New West residents are invited to light up the town in recognition of domestic violence.
Monarch Place transition house is once again offering the Purple Light Nights campaign as part of Prevention of Violence Against Women Week, which runs from April 16 to 22. The event includes a vigil on the steps of city hall on Monday, April 24 at 5:30 p.m., where people will gather to remember survivors of domestic violence and raise awareness about how prevalent these issues are in our community.
Community members are invited to attend the vigil, where city officials, police and individuals who have come out of domestic abuse situations will speak.
As part of the Purple Light Nights campaign, Monarch Place encourages residents and businesses to string up some purple lights – purple is the colour associated with ending domestic violence. The lights are $20, as well as $1 purple wrist bands, can be purchased at Greens and Beans Deli (143 East Columbia St.) or by calling Monarch Place at 604-521-1888.
Celebrate St. George
The Scots have Robbie Burns Day, the Irish have St. Patrick’s Day and the English now have St. George’s Day in the Royal City.
Steve McVittie recently thanked council for declaring April 23 as St. George’s Day in New Westminster. He noted the city was named by Queen Victoria after her favourite city in England – Westminster, where Buckingham Palace is located.
“I felt it was time the English got some recognition because they named streets here,” McVittie said. “Many of our historical landmarks and historical buildings were named by Brits. They missed home and decided they would have a little bit of home here in New Westminster by naming some of their favourite places.”
The proclamation read by Cote states that many local streets and landmarks got their names from British immigrants from England and many people of British heritage continue to contribute in many ways to the growth and development of New Westminster.
According to Wikipedia, St. George is the patron saint of England. Attempts have been made to revive the celebration of St. George’s Day on April 23 as an expression of English culture.
Save the date: April 26
The Group of Five is holding a spring luncheon on Wednesday, April 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Old Bavaria Haus Restaurant, 233 Sixth St. The non-profit group is raising money to buy much-needed equipment at Royal Columbian Hospital. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from any Group of Five member or by calling 604-522-7196.
Gogos serve up wine
The Royal City Gogos are serving up an evening of wine and food.
The group’s latest fundraiser, The Fine Art of Wine, will be guided by sommelier Brian Goss, who will lead guests in the sampling of three white and three red wines, explaining their origins, distinct taste and qualities of each.
The Fine Art of Wine is aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about wine – how to choose it, how to get the best value, how to serve it and how to pair it with the right foods. Guests will also be able to buy wine-related merchandise and learn more about the Royal City Gogos, which raises money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers Campaign.
The Fine Art of Wine is being held on Friday, May 5, Saturday, May 6 (sold out) and Saturday, June 10 in a Queen’s Park heritage home and on Friday, June 9 at a waterfront condo on the Quay. All events run from 8 to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $50 per person and include six food and wine tastings, an additional glass of wine and take-home information. To reserve a spot, email [email protected].
The Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign raises funds for projects in Africa to support grandmothers who are raising grandchildren who have been orphaned by AIDS. For more information, go to www.royalcitygogos.org.
