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Latin sizzle to heat up the Surrey Christmas Bureau's coffers

Viva Surrey! fundraiser Saturday to help families in need during the holidays.
Salsa Lessons, Shows, Dancing & Entertainment in Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Ricmond & Surrey BC, by Alberto Gonzalez & Teresa Szefler, Hot Salsa Dance Zone.
Entertainment at Viva Surrey! Nov. 23 includes dancers Teresa Szefler and Alberto Gonzales (above) and marimba player Alejandro Ruiz.

A little Latin American fun will add some sizzle to the Surrey Christmas Bureau’s (SCB) bottom line this weekend.

The non-profit organization is hosting Viva Surrey!, an evening of music, dance and food, to raise much-needed funds as it heads into the holiday season.

Alejandro Ruiz and his family are originally from Guatemala and will play the marimba music of their homeland, while DJ Pachuco sets the mood with the lights and the beat. Alberto Gonzales and Teresa Szefler will show off their salsa moves, and Edwin Martinez and Moviendolo Bien’s band will wrap up the evening with their lively salsa music.

Pachamami Sabor Latino restaurant, owned by a local Bolivian family, will provide empanadas and small traditional sandwiches and soup for sale.

There will also be a silent auction, as well as beer and wine for sale.

The SCB helps low-income Surrey families (with children 18 and under) with groceries and gifts each Christmas. Donated toys are distributed to children of registered families through a toy depot, and families are also matched with sponsors through the Adopt-a-Family program.

To register for assistance, go to 10636 King George Blvd. with the required documentation (check http://christmasbureau.com/registration/). For more information, to adopt a family or donate, call 604-581-9614.

Viva Surrey! takes place Nov. 23, 6:30 p.m. at St. Bernadette’s Hall, 6543 132 St. Admission is $15.