Archive | March, 2015

Apply For A Neighbourhood Small Grant To Help Build Community

11 Mar

NeighbourhoodSmallGrant2015

Would you like to make your community a better place? If yes, consider applying for a Neighbourhood Small Grant. If you have not heard about this program, it is worth looking into. Speaking from past experience this program is a great way to get to know your neighbours and build community. You can apply for grants from $50 to $1,000 for projects in your neighbourhood. The aim of the program, which is funded by the Vancouver Foundation, is to connect and engage people within the community in which they live. Neighbours can get together and make an application for a variety of events. Some examples of past events include neighbourhood block parties, clean up campaigns, ethnic cooking classes, emergency preparedness plans, community gardens and an outdoor movie night. This is not for adults only, kids are welcome to get into the act. One could do something nice for seniors in your community and it could be something simple as hosting a tea. The ideas are only limited by your imagination. Once your application is submitted, it is reviewed by a Resident Advisory Committee made up of residents in your neighbourhood. Applicants are advised in late May/early June if they receive funding and are usually asked to have their projects completed by November 30th. The program is available to anyone living in Vancouver. To apply for a grant, visit Neighbourhood Small Grant. Application deadline is Wednesday March 31, 2015.

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East Van GoGos 7th Annual Jazz Brunch March 22

10 Mar

EastVanGoGoLogoThe East Van GoGos invite you to their 7th Annual Jazz Brunch Sunday, March 22nd. What is a GoGo? Gogo is a Zulu word meaning “grandmother”. The Greater Van Gogos which includes chapters in various parts of the Lower Mainland are grandmothers and ‘grandothers’ working in groups to support African grandmothers raising a generation of children orphaned by AIDS. This network of grandmother groups in south western BC are dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign and the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

In March 2006, Stephen Lewis, a Canadian humanitarian and former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, issued a call to Canadian grandmothers to bond with their African counterparts. In his travels, Lewis noticed the phenomenal grandmothers who had buried their adult children and stepped in to raise the orphans left behind. They needed money for school fees and uniforms, food and other necessities. In the Vancouver area, three women answered the call. They invited a few others and launched Greater Van Gogos in the summer of 2006 with four groups. Although grandmothers in Africa’s many countries are addressed in different ways – ja ja in Uganda, sho sho in Kenya or nyana in Zambia – the word gogo felt right. Many years later, there are 20 groups registered with approximately 600 members from Vancouver and the surrounding areas. Together they have raised more than $1 million for the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The funds are distributed to community level projects supporting grandmothers and the children in their care in 15 sub-Saharan African countries.

The brunch on Sunday, March 22nd is a fundraiser for the East Van GoGos which will feature a musical performance by What It Is! The group consists of Mimi Beyene, Cass King, Patti Powell and Carol Wiedemann. We hear that these four unique voices are quite the powerhouse and have a captivating sound with a cappella soul. Their distinct arrangements are steeped in the soulful sounds of such greats as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles,  Etta James, and Laura Mvula. They will be bringing East Van Soul to a whole new level.

Brunch will be provided along with coffee, tea and juice. Suggested donation is $25. To order your ticket contact Sharon at T: 604-254-4071 or eastvangogos@gmail.com. The brunch takes place from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm in the Grandview Room at the Trout Lake Community Centre, 3360 Victoria Drive. The music gets under way at 12:15 pm. Come out and support these great GoGos!

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Obaaberima At The Cultch March 24 – April 4

9 Mar

ObaaberimaCultchThe Cultch, 1895 Venables Street, invites you to see Obaaberima which begins on March 24th. The play chronicles the tale of a young African-Canadian’s journey across continents, genders, races and sexualities. Obaaberima is a derogatory term meaning girly boy. The play will explore an important and often unheard perspective on the queer experience in Canada, that being first-generation queer immigrants. This is expected to be a powerhouse performance that blends theatre, spoken word, music and dance. Ghanaian-Canadian Tawiah M’carthy will give voice to people caught between their homeland and their new home. Obaaberima begins on March 24th and runs till April 4th . Tickets are available online at The Cultch starting from $19.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Mimnagh

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Time To Get Ready For The Great Grandview Garage Sale June 20, 2015

6 Mar

GreatGrandviewGarageSaleLogoAll bargain and vintage hunters it’s time to mark your calendars OR alternatively to get organized to participate. The area of Grandview-Woodland will be holding its 2nd Annual Great Grandview Garage Sale on Saturday, June 20th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. This is a multi-family garage sale that takes place all throughout the Grandview Woodland area of East Vancouver. Specifically from Broadway to the Burrard Inlet and from Clark Drive to Nanaimo Street. If you live in the area, you are invited to participate and it is FREE to sign up. Whether you live in a home, walk up apartment building, co-operative housing, no matter, everyone is welcome to participate. If you are the one looking for those bargains or vintage finds, think of it as one big treasure hunt. Who knows what you might come across in your travels. The Great Grandview Garage Sale will go ahead rain or shine 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. To sign up to participate, or see a map of the current locations, visit Great Grandview Garage Sale. Spring cleaning is just around the corner, time to clear out those cobwebs and stuff you no longer need/use. Remember, the old adage “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure”.

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Blim Market At The Heritage Hall March 8th

4 Mar

blimmarket2015Blim Market takes places this Sunday, March 8th at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street. There will be 48 local vendors on hand with an array of items including handmade accessories, jewellery, vintage items, pottery, cards, gifts and sweet treats. A few of the vendors we hear that will on site include first timer, Rescued Clothing Co., with their collection of upcycled t-shirts. There will also be favourite Blim Market vendor Galit Mastai Design, Product of Science and Art with beautiful natural soaps. As well, Barefoot Books will have a great selection of children’s books. Entry for the Blim Market is by donation and the event runs from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Hot food will be on hand by Open Sesame. Also, if you time it right, there will be two free raffle draws at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm for $25 Blim Gift Certificates.

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Vancouver Farmers Market Returns To Hastings Park March 8th

2 Mar

HastingsParkSpringVancouver Farmers Market is pleased to announce the Hastings Park Farmers Market is returning this Spring. As many will recall, it had a 9 week trial run this past winter at this location and by all accounts it was a great success. So it’s back starting Sunday, March 8th every weekend until April 26th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The market will again be located at Hastings Park between the Forum and the Agrodome. You will be able to stroll down tree-lined pathways under twinkling lights and wander through the Italian Garden. There is a playground close at hand for those coming with little ones. The market will, of course, feature many great local vendors and will have a great selection of produce, fish, meat & dairy, artisan prepared foods, baking & treats, coffee, local crafts and of course some hot food trucks. The market runs rain or shine. See you at the market!

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