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DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY A GIVEAWAY A DAY FROM DEC. 11 - 22 ON FACEBOOK.COM/MYABBYNEWS • OVER $1000 IN PRIZES!
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High school basketball season begins in earnest with the Abbotsford Police City Tournament A20-21
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Christmas campaigns appeal to giving spirit Food bank, Cyrus Centre and Salvation Army need donations Vikki HOPES Abbotsford News
Three social service agencies in Abbotsford are struggling to raise enough funds during their Christmas campaigns, at a time when demand for programs and services is higher than ever. Funds raised at the Abbotsford Food Bank and Christmas Bureau, the Salvation Army, and Cyrus Centre support the agencies for the work
they do throughout the year. Food bank manager Dave Murray said the organization has set a goal of $800,000. As of Monday, about $350,000 had been collected. He said the food bank this year has experienced a hike of about 200 families needing support, bringing the monthly total number of people served to as many as 4,000. The food bank operates as the Christmas
Bureau at this time of year, providing gifts and food hampers for families who qualify. It also provides the Sponsor-a-Family program in which registered families can be sponsored by individuals, businesses or churches to receive Christmas gifts. Meanwhile, the local Salvation Army, which serves Abbotsford and Mission, is also facing Continued on A5
ICE TIME
NATIVITY SCENE MISSED A14 A Christmas tree sits where a nativity scene on South Fraser Way and Clearbrook was previously displayed
CHRISTMAS COP CARD
Last week’s frigid temperatures created ice solid enough for youngsters to play some impromptu hockey at the Willband Creed Park detention ponds off Highway 11 on Matsqui Prairie.
A3 The Abbotsford Police Department sends out its annual Christmas card to local offenders
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JOHN MORROW Abbotsford News
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