. Experience is not necessary. For more information, call the library at 604-826-6610.

Learn English

Practice English on Wednesdays, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. at Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., Mission. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call the library at 604-826-6610.

Alzheimer support

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. support group for caregivers meets NEW DATE from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Abbotsford. Leave a message at 604-859-3889 for details and to pre-register.

Autism help

Fraser Valley Autism Society meets NEW DATE from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fraser Vally Child Development Center, 2nd floor, 32885 Ventura Ave., Abbotsford.

Better Breathers

The MSA (Mission/Sumas/Abbotsford) Better Breathers Club will meet NEW DATE at the new time of 10 a.m. to noon at Cascade Community Church, 35190 Delair Rd., Abbotsford. Everyone is welcome.

UNDATED

Seniors council

Those interested in joining the Council of Senior Citizens advocacy group can contact Ernie at 604-576-9734 or eebayer@shaw.ca

English practise

Every Thursday from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Mission Community Library (33247 Second Ave., Mission) practice your English and make new friends. Everyone is welcome. Hosted in partnership with Community Services. No registration necessary. For more call 604-826-6610.

Immigrant helpers

Community volunteers are needed to be hosts to new immigrants to Canada. Volunteers should be aged 17 and older. Call Chandra at the Gladwin Language Centre, 604-854-8160, come by 3145 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford, or see www.gladwinlanguagecentre.com.

Computer Basics

Internet instruction and basic computer skills demonstrations are offered in both English and Punjabi, at the Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford. Visit the information desk for dates and times or phone 604-859-7814.

Mission Toastmasters

Mission Toastmasters meets Tuesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the theatre at the Cedarbrooke Chateau, 32331 Seventh Ave., Mission. Visitors, new members are welcome.

Dads and kids

Dads and kids aged 5-12 can a drop in to the Abbotsford Recreation Centre on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for obstacle courses, crazy games and more. The cost is $2.80 per child, fathers are free. For more call Jeff at 604-613-3487.

Saving Jesus

Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian right or the secular left? Saving Jesus is a DVD-based small group exploration of Jesus Christ for the third millennium. Join Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, James Forbes and others in a conversation of who Jesus is today. They meet Sundays at 11:45 a.m. at Legal Grounds Coffee House (33775 Essendene Ave., Abbotsford). Fee is $2 for drop-in.

Valley women's network

Valley Women's Network of Mission meets monthly. For lunch dates and to join, see www.valleywomensnetwork.com or e-mail Kim at kimdennis@shaw.ca

Mission businesswomen

Mission Business & Professional Women's Club will meet on the second Friday of each month. For membership inquiries call Jenny Stevens at 604-820-2049 or Heidi. The cost is $15 for members, $20 for guests.

Seniors get active

Exercise classes for seniors run every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Abbotsford Seniors Association main hall, (33889 Essendene St., Abbotsford). Contact Donna at 604-853-5541 or Pat at 604-850-6615.

Join Toastmasters

The Toast of the City Toastmasters Club meets at Abbotsford City Hall at noon on Wednesdays for a one-hour meeting. Visitors are always welcome. For more call Jessica Dyck at 778-808- 1504 or e-mail Jess12Neuf@hotmail.com.

Memory loss support

An early memory loss support groups meets in Mission on second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, at St. Andrew's church recreation room (7365 Cedar St.) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 604-814-5600 for more details.

MS Society meets

The Mission self-help multiple sclerosis group meets on the second Thursday of each month, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, (8469 Cedar St., Mission). The Abbotsford group meets on the second Monday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, (3845 Gladwin, Abbotsford). Call Liz at 1-877-303-7122.

Free ESL classes

New immigrants to Canada can take free English as a Second Languages classes at the Gladwin Language Centre. Call the school at 604-854-8160 or stop by at 3145 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford, to register.

Free swim nights

The Optimist Club of Mission sponsors free swim nights for Mission youth up to 18 years, every second Friday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Mission Leisure Centre.

Help wanted for blind group

The Abbotsford Blind and Visually Impaired Society seeks a volunteer finance secretary and a recording secretary, three times a month, for about three hours. Call Bruce at 604-309-8496 or at 604-852-1720.

Punjabi, English Internet

Ask the Clearbrook Library (32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford) at the information desk about Internet demonstrations in English and Punjabi. Call 604-859-7814.

AA meetings in Mission

The Mission chapter Alcoholics Anonymous holds 17 AA meetings a week in Mission, at noon and in the evenings. Call the Mission AA at 604-864-1552 for details.

Valley women's network

The Mission chapter of the Valley Women's Network meets for lunch on the second Thursday of each month at the Bellevue Hotel, 32998 First Ave., Mission, from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP before noon on the Tuesday before to kandadennis@shaw.ca or to 604-820-8228.

Early memory loss

A support group for those with early memory loss meets on the second and fourth Wednesday each month, at St. Andrew's Place rec room, 7365 Cedar St., Mission. Call Mental Health at 604-814-5600.

ONGOING EVENTS

Seniors volunteers needed

Do you have a heart for the elderly? Ebenezer Home in Abbotsford is looking for volunteers to help in the adult daycare program. These seniors live at home, but attend Ebenezer for socialization, a meal and activities. People are needed for Wednesday morning Bible study. If you have two to three hours a week call Jane at 604-853-2991, ext. 313.

AMA Singles Club

The AMA Singles Social Club gets together for outings and activities in a safe social environment. Contact amasingles@shaw.ca, Erwin at 604-308-3837, or Lillian at 604-855-5914. They meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Real Canadian Superstore, Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford.

Language volunteers needed

Open the doors to a new life in Canada by volunteering at the Gladwin Language Centre. The Host Program matches newcomers with volunteers living in Abbotsford. It's a great chance to help someone new to Canada feel at home. Call Nikki at the Gladwin Language Centre at 604-854-8160 or email gladwinhostprogram@gmail.com

Council of seniors

The local chapter of the Council of Senior Citizens is a group that advocates to improve seniors' lives. Individuals or groups interested in affiliating or joining can contact Ernie Bayer at 604-576-9734 or email ecbayer@shaw.ca

Donate your excess

Got stuff you don't want? Recycle it with the Developmental Disabilities Association. Leave clothes items in local bins; or have the DDA pick up dishes, toys and books; or drop off these items and furniture at the donation station. Call 604-273-4DDA.

Mental health support

The Living Room is a faith-based support group open to all people with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. It meets at Highland Community Church [at 3130 McMillan Rd., Abbotsford], from noon to 2 p.m. every second and fourth Friday of the month as of Sept. 12. Call John at 604-853-2679 or Lorraine at 604-504-5374.

Get your message across

Mission Toastmaster's Club meets every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in the Mission Library boardroom. For more information contact Mitch at 604-820-0522. Guests are always welcome.

Toastmasters toast

Abbotsford Sundown Toastmasters Club meets Thursdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Legal Grounds Coffee Shop [1-33775 Essendene Ave.] Rise and Shine Toastmasters meet Fridays at 7:20 a.m. at the UFV Boardroom [33844 King Rd., Abbotsford] Call 604-755-1225. Messengers Toastmasters meet at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday at W.J. Mouat High School [32355 Mouat Drive, Abbotsford]. Call 604-864-2846. Toast of the City Toastmasters meet at noon on Wednesdays at Abbotsford City Hall. Call Don at 604-302-2475.

Wednesday toast

Learn the talk with the Toast of the City Toastmasters Club at Abbotsford City Hall at noon on Wednesdays. Newcomers welcome. For more contact Don at 604-302-2475 or at healthymale@gmail.com

Seniors fitness

Exercise classes for seniors runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Abbotsford Seniors' Association, main hall, 33889 Essendene Ave., Abbotsford. Call Pat at 604-850-6615 or Donna at 604-853-5541.

Call the junk busters

Got stuff? Recycle it with the Developmental Disabilities Association. The three ways to donate are to drop off clothes items in bins around the community; drop off furniture, dishes, clothes at the central depot, or have them pick up these household items and books. Call 604-273-4DDA for more.

Pick up of unwanted items

The Developmental Disabilities Association collects used household items including dishes, toys and books. Call 604-273-4DDA for a free pick up of gently used goods and houseware items.

Fibromyalgia friends

The Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation meets monthly in Abbotsford at The Mid Town Deli. Call Cheryl at 1-800-567-8998 or visit www.fibromyalgiawellspringfoundation.org.

Blind friends meet

Are you or someone you know blind or visually impaired? The Abbotsford Blind and Visually Impaired Society meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Abbotsford Community Services [2420 Montrose Ave., Abbotsford]. Call Bruce at 604-309-8496 or May at 604-626-0643.

Conquering cancer

Young Adults Conquering Cancer is a peer support drop in, open to everyone between 18 and 40 years of age who have either survived or are currently battling cancer. For more information, call Julie at 604-820-6581.

Gambling problem?

Gamblers Anonymous can help. The group meets every Monday at 7 p.m. Call 604-850-1810 or 604-878-6535 for more information.

Breast cancer support

If you're a woman dealing with breast cancer, you're welcome to join a caring support group on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information call 604-852-1112.

Kids with diabetes

Abbotsford children with diabetes family support group meets once every two months. Call Heather at 604-852-6770 or Lyndsay at 604-870-0649 for more information.

Women's Network

The Mission chapter of the Valley Women's Network meets on the second Thursday of each month in the banquet room of the Bellevue Hotel [32998 First Ave., Mission] from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVPs are a must. Email Kim at kandadennis@shaw.ca or call Sue 604-826-0812 for more details.

Memory loss

An early memory loss support group meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at St. Andrew's recreation room [7365 Cedar St., Mission] from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call 604-814-5600 or 604-859-0260.

Caregiver support

A family caregiver support group meets on the last Wednesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Pleasant View Care Home [7530 Hurd St., Mission]. The group is for those who are caregivers, past and present, of loved ones at home or in a facility. Call 604-814-5600 or 604-814-5520.

Parenting stress

Parent Support Circles are free self-help support groups that meet weekly. For details about local groups, call 604-669-1616 or 1-800-665-6880.

Abbotsford mood disorder

An Abbotsford self-help, peer-led group for people with depression or bipolar disorder meets on the first and the third Thursday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Abbotsford Community Services [2420 Montrose Ave., Abbotsford]. Families and friends welcome. Call Christine at 604-854-9404.

Mood disorder in Mission

Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia holds a self-help, peer-led support group for people with depression or bipolar disorder meets on the second and fourth Tuesday each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Mission clubhouse [33221B First Ave., Mission]. Families and friends welcome. Call 604-826-0604.

Down syndrome support

The Fraser Valley Down Syndrome Society is a parent support group for families of persons with Down syndrome that meets on the second Thursday of the month 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 105-32868 [Plaza 154] Ventura Ave., Abbotsford. For more information, visit www.fvdss.blogspot.com or contact Sylvie at 604-853-5563.

VOLUNTEERS PLEASE

Working with horses

The North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association is getting ready for their Fall 2010 Horseback Riding Program. We urgently need volunteers to come forward to help groom and tack our horses and to either lead or side walk with our riders during their lesson. Horse experience is great but not required. If you enjoy the outdoors, working with wonderful people of all abilities, and love animals, this is the place for you. Two volunteer orientation sessions are scheduled for September. The dates are September 16 or 19, 2010. Call 604 462-7786 for more information or to sign up for orientation.

Driving cancer patients

The Canadian Cancer Society Volunteer Driver program in Abbotsford is in need of more volunteer drivers to take patients to and from their treatment. Training and dispatch are provided. Time commitments are flexible. For more information please call Linda Kelly, Practical Support Coordinator at 604-533-1668 Ext. 305 or email lkelly@bc.cancer.ca.

Horse guides needed

The Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association needs volunteers 14 years and older to help in VTEA's riding therapy sessions for children and adults with physical and mental special needs. Call 604-857-1267.

Help new Canadians

Abbotsford Community Services is looking for volunteers for its Host Program, a matching program to help new immigrants practice English, learn about Canadian culture, local resources and recreation in our community. For details, call Christina Moreno, host program co-ordinator at 604-217-3055 or e-mail cmoreno@paralynx.com.

Visit Mission seniors

Mission Community Services is looking for volunteers to visit seniors at home, one hour per week. Call Felicity at Friendly Visitors, at 604-826-3634.

Be a SAINT

SAINTS, an end-of-life Mission sanctuary for senior and special-needs animals, is in desperate need of volunteers to help with cleaning. Call 604-312-1960.

Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society office in Mission [33079B First Ave., Mission] is looking for a volunteer for one four-hour shift a week as a receptionist. Call 604-820-3166.

Volunteer at Abbotsford Cultural Centre

The Abbotsford cultural centre seeks volunteers to help maintain extended open hours effective Sept. 30. Through the centre's docent program, volunteers will provide tours of the museum and art gallery to the general public. Orientation and training is provided. If you are available on Thursday evenings or weekend afternoons contact 778-908-4763 and find out how you can become part of this exciting new facility.

Help Meals on Wheels, seniors

Volunteers are needed for seniors' support programs such as Meals of Wheels, Friendly Visitor, shopping, medical transport, seniors' connections, group meals and more. Training is offered Sept. 13 and Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mission Community Services, 33179 Second Ave., Mission. Call Felice at 604-826-63634.

Help new immigrants

Volunteers are required to make friends with new immigrants. Time commitment is about one hour a week. Contact Gladwin Language Centre [3145 Gladwin Rd., Abbotsford] at 604-854-8160.

Aboriginal youth mentors wanted

Xyolhemeylh Child and Family Services seeks for individuals aboriginal or non-aboriginal, 19 years and over, to volunteer as mentors to off-reserve aboriginal youth on a weekly basis. Youth are introduced to community services and gain an appreciation of traditional culture. Training is provided. Call Gary at 1-604 532-3682 or email gary.robinson@xyolhemeylh.bc.ca

Parent supporters needed

Parent Support Services Society of B.C. is a non-profit organization that offers preventative self-help groups to at-risk parents, and to those who want to do a better job of parenting. Parent Support Circles provide a secure place for parents to express feelings and share the joys and challenges of raising children. To find out more, contact Jennifer

Ganapathy at 604-669-1616, or email at volunteer@parentsupportbc.ca.

Red Cross volunteers

The Canadian Red Cross is always looking for volunteers. One place is the Abbotsford Medical Equipment Loan Service Depot [5-2316 McCallum Rd., Abbotsford]. The depot is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Hilary at 1-800-565-8000 x 681 or stop by the depot to speak with a volunteer.

Kids in action

Are you looking to volunteer in a sports and recreation activity? The Fraser Valley Child Development Centre would appreciate your time to support a child with special needs in their chosen activity. For volunteering opportunities that are flexible and fun, call Nicole at 604-852-2686 ext. 274.

Tutors please

Are you an aspiring teacher or social worker? Gain valuable training and work experience by becoming a volunteer tutor with the Mission Literacy Association. They provide professional training, materials and support to ensure success. Call Tannis at 604-820-6013 or 604-855-1386 for details.

Victim Services

Both Abbotsford police and Mission RCMP Victim Services are looking for volunteers. Volunteers receive training in crisis intervention and act as liaisons for victims of crime between the police and the courts. Call 604-864-4757 in Abbotsford and 604-820-3538 in Mission.

Wild animal helpers

Mountain View Conservation Society needs volunteers who love wild animals. Jobs available include tour guides, keeper's aides, handyman worker, special events and promotions and outreach workers. Call 604-882-9313.

Stroke survivors

Are you a retired nurse, physiotherapist or speech therapist? Do you have a half hour to one hour per week? Do you want to make changes in someone's life? Then Stroke Survivor Club members need your help. Call 604-882-4672.