Irv Radatzke Update + Ukrainian Christmas Market

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 🗓️ New West Events - Is it just me or is the calendar getting busier?

 🗞️ New West Local News - Irv Radatzke Update + Ukrainian Christmas Market

 😆 Meme of the Day

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December 17, 2025

💰️ Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CaRT Peer Navigators – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

🛍️ Churi at the Quay Christmas Market – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

📝 Work BC Employment Services Drop-In – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

🎒 After-School Drop-In (5-12 years) – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🍪 9th Annual Genderbread Holiday Social – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

📖 Pyjama Storytime (all ages) – 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

🧘 Restorative Yoga with Sound Bowl Therapy – 6:45 PM to 8:00 PM

❓️ Georgie's Local Trivia Night – 7:00 PM

🎶 Love 'n Harmony Community Choir – 7:00 PM

🏃 Steel & Oak Run Club – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

❓️ Frankie G’s Trivia Night – 7:30 PM

🎄 Holiday Sip & Stroll Scavenger Hunt – Downtown Neighbourhood

December 18, 2025

📝 ICBC’s Enhanced Road Assessment – 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

⛸️ Parent and Tot Skate at Moody Park – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🤝 New West - Women In Business Networking – 10:30 AM to 12:00 AM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🛍️ Churi at the Quay Christmas Market – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

🎅 Santa Photos at Royal City Centre Mall – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

🎄 Midday Movie: Christmas, Again – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🍅 Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🎙️ Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Howe Sound New West Bingpot! Thursday Trivia – 7:00 PM

🎭️ Bee's Knees Burlesque at The Flapper Lounge – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎙️ The Terminal Pub Colossal Thursdays Karaoke – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Notorious Grey Fox Open Mic Jam – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎄 Holiday Sip & Stroll Scavenger Hunt – Downtown Neighbourhood

December 19, 2025

🧒 Toddler Time (12-36 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🎅 Santa Photos at Royal City Centre Mall – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

💑 City Love Scavenger Hunt For Couples - New West Area – 1:00 PM

🎶 The Dimes – Christmas Special – 2:00 PM

☃️ Winter Break Celebration – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🍽️ New West Youth Holiday Dinner – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🥬 Vegan Holiday Party Potluck & Clothing Swap – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🍿 Children’s Night Out - Home Alone at təməsew̓txʷ – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM

🎸 Christmas Party Sip n Strum – 7:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hitmix Bingo – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Howe Sound New West Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎙️ Notorious Grey Fox Karaoke Friday Nights – 9:00 PM until Close

🎄 Holiday Sip & Stroll Scavenger Hunt – Downtown Neighbourhood

🎁 Our Christmas Event List is LIVE!

If you have an event you would like us to list please CLICK HERE.

⛸️ Festive Family Skate Brings Holiday Cheer to New Westminster

If you’ve been following along, you already know Irv Radatzke.

You first met him when New Westminster began rallying around the Second World War veteran as he approached his 100th birthday. You read about the Remembrance Day tribute that took place at his hospital bedside. And many of you helped spread the word about a simple but powerful goal: 100 Christmas cards for 100 extraordinary years.

Here’s the update — and it’s one worth sharing.

What Started as One Idea Has Grown Far Beyond Expectations

During a recent presentation to New Westminster City Council, Moe Boyle, a longtime friend and advocate for Irv, shared just how quickly the Christmas card campaign took on a life of its own.

What began as a small, heartfelt gesture has turned into a steady stream of cards arriving daily — from across British Columbia, from people who knew Irv personally, and from many who didn’t.

Children have written to him. Fellow veterans have written to him. Families have shared deeply personal stories about parents and grandparents who served during the war, and how Irv’s story brought back memories of sacrifice, resilience, and gratitude.

The reach has even crossed borders. Cards have arrived from the United States, including one recently from Dallas, Texas.

As Moe told council, once the campaign started, “it just flew.”

A Hospital Room That Says Everything

If you could step into Irv’s room at Royal Columbian Hospital, you wouldn’t need much explanation.

The walls are covered in cards. Every available surface holds messages of kindness, remembrance, and appreciation. The cards are read aloud to him. They’re revisited. They matter.

Adding to that sense of honour and comfort is a beautiful Quilt of Valor, now part of his room — a powerful symbol of gratitude, service, and the respect held for him by his community.

For someone who has always been humble — someone who would still insist the recognition should go to someone else — the impact has been unmistakable.

As council heard during the presentation: he loves the cards, and he loves the heart behind them. And judging by the cards — and the Quilt of Valor — now surrounding him, New Westminster agrees.

A True Community Effort

Moe was clear in her remarks: this has never been a solo effort.

Friends, family, veterans, neighbours, teachers, students, and complete strangers have all played a role. What started as one person advocating for a friend has become a true community movement — a ripple effect of kindness that continues to grow.

At a time when connection can feel scarce, this campaign has reminded many of what community still looks like.

Honouring More Than a Birthday

Yes, Irv turning 100 is an extraordinary milestone.

But as Moe emphasized, this moment has also been about honouring a veteran, a neighbour, and a man who quietly helped build the New Westminster many of us call home. From his post-war years in Massey Victory Heights to decades spent looking out for others, Irv’s life reflects service in its truest form.

City Council formally recognized his military service and acknowledged the important role veterans like Irv played in shaping the city after the war — not as distant history, but as living legacy.

This Story Isn’t Over

Irv remains at Royal Columbian Hospital as he continues his recovery and awaits placement in a long-term care home. Those closest to him have noticed changes over the past month, but they’re also clear about one thing: this story doesn’t end here.

The cards will keep coming. The recognition will continue. Conversations are already underway about how Irv’s story can be preserved and honoured long-term, because a life like his shouldn’t quietly fade.

As Moe told council simply and sincerely: he’s worthy.

A Way to Give Back, Together

If Irv’s story has moved you, consider paying that kindness forward.

The New Westminster Digital Christmas Cookbook supports the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation — the very place where Irv is currently receiving care. Every purchase helps support patients, families, and frontline healthcare workers across our region.

Sometimes the best way to say “thank you” is to help the place that helps us all.

👉 Support Royal Columbian Hospital by purchasing the New Westminster Digital Christmas Cookbook:

Make your dontation today to the RCH

🎄 Arts, Food, and Culture Highlight Ukrainian Christmas Market 🛍️ 

A beloved holiday celebration returns to New Westminster as the Ukrainian Christmas Market takes place on Saturday, December 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Holy Eucharist Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, located at 501 4th Avenue. The festive gathering invites the community to experience the warmth, culture, and traditions of a Ukrainian Christmas.

Visitors can browse a variety of handcrafted arts and gifts, perfect for holiday shopping, while enjoying authentic Ukrainian food and festive drinks, including comforting seasonal favourites. The market also features hands-on workshops, offering attendees the chance to learn more about Ukrainian holiday customs and traditions.

A holiday photo booth will be available throughout the afternoon, creating opportunities for families and friends to capture special seasonal memories. With its welcoming atmosphere, rich cultural offerings, and focus on togetherness, the Ukrainian Christmas Market promises an afternoon filled with connection, celebration, and holiday cheer for all ages.

Celebrate the Season With Ukrainian Traditions!

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌨️ What’s grey, stands in a river when it rains and doesn’t get wet? 💦 

🐘 An elephant with an umbrella. ☂️ 

Meme of the Day

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