Megan Gunderson’s legacy lives on in the Queensborough community she called home.
The Queensborough special programs committee and New Westminster’s parks, culture and recreation department are holding the annual Queensborough Children’s Festival on Sunday, June 22 from 11: 30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ryall Park in Queensborough. Part of the festival takes place in Megan’s Place, a playground created next to the community centre after the tragic death of three-year-old Megan in 1996.
The youngster was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in front of her house on June 20, 1996. Following her death, the community rallied together to raise close to $100,000 for a new tiny tot playground as she loved to visit the park.
Megan’s family still lives in Queensborough and attends the annual Queensborough Children’s Festival, which includes live entertainment, interactive fun and games for kids of all ages and a teddy bear picnic. This year the Gunderson class will be hosting a Mad Hatter’s tea party at Megan’s Place as part of the event.
“What I love about the children’s festival is it is a lot of free things. You are not asking parents to pay,” said Dolly Gunderson, Megan’s grandma. “It’s such a great tiny tot playground. I took Meggie to the playground every day.”
Three years ago, the New Westminster Police Department held a press conference to appeal to a person who had sent in an anonymous tip regarding the case, as well as the driver. To date, no charges have been laid in connection to the hit-and-run.
Home needed
Homestay families are required for two teenagers who will soon arrive in the Royal City.
Coun. Lorrie Williams said the sixth group of students from Lijiang, China will arrive in New Westminster at the end of August and remain in the city until the end of October.
“The girls will attend New Westminster Secondary School during the day,” she said. “They will be out most weekends.”
While homes have been found for two of the girls, a home is needed for the other two visitors to the city, who are coming from a rural area of China.
“I can assure you, it is a joy to host these farmers’ daughters,” Williams said.
Anyone interested in getting more details, can contact Williams through city hall at 604-521-3711.
Senior support
More support will be available to local seniors needing to access the senior peer counselling program at Century House.
Eleven new graduates who recently completed the counselling training will provide free confidential emotional support for seniors. The volunteers were screened, trained and supervised by a certified counsellor.
“I have come to know wonderful people having been involved with this program,” said Nuri Esmail,a recent graduate. “I am excited to learn more about all the resources available and how to access them for the seniors. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to do my bit for the seniors who have given so much and now need a little help themselves. I really hope that funding will continue for this worthwhile program.”
According to a press release, senior peer counselling provides educational tools and facilitates access to resources for other seniors.
“The counsellors are unique in that they are seniors themselves,” stated the press release. “Seniors are more likely to open up to someone who has similar life experiences. This is the 11th graduating class of senior peer counsellors, a program serving predominantly fixed-income seniors in New Westminster for 26 years.”
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