A book exchange, a hobbies club, a seniors’ appreciation breakfast and children’s activities – these are just some of the ideas residents may consider as part of a neighbourhood small grants program.
Vancouver Foundation is once again offering its neighbourhood small grants program, which aims to connect and engage residents in their community. Residents are encouraged to come up with ideas on how to strengthen their neighbourhood and apply for grants of up to $500 (occasionally $1,000) to make it happen.
“For a very small amount of money – often only a few dollars – these small projects help bring people together,” said Vancouver Foundation president and CEO Kevin McCort in a press release. “We take great pride in helping create a sense of community, where before, there may have been none.”
Locally, Family Services of Greater Vancouver administers the program on behalf of the Vancouver Foundation.
Do you or someone you know need money for a neighbourhood barbecue? Do you want to reach out to your new neighbours? Do you have an idea to start creating the community you want to live in?
If the answer to these questions is yes, Family Services encourages you to visit www.neighbourhoodsmallgrants.ca/ for more information or to call Maylen Crespo at 604-936-6780 or [email protected].
Downtown residents meet
The New Westminster Downtown Residents Association is anticipating a “highly spirited” meeting on March 18.
The association’s next general meeting is taking place on Wednesday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 514 Carnarvon St. The evening’s lineup includes speakers on three “volatile” issues.
Coun. Bill Harper will discuss the city’s Intelligent City initiative and fibre-optic plan, and what it means for the city’s future. Coun. Chuck Puchmayr will speak about the upcoming TransLink referendum.
The final presenters are members of the New Westminster Downtown Residents’ Association who will present their Save Our Parkade action plan, which proposes an alternative to the city’s plan to demolish the western part of the parkade.
Eagles fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day
The Fraternal Order of the Eagles #20 is aiming to have a good time on St. Paddy’s Day.
The Eagles are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a fundraiser dinner aimed at helping Miss New Westminster Ambassador candidate Skye Wright meet her goal of sending 45 kids with cancer to Camp Goodtimes. Tickets for the dinner are $30, which includes tax, gratuity and a $10 donation to Skye’s Challenge.
The St. Patrick’s Day bash is taking place on Tuesday, March 17 at the Castle Neighborhood Grill. The festivities will include a toonie toss, auction, 50/50 draw, Irish Dancers and a buffet menu featured salads, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed veggies, lamb stew, shaved roast beef, mini yorkies and Guinness gravy, bread pudding with whiskey butter sauce, and coffee, tea and pop.
For tickets, contact John Ashdown at 604-657-5600 or [email protected].
Blind Beginnings gala
Blind Beginnings is aiming to put on its best gala yet.
The New Westminster based organization helps B.C. children and youth who are blind or visually impaired to build confidence, independence and success in their academic, career and personal pursuits. Since 1998, it has been offering workshops, summer camps, mentoring programs, youth leadership programs and social and experiential outings for families.
Blind Beginning’s fifth annual gala dinner and auction is taking place on Saturday, April 18 at the Executive Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre on North Road in Coquitlam.
Shawn Marsolais, manager of programs and services, said last year’s gala raised about $35,000, thanks to the generosity of the organization’s members and supporters.
“We are excited to welcome back MC Tammy Moyer from News 1130 and musician Jay Big Daddy Philips,” she said in an email to the Record. “You can also expect a delicious buffet meal, amazing silent and live auction items, a blindfold challenge and inspiring stories and entertainment.”
Tickets are $75 or $35 for children under 10, and a full table costs $840. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner is at 7 p.m. For tickets, visit www.blindbeginnings.ca, call 604-434-7243 or email [email protected].
