Charlie is still going strong at his Chocolate Factory.
Most of us will be sticking pretty close to home – or the homes of family and close friends –over the next few days, and the relative lack of public events underlines that reality. Of course, almost every church in the city will have Christmas Eve or Christmas services, but the rest of the week is looking very quiet.
In the meantime there is a certain amount of hustle and bustle, preparing for the big day. My wife and I, for example, took our granddaughter on a round trip to Dressew, the bank, Pilgrim Book & Bible, etc – ending up at Charlie’s Chocolate Factory, just past Boundary Road on Canada Way.
That was a great way to feel the Christmas spirit, especially because we had the opportunity to chat with Charlie himself. Charlie Sigvardsen, now 83, has been operating Charlie’s Chocolate Factory for about 43 years now. Born in Port Moody, he has lived around these parts all his life; his stores are in Burnaby and Port Coquitlam.
Charlie doesn’t technically work any more, but does admit that he hangs around the store quite a bit, because he still enjoys it so much. He certainly enhanced our experience, and generously presented our granddaughter with a gold (chocolate) coin.
Charlie attends Willingdon Church – so does Pilgrim Book & Bible owner Greg Wasmuth for that matter.
So if you’re not too busy with events, but maybe still want to pick up a little treat for someone, I suggest you consider dropping by to see Charlie or Greg sometime over the next week.
Whatever you do, have a Merry Christmas!
Dec 2013
VOC Sweet Soul Gospel Christmas 2013 – December 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmGospel for the City: A Christmas Eve Gospel Music Service Featuring Good Noise – December 24, 2013 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Bach Cantata 227 – December 24, 2013 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Street Shine Together – December 24, 2013 at 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Canada Chinese Christian Winter Conference – December 27, 2013 - December 31, 2013 at All Day