South Surrey-based rocker Lee Aaron will be jazzing it up with a band during the fifth annual Gala of Light, a Nov. 19 event hosted by NightShift Street Ministries.

The organization is planing to build The Care Village, a place of "retreat, recovery and reintegration" - in other words, a safe haven for people seeking restoration.

"The village already exists, but we are seeking funding from the Aviva Community Fund to restore, extend and furnish the buildings," says a message posted online at nightshiftministries.org.

NightShift Street Ministries is a registered, not-for-profit society that has been serving people in Surrey since January 2004. Meals are prepared by local churches and outreach teams, or are donated through corporate sponsors and served by volunteers. Also, street outreach teams offer friendship, hope, spiritual guidance, clothing and personal-care kits to people in need, 365 days a year.

Tickets for the Nov. 19 gala are priced at $200 per person, or $1,500 for a table of 10.

The gala event will be held at North view Golf Course in Surrey. For info, visit www. nightshiftministries.org or call 6049531114.

"If you already have other plans for next Saturday (Nov. 19), we invite you to participate in our online auction. All details are on the website," said MaryAnne Connor, founder and president of NightShift Street Ministries.

DIGITAL WORLD PROBED

"Plugged In and Tuned Out" is the title of a free public forum designed to help parents and kids navigate digital cultures.

The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey Campus Conference Centre, 12666 72nd Ave.

The forum will help parents and kids to understand and deal with the growing influence of the digital culture. Event organizers say discussions will include the benefits and hazards of technology in the context of child and adolescent development. The forum will explore practical tools and skills for parents who seek to encourage health and balance for their children. For details, call 604-599-2243.

'BUDDIES' AT LIBRARIES

The Coast Capital Reading Buddies program continues at several libraries in Surrey, including Fleetwood, Newton, Strawberry Hill and Guildford.

It's a chance for kids (Grade 2 to 4) to improve his or her reading skills in a safe, non-threatening environment. Participation is free.

High school students offer their time and expertise to "buddy up" with a younger student.

For session times this month and next, visit www.surreylibraries.ca.

HELP FOR MATURE DRIVERS

A pair of Mature Driving Workshops are designed to reduce risks on the road and improve driving skills.

The sessions, which are free of charge, are co-sponsored by White Rock Community Policing and BCAA.

Workshop sessions are planned for Nov. 22 and Dec. 9, from 9: 30 to 11: 30 a.m. on both dates, at White Rock Community Centre. To get involved, call 604-541-2231.

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