The Group of Five & Friends are aiming to make visits to Royal Columbian Hospital a little more enjoyable for youngsters.
The non-profit society is hosting an All We Want for Christmas event to raise funds to create a children’s play area and mural in the lobby of Royal Columbian Hospital.
Three play panels would be mounted onto a wall, while two vinyl-covered “tree stumps” will provide a place where wee ones can stand to play or draw.
“It’s a little play area on the main floor of Royal Columbian Hospital. This is mainly for the little guys,” said Gerda Suess, one of founders of the Group of Five & Friends. “They are going to put a little bit of a play area on the wall.”
The mural is estimated to cost $2,000 to $3,000, with the entire project expected to be just shy of $8,000.
The group’s next fundraiser is being held on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Galbraith House, 131 Eighth St. Tickets are $25, and the event includes some tasty tidbits, a silent auction and an opportunity to buy a glass of cheer.
If you happen to be passing by Royal Columbian Hospital, you’ll see the smiling faces of some of the Group of Five members on a billboard for the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. Just two months ago, the group presented the hospital with a cheque for $6,740.62 for a pediatric cast saw that physicians use to remove casts from wee ones.
“We are still working very, very hard for the betterment of the city,” Suess said. “It’s the small things that fall through the cracks.”
For tickets, contact Suess at 604-522-7196 or gerdasuess@shaw.ca.
New West councillor “out-geeks” the mayor
While many people opt for fun outings on their summer vacations, some members of city council look at them as a chance to scout out ideas for the Royal City.
“When I go travelling, often that involves me really digging into cities,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “My wife can attest that our vacations often involve going to things like OCP (official community plan) events in the City of Denver and things like that which are not traditional things you would do on vacation, but I can’t help myself.”
Cote recently returned from a conference in Dallas, Texas with some ideas for the city to consider, including movable seating and tables in high-pedestrian areas of the city and “free to play” items at parks with concession stands.
“I just want to say I once took my wife on vacation, and on that vacation we stopped at a mixed-waste sorting facility in Davenport, Iowa,” responded Coun. Patrick Johnstone, who works as an environmental coordinator at the City of Richmond. “I can out-geek you on sustainability.”
Royal City Market holds meet-and-greet
Royal City Farmers Market wants to meet you – and maybe even sign you up as a volunteer.
The Royal City Farmers Market Association is hosting a volunteer meet-and-greet and open house on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy’s constituency office. Current board members, volunteers and staff will be on hand to discuss the associations’ strategic goals, as well as current and future plans.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to provide potential volunteers with a relaxed social setting to discuss what it means to be part of the local food movement,” said Melissa Maltais, the market’s operations manager. “At this event they will have the opportunity to chat with current board members, volunteers and staff so they can decide if volunteering with us is the right fit.”
Royal City Farmers Market has volunteer jobs for people of all backgrounds and abilities, including market-day activities, community outreach, school programs and workshops.
A press release notes that the market has an “exciting volunteer culture” that is multigenerational; the oldest volunteer is 92, while the youngest is 14.
Royal City Farmers Market will also be looking for dedicated and passionate individuals to help guide the association in the future, as founding member Andrew Murray will be departing the board next year.
Help kids and cross items off your Christmas list – from home
’Tis the season (almost) to give to others, so why not help support local kids in need at the same time?
New West has a fundraiser underway that will allow you to get a head start on your shopping by allowing you to shop from the comfort of home. An online auction, featuring sports memorabilia, tickets and other great items, is running until 3 p.m. on Nov. 27.
“KidSport New West volunteers work hard to ensure that every child who wants to participate in sport can by removing financial barriers,” said committee chair Sandon Fraser in a press release. “All of the money raised by our committee goes directly to grant to keep New Westminster kids off the sidelines and in the game. Our online auction offers a great way to support children by bidding on some of our prizes and experiences.”
The auction features items such as a game-used, signed hockey stick from New Westminster’s own Kyle Turris, who is currently playing with the Ottawa Senators in the NHL.
Other items up for grabs include a team-signed ball from the 2015 Whitecaps FC, a Dan Cloutiersigned jersey, tickets to Canucks, Giants and Rivermen games, and items donated by local businesses like Mutt and Moggy pet store, Pacific Breeze Winery and Steel and Oak Brewing Company. Take a peek at the online auction at www.biddingowl.com/KidSportNewWest.
According to KidSport New West, the local chapter has seen a “significant rise” in the number of families applying for funding and sport registration fees have also increased. So far this year, KidSport New Westminster has experienced a 32 per cent increase in funds dispersed compared to the same time in 2014.
Formed in late 2013, the New Westminster chapter has given out about $75,000 to help nearly 400 New West kids to get involved in sport.
For more information, contact Sandon Fraser at info@kidsportnewwest.ca at 778-388-3930, or visit www.tinyurl.com/KidsportNW.
Save the date
* Nov. 15: Let’s Talk The State of the Arts – an open house about the arts in New West. It’s taking place Sunday, Nov. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Columbia Theatre, 530 Columbia St.
* Nov. 20 and 21: MOVE yoga, pilates and dance studio in Sapperton is hosting a free Christmas craft market on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 237 Nelson’s Cres. in the Brewery District. The event features local crafters, unique artisans, handmade jewelry, clothing, funky art and yummy baked goods. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 604-544-6434.
