Clippers win
Christmas songbook Christmas Songbook INSIDE 2014
Nanaimo BCHL team squeaks out victory over Trail.
PAGE 24
Season’s Greetings!
www.nanaimobulletin.com
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014
VOL. 26, NO. 56
Group continues goal to encourage women to enter politics BY TAMARA CUNNINGHAM THE NEWS BULLETIN
Elections results might now show it, but a new Women in Politics network has made inroads, according to co-founder Pat Bugera. Nanaimo voters elected two women to office on Nov. 15, maintaining the status quo despite an effort by Women in Politics to raise the profile of gender representation in local government and equip more women to run for office. Across 10 of B.C.’s largest municipalities, 40 per cent of those elected to council are women and female politicians take up half the seats in cities like Surrey, VancouWe are at the ver and Victoria. Nanaimo didn’t bottom of fare as well, with fewest number the pile when the of female candiit comes to dates vying for seats and one of provincial the lowest percentages of representastatistics in tion by women in the Nanaimo civic government, according to staarea. tistics compiled by University of B.C. doctoral candidate Grace Lore. Bugera is disappointed in the numbers, but said the group didn’t see a drop in the number of women elected and has been able to start conversation and momentum around the need for more women to get involved in politics. The group plans to keep people talking with a debriefing on the election this January and information sessions on politics. It could also take the conversation about women and politics Island-wide.
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See ‘WOMEN’S’ /4
CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN
Katy-Leigh Pangborne-LaHue, 3, left, and Alexis Baxter, 4, share a story book and the warmth of an electric fireplace at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Vancouver Island’s Chase River location. Coins for Kids donations help pay for club programs and purchase food and warm clothing for children from economically disadvantaged homes.
Small change adds up to big difference
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COINS FOR KIDS raises money for toy drive and boys and girls club. BY CHRIS BUSH THE NEWS BULLETIN
A penny saved might be a penny earned, but paying spare change forward through the News Bulletin’s annual Coins for Kids drive really counts when it comes to making kids’ lives a little better through the holiday season. Coins for Kids supports the Nanaimo Boys and Girls Club and the
Great Nanaimo Toy Drive, which collects presents for children of underprivileged families to ensure every child up to age 16 has presents under the tree on Christmas morning. Carolyn Iles, toy drive spokeswoman, said the need continues to grow in Nanaimo each year. There were about 800 families that signed up for presents for about 1,500 children last year and early registrations this year indicate demand will be even greater for Christmas 2014. Coins for Kids helps purchase presents for teens, an age group that usually comes up shy on donations each year. “The contribution from Coins for
Kids last year was instrumental,” Iles said. “It comes at a time when we have to fill in those last-minute gaps and that enabled us to make that the age groups for which people have not donated as many as we need. We will be able to ensure that children of that age will receive gifts.” Families can register for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive at University Village Square until Saturday (Nov. 29). Linda Janes, Nanaimo Boys and Girls Club south general manager, said Coins for Kids donations helps the organization supply children with warm clothing, food and toys through the winter. See ‘NEED’ /6
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