To list an event hosted or sponsored by a non-profit group in Abbotsford or Mission, upload it directly to our website: abbotsfordtimes.com, or send an e-mail with a succinct, 75-word description of the event including day, date, time and address to events@abbotsfordtimes.com, or drop off at 30887 Peardonville Rd, Abbotsford.

Party, Santa photos

Until Dec. 22, downtown Mission merchants offer a passport contest to win prizes. Also get photos with Santa Dec. 10-12, Dec. 17-21 and Dec. 15 & 22 from 1 - 5 p.m. at 33050 First Ave., Mission, plus gift basket draw, arts & craft market and more. See details at www.downtownmission.ca.

Euchre at ASA You're invited to play the card game euchre at Abbotsford Seniors Association (second building), Thursdays from 1 - 3: 30 p.m. Call Jodie at 604-850-2465 or Douglas at 604-758-1246.

Writers' workshop

Dec. 4 at 7 p.m., the Mission Word Keepers holds a writing workshop at the Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave. Call 604-826-6610.

Blankets for Canada

Dec. 6, from 1 - 4 p.m., the Abbotsford chapter of Blankets for Canada meets at Fraser Valley Christian Centre, 31929 Mercantile Way, Abbotsford. Help knit and crochet blankets together for those in need in Abbotsford. Donations of yarn appreciated. All materials furnished. Call Nancy 604-504-3713.

Candlelight parade

Dec. 7, the 29th annual Mission Candlelight Parade begins at 7: 30 p.m. down First Avenue from Horne Street to Cedar Valley, with 80 floats, Olympian Brent Hayden and Santa. Bring donations for the Mission Christmas Bureau, and letters for Santa so the elves can bag them up.

Thomas Swift craft sale

Dec. 7, from 5: 30 - 8: 30 p.m., Thomas Swift Elementary hosts its 16th annual Christmas craft fair, with 20 vendors, a raffle, bake sale and cake walk. Proceeds go to their playground fund. Swift Elementary is at 34800 Mier-au St., Abbotsford. Call 604853-7730 for more details.

Santa Paws pictures

Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., get photos of your pet with Santa at Homestead Nurs-eryland, 31888 Marshall Rd., Abbotsford. Minimum $5, all proceeds go to Elizabeth's Wildlife Centre.

Pancake breakfast

Dec. 8, enjoy a pancake breakfast from 9 - 10: 30 a.m. at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 8469 Cedar St., Mission. Cost is by donation, everyone is welcome.

Gingerbread house décor

Dec. 8 from 2: 30 - 4 p.m., learn to make and decorate a gingerbread house, for ages 12-18. To register, drop by Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., or phone 604826-6610.

Humanitarian fundraiser

Dec. 8 there is a fundraiser for Stacy Richard for an 11-country humanitarian mission, at 7 p.m., Jubilee Hall, 7989 Bradner Rd., Abbotsford. Live music. Tickets $15, must buy in advance at www.brownpapertickets. com/event/295411, or call Stacy at 778-908-8691 or Lynda 778-908-8690 for details.

Autism support party

Dec. 8, from noon to 3 p.m., the Fraser Valley Autism Society has an AGM and a Christmas party for families dealing with autism, at 105-32868 Ventura Ave., Abbotsford. See www.fraservalleyautism.com.

A Straiton Christmas

Dec. 9 from 2 - 4: 30 p.m., the community is invited to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas party at Straiton Hall, 4698 Sumas Mountain Rd., Abbotsford. You are invited to join Straiton Community Club, family registration is $20 for the year, otherwise $5 per child. Party has crafts for kids, carols, goodies and a visit by Santa. You must be pre-registered. Call 604-852-4278.

Evening story times

Until Dec. 10 at the Clear-brook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, on Mondays from 7 - 7: 30 p.m. for children aged 2 - 6 years. Wear your PJs and bring your stuffie to this special story time. Call 604-8597814 ext. 229 for more.

Scandinavian Xmas

Dec. 10, the Scandinavian Club of the Fraser Valley has its annual Christmas potluck at the Masonic Hall, 33860 Pine St., Abbotsford, starting at 6 p.m. with Christmas dishes, Scandinavian music, carols. First-time guests free, but others contribute. Call Len at 604-857-2740, Eigil at 604-870-8601, or e-mail jensenke@shaw.ca.

International knitting club

If you like to knit or want to learn, drop by Mission Library, 33247 Second Ave., Wednesdays from noon to 1: 30 p.m. Presented in cooperation with Mission Community Services, everyone welcome. Call the library at 604-826-6610 for details.

Volunteer at Ebenezer

There are volunteer openings at Dr. Stuart Pavilion at Ebenezer Home in Abbotsford, for help with bingo, BBQ's, knitting, ladies and men's breakfast. Contact Mission Healthcare Auxiliary, Trudy Rummel at 778-8800467 or grummel@telus.net for all the details.

FV business

Dec. 12, the Fraser Valley Business Network has lunch at 11: 15 a.m. at Rendezvous Restaurant, 3280 Mount Lehman Rd., Abbotsford. Go to www.fraservalleybusinessnetwork.com to respond.

West Abby school AGM

Dec. 12 from 6 - 7 p.m., West Abbotsford Community School Society's annual general meeting, 2990 Oriole Cres., Abbotsford at John Maclure Community School. WACSS family of schools: Bondar, Clearbrook, John Maclure, Ten-Broeck, Terry Fox, Howe, Chief Dan George and Mouat. Members needed; call 604-859-6919 to get involved this year.

MS support Mission

Dec. 13 from 1 - 3 p.m., a self-help group for people with MS meets in Mission on the second Thursday of the month, at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, 8469 Cedar St., Mission. Free lunch. Call Janet at 604-826-2553.

Library Christmas

Dec. 13 at 7 p.m., the public is invited to a family Christmas special at the Clear-brook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, with stories, crafts, snacks and fun. The whole family is invited. Phone 604-859-7814, ext. 229 for details.

Valley Women's Network

Dec. 13 from 11: 30 a.m. - 1 p.m., the Mission Valley Women's Network has lunch at the Royal Canadian Legion, 32627 Logan Ave. For vendor tables, pre-registration, e-mail vwn.mission@ gmail.com. Bring a $5 gift for our Christmas party game.

Seniors dinner/dance

Dec. 14, from 6 p.m. on, the Abbotsford Social Activity Association, 33889 Essen-dene Ave., holds it yearly dinner/dance with live music. Tickets $25 (just until Dec. 6). Call Jodie at 604-850-2465.

Grandparent support

New support group for grandparents or other family members raising grandchildren meets Mondays 6 - 8 p.m. in Abbotsford. On-site child minding. To register call 1-855-474-9777.