It's out with the old and in with the new at the gift shop at Queen's Park Care Centre.
The folks at the gift shop have been hard at work on plans to rebuild and rebrand the gift shop that's located inside the centre's main lobby.
They're holding a sidewalk sale this Friday and Saturday.
"The idea is to clear out the old merchandise," said Colleen McDonald, coordinator of the gift shop. "We have to make room for fabulous new merchandise."
The sidewalk sale will take place on Friday, March 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. and on Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Queen's Park Care Centre, 315 McBride Blvd.
"We have a lot of mugs - tons of mugs," McDonald said. "We have old giftware, plates, vegetable platters, a darling little Chinese tea set."
The gift store will continue to sell items such as chips and chocolate bars that are popular among residents, but wants to expand its offerings to include items that staff and visitors would want to buy for themselves or as gifts.
"We are doing a relaunch and open house on April 22 to relaunch the gift shop," McDonald said. "We have some fabulous jewelry, we have some wonderful silk scarves.
They are absolutely gorgeous. We will have some small giftware, tchotchkes."
Handmade cutting boards, locally crafted cards and tiles will be among the gift shop's offerings.
"We are trying as best we can to showcase local artists," McDonald noted.
McDonald said more volunteers are always needed to staff the gift shop.
"We would like to try and keep the gift shop open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.," she said. "Right now there are days when we are only open two hours."
Anyone interested in volunteering at the gift shop can call Michelle at 604-517-8663.
"Every single penny that the store makes goes back into the hospital," McDonald said. "It all goes back to the patients."
On the move
The Seniors Services Society will soon be on the move.
The society will be moving into a newly renovated heritage building at 750 Carnarvon St. on Monday, April 2. Executive director Kara-Leigh Jameson said the society is excited about moving into a space that has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the work it does for seniors across the region.
"This new space in 1,300 square feet larger, closer to our community partners, accessible by SkyTrain - overall a great move for the society," said a press release. "Special thanks to our new landlord, B.C. Housing, and to the City of New Westminster for finding us a new home and all their support throughout this process. A big thank you to our community partners, Lowe's Home Improvement and United Way of the Lower Mainland, who contributed funding to support our move."
Royal City residents wanting to check out the society's new digs should jot down June 26 on their calendars. A community open house is scheduled to take place at noon that day.
The Seniors Services Society provides support services, housing support and community education for seniors. It also offers numerous volunteer opportunities for community-oriented individuals of all ages.
Down to earth
The City of New Westminster is inviting youth and older adults to celebrate Earth Day by getting dirty.
The city is organizing an invasive plant removal and replanting intergenerational event at Hume Park on Saturday, April 14 and 28 - rain or shine. Both days' events run from 1 to 4 p.m.
"Invasive plants are spread through illegal dumping of garden waste and seeds are dispersed by wildlife and wind, causing ecological destruction," said a press release from the city. "This project will help prevent and control the spread of invasive plants while protecting the ecological integrity of our parks."
Good boots, comfortable clothing and registration are required. The event is open to youth aged 13 to 18 and adults aged 50 and up; attendance is limited to 20 youth and 20 older adults.
The event is being offered in partnership with the Evergreen Foundation, which engages Canadians in creating and sustaining dynamic outdoor spaces.
Call 604-519-1066 to pre-register for this free event.
Helping shelters
The Canadian Auto Workers donated $100,000 to 50 women's shelters across Canada - including one right here in the Royal City.
In New Westminster, the CAW presented a cheque to Monarch Place on March 8 - International Women's Day. In addition to making an annual donation, the union is urging the federal and provincial governments to provide core funding to agencies that provide services to women and their children who are fleeing violent relationships.
Do you have an item for Around Town? Send ideas to Theresa McManus, tmc [email protected]. You can also follow her on Twitter, @TheresaMcManus, and see her blog at www. royalcityrecord.com.
