Above: MoveUP Vice-President Heather Lee speaks at the Burnaby Breakfast with Santa.

Over the past weeks MoveUP has continued its annual tradition of holding “Breakfasts with Santa” for members and their families.

The packed Victoria event took place during the first weekend of December. Kids and their families enjoyed food, face painting having balloon animals made, and meeting Santa.

Last weekend’s Lower Mainland event, held at the Firefighters’ Club in Burnaby had so many families interested in attending it held two sessions: one at nine and one at noon. Kids could get face painting and balloon animals from a team of four clowns, as well as meeting Santa and enjoying brunch.

Instead of charging an admission fee, COPE asked families to bring a non-perishable food item and a wrapped toy to be donated to local food banks and charities.

“It’s great to get members from all different worksites and their family together at this time of year, and also to do something for those families in our communities who are more vulnerable,” said President David Black.

In addition to the breakfasts, COPE held its annual “Skating with Santa” event in Port Hardy this past weekend, where members and their families turned out for skating, hot chocolate, and face painting.

“This is one of my favourite things COPE puts on. What can be better than getting together at this time of year and experiencing the joys of the season with members and their families?” asked Melanie Greenlaw, Chair of the MoveUP Social Event and Planning Committee.

Melanie Greenlaw with donations of toys for the Christmas Bureau.