The holiday season is here, bringing festive events and support services for people of all ages in our community. While this time of year can brighten the darker winter days, it can also bring challenges like loneliness, isolation, grief, and financial stress for many. To help navigate the season, here’s a quick roundup of holiday resources and events available in the coming weeks.
Meals, events
Helen at St. Bart’s Food Bank in Gibsons will be available throughout the holidays from 9 to 11 a.m. (except likely Christmas Day) with frozen soups and non-perishables for those in need.
The Arrowhead Clubhouse in Sechelt will be open on Christmas Day: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre (SCCAC) New Year’s Gala: Ring in the new year in style on Dec. 31, from 7 to 10 p.m., with live music from the Creek Big Band and Definitely Diva, and enjoy a Champagne toast at 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance at the SSAC front desk or $30 at the door.
Welcoming Spaces
Our libraries are always welcoming spots to relax, learn, and connect. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, computers, printing, books, and magazines.
Gibsons Library: Will be closed on Dec. 24, 25 and 26 and will close on Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. Other than those exceptions, they are open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, with Wednesday hours extended to 8:15 p.m.
Sechelt Library: Open Monday to Saturday, with special holiday closures: Closing early at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. The Sechelt Library also offers free knitted hats, mitts, and scarves in the lobby, lovingly created by the Sunshine Coast Spinners and Weavers Guild.
Support Services
Chantelle Burke is a Community Outreach worker for the Town of Gibsons,
Everybody Deserves a Home project and offers mental health support, blankets, and warm clothing: 604-741-1474.
Coast Hospice: Grief phone support runs Dec. 23 to Jan. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 604-840-2342. Compassionate support is available at 604-740-0475 or [email protected].
Single Session Walk-In Service (SSWIS) at Sunshine Coast Mental Health Services is available Monday to Friday, with holiday closures on Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. Call early at 8:30 a.m. to book same-day service. Drop-in, walk-in, and phone/virtual services are available through 604-885-6101. No cost mental health support for individuals 19 and older. Designed to address immediate needs and explore potential solutions.
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, contact 911, or National Suicide Crisis Help Line text or call 988 for immediate support (24/7).
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.
Indigenous Crisis and Support Line: 1-800-588-8717.
Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234.
The Resource Centre will take a short break during the holiday week; our hours will be Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to noon, Dec. 25 closed, Dec. 26 closed, Jan. 31: 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 1 closed.
Let’s spread kindness and support this season. Check in with neighbours, donate where you can, or if you need support — please don’t hesitate to reach out. From our entire team at the Resource Centre, we wish you a safe and restful holiday.
Have questions or need resources? Contact us at [email protected], call 604-885-4088, or visit us at resourcecentre.ca to search our directory.
