An upcoming vigil in New Westminster will commemorate the lives of disabled filicide victims.
As part of an international Day of Mourning, disability right advocates will hold a vigil on Tuesday, March 1 to honour the lives of disabled people who have been murdered by their families and caretakers.
“The total number of killings is likely higher than the amount which are reported in news media,” said a press release from the event’s organizers. “We must address violence against people with disabilities and speak out against the dangerous cultural prejudice that says a disabled life is not worth living.”
The local vigil, one of several occuring across Canada, takes place at the Woodlands Memorial Garden at 5 p.m. and includes a reading of a list of victims.
Take a ride on the DUC
A complimentary shuttle services continues to operate between the downtown, uptown and 12th Street neighbourhoods in New West.
Residents are invited to hop on the DUC, a pilot project that’s running until March 31. The free shuttle, which operates about every 30 minutes Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes stops at Donald’s Market at River Market, Sixth Street (between Third and Fourth avenues, and then between Sixth and Seventh avenues), Century House (620 Eighth St.), 12th Street (between Sixth and Fifth avenues) and then in front of Murano Lofts and Quayside Condos on Quayside Drive.
River Market, Bosa Properties and Westminster Saving are funding the free shuttle service. A full schedule can be found at www.rivermarket.ca/duc.
Money up for grabs
Royal City residents interested in community-building projects have a chance to get a helping hand from the Vancouver Foundation.
Grants of up to $500 are available for projects by local residents, with past grants going to projects like street theatre, block parties, community gardens, arts and crafts workshops and habitat projection. A Vancouver Foundation press release states that applicants are encouraged to think about ways to help communities build strong connections between residents, share skills and knowledge, build a sense of ownership and pride and respect and celebrate diversity.
“Building strong communities starts with finding ways to connect with your neighbours,” Vancouver Foundation president and CEO Kevin McCort said in a press release. Applications, open until Monday, April 4, are available at www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca.
