New Westminster Family Place is hoping community members will support its efforts to provide services to local families with little ones.
Family Place is holding a burger and beer fundraiser at the Paddlewheeler Pub in River Market on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and include a burger (beef, chicken or veggie) and beer (or wine or highball).
“We will have lots and lots of beautiful silent auction items,” said Marjorie Staal, executive director at New Westminster Family Place. “It’s our biggest fundraiser. It’s for the running of our programs, so our program stays open.”
Each month, an average of 170 families access New Westminster Family Place’s programs, including parenting programs, parent/child Mother Goose programs and drop-ins at the main space at 101-93 Sixth St., Lord Kelvin Elementary School and the food bank.
“I think it would be wonderful if the community could support our programs, support Family Place’s children,” Staal said.
For tickets, call Staal at 604-520-6621. For more info on Family Place, check out the New Westminster Family Place page on Facebook or go to www.nwfamily.bc.ca.
New West Rotary club helps those in need
Some low-income residents have better vision thanks to a recent initiative of the Rotary Club of New Westminster.
In cooperation with local social support agencies, the club recently sponsored a free eyeglass clinic and provided free eye exams and glasses to about 14 people in need. Eye exams were conducted by eye care professionals, aided by Douglas college students, Rotaract and Rotary members as well as the Salvation Army.
Along with eye care and glasses, attendees of the free eyeglass clinic enjoyed some coffee and treats donated by Tim Hortons.
McIntyre moves on
Friends, family and community members recently gathered to honour a woman who’s made her mark on New Westminster.
Alana McIntyre, a nominee for Citizen of the Year in 2014, recently moved to Abbotsford, leaving the city she’d called home for 71 years.
“My heart will always be in New Westminster,” she told the Record. “It was very hard – lots of tears. I put it down to a new beginning.”
Friends like Leona Green at Greens and Beans Deli in Sapperton couldn’t let McIntyre move without making sure she knew just how much they valued the contributions she’s made to the city through the years, including roles on city committees, the Hyack Festival Association and the Group of Five. Green served up a farewell party at her deli on Sept. 25, where guests gave McIntyre “a trip down memory lane” by sharing stories of their times together.
“It was quite wonderful,” McIntyre said. “I volunteered all my life. I haven’t done it to get a pat on the shoulder. I always thought you should give back to your city.”
Attendees included Mayor Jonathan Cote, councillors Lorrie Williams and Chuck Puchmayr, past councillors Calvin Donnelly and Betty McIntosh, McIntyre’s family and community members.
“It’s very nice,” McIntyre said of her new community. “People are very friendly, everybody says hello or something to you walking down the street.”
McIntyre, who was born in New Westminster, won’t leave the city entirely as she has family in New West and continues to volunteer with the Group of Five, which raises funds for Royal Columbia Hospital.
Save the date: Dec. 3
Santa Claus is heading back to New Westminster just in time for the holidays. The annual Santa Claus Parade takes place on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. on Columbia St. Details are still being worked out, as the city is inviting businesses and non-profit organizations to participate in this family event.
Email Around Town ideas to [email protected].
