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Paul Jenkinson spent his social work career in Mission, Chilliwack and Abbotsford. Now he is back in the Fraser Valley with two chairs, a small table and an offer to listen, free of charge, to anyone who sits down. Since setting out from Nova Scotia in May 2025, he has travelled 50,000 kilometres, been invited to 80 communities and gone as far north as the Arctic Ocean. In our story, he talks about what happens at the table, what 40 days in one spot at Mill Lake Park taught him and what he has learned from about 1,500 longer conversations.

He’s in the Fraser Valley until Monday, November 9, so there’s still time to stop by. The story has the details on where to find him.

– Emily

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Paul Jenkinson places his sign 20 to 30 feet down the path from his table, so people can read it before they decide whether to come any closer. It says “You Are Not Alone, I Will Listen,” along with “No Cost Listening” and “Sit Down Relax.”

The setup itself is two chairs side by side next to a small table holding a welcome sign and a container of business cards. There is a bag of Jolly Ranchers for children and teens, with their parents’ permission, and dog treats for people walking their dogs.

Jenkinson calls the project the You Are Not Alone, I Will Listen Cross Canada Journey, and it works as a kind of listening tour. He sets up in public places, including parks, walkways, farmers markets, coffee shops, libraries and malls, and offers to listen, at no cost, to anyone who sits down.

Keep reading»

🗑️ Abbotsford is moving solid waste fees from the annual property tax notice to utility bills starting January 1, 2027, with discounts for customers who pay on time. [City of Abbotsford]

🛢️ Boston Bar, Cheam, and Kwantlen First Nations are among the B.C. nations that have filed legal challenges to Ottawa’s decision to fast-track the review of the proposed Pacific Link oil pipeline. [The Canadian Press]

🪩 Langley’s Haven Kitchen + Bar shared security footage of someone taking a disco ball off its patio before dawn, and says it plans to use an AirTag next time. [Noms Magazine]

📱 Videos of a person dressed as Hitler at a Halloween gathering in Langley have sparked online backlash, with some condemning the costume and others defending it as humour. [International Business Times]

🌧️ October was Chilliwack’s driest since 2013, with rainfall about 64 per cent below normal, as drought conditions continue. [Chilliwack Progress]

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Mozart’s Requiem in Concert: The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre on November 5, dedicating the evening to the fallen. The piece was written while Mozart was ill, and he left it unfinished when he died at 35.

12th Annual Christmas Market: Chilliwack’s Sports Landing Centre hosts its 12th annual Christmas market from November 6 to 8, which organizers bill as the Fraser Valley’s largest free indoor Christmas market. Admission and parking are free, and there will be food trucks and door prizes.

Pumpkin Smash 2026: Hope Motorsports Group brings a full day of racing to the 6th Avenue Sports Bowl on November 7, with ministock and 4x4 racing during the day and demolition derbies at night. A Kona Ice shaved ice truck and a food truck will be on site.

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