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WEDNESDAY
November 24, 2010
29
Three Coquitlam figure skaters carve out gold at sectionals.
Your source for local news, sports, weather and entertainment. www.thenownews.com
Pennies for Presents campaign launched Simone Blais sblais@thenownews.com It’s record busting time. The NOW is all hot to trot despite this cold weather, because today (Wednesday) marks the official launch of the 21st annual Pennies for Presents campaign to benefit the SHARE Family & Community Services Society. And this year the hope is to smoke all previous fundraising totals. “Last year’s Pennies for Presents campaign raised more than $18,000, setting a new record in generosity. Having drop-off sites throughout the Tri-Cities made it easier for residents to donate, and with sites in every community again this year, they won’t have to travel far. We’re ready to try for another record,” NOW editor Leneen Robb said.
“Our Pennies partners embraced the campaign with open arms, and it made a world of difference,” NOW publisher Brad Alden said. “Every cent goes to helping local families, so we can’t wait to see the results of this year’s campaign.” The drive behind the Pennies for Presents campaign has remained constant throughout more than two decades of fundraising. Many generous Tri-Cities residents looking to help those in need at Christmas buy toys for tots and young children, rather than gifts for older kids. SHARE uses Pennies for Presents proceeds to purchase gifts for teens and tweens in the community who would otherwise go without. The need is not abating. Heather Scott,
Once again, The NOW has partnered with local organizations that understand how the value of hundreds of thousands of pennies can add up to make a huge difference to local youth. The Coquitlam RCMP, Port Moody Police Department, Coquitlam Fire and Rescue, Port Moody Fire and Rescue, Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services, The Bay and Scotiabank have all jumped on board as Pennies for Presents partners, welcoming donations of coins and bills from the community. The 2009 total came in at $15,178.75, followed by a matching grant from Scotiabank that tipped the scales to a record-shattering $18,053.57.
SHARE’s development director, said the agency is planning for a 15-per-cent increase in registrations from families needing help this year. “We’re thrilled to have Pennies for Presents back again,” Scott said. Last year, SHARE gave gifts to 1,623 children from 823 families. Given the increased demand for services at the food bank, staff are preparing to provide for 1,900 children from 900 different families. “The need is definitely there again this year,” Scott said. “We just believe and know that the community will once again help others around them this Christmas. This is the time of year for helping folks, and our community has a strong tradition of helping others, and we’re trusting it will happen again. “The Pennies for Presents campaign is a CONTINUED ON PAGE 4, see PENNIES.
Homes coming to Dominion Triangle? Jennifer McFee jmcfee@thenownews.com Port Coquitlam is one step closer to amending its official community plan to allow residential development in the Dominion Triangle. The city is considering changing 8.5 hectares (21 acres) of light industrial land to allow for the building of up to 600 residential units. Rezoning applications would need to allow light industrial development in advance or simultaneously in the area, according to a city report. Residential development applicants would also need to integrate sustainability features, dedicate a usable neighbourhood park, improve off-site sidewalks and protect remaining park reserves. As well, residential developers would need to cover costs for major road networks and utilities infrastructure, including the Fremont Connector. CONT. ON PAGE 10, see POCO.
Paul vanPeenen/NOW
NEW TWIST ON A CLASSIC: Riverside Secondary’s version of The Tempest, which runs tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, transforms some of Shakespeare’s original text into song and dance routines, and features a mostly female cast. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. both nights, and tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling the school at 604-941-6053.
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