A recent social media post alerted us to an amazing 12 year old young man living in Riley Park, Jeremy Lynch. Jeremy and his family moved to Vancouver from the UK about 1 ½ years ago. When Jeremy was 4 years old, he decided he loved business and wanted to make money, but Jeremy also realized he doesn’t really need money. At 6 years old, Jeremy learnt that one of his favourite animals the cheetah was on its way to becoming extinct. Jeremy then started making and selling cards to help raise money for the Cheetah Conservation Fund.
Jeremy makes all his own cards and sells them for $3.00 a piece with 100% of the proceeds going to the Cheetah Conservation Fund and now also OceanWise and the International Justice Mission. On good weather days, you will find Jeremy out in front of various businesses on Main or Cambie for an hour at a time selling his cards. If you wish to support Jeremy and purchase his cards, you can also find his cards for sale at a few businesses that host a box in their reception area. We’ve set out below where you can purchase his art cards in person:
The Sellution, 3604 Main Street Pittie Coffee, 3702 Main Street (at 21st) West King Edward Animal Clinic, 3386 Cambie Street Animal Cambie Village Animal Hospital. 510 West 24th Avenue Clearview Orthodontics, #1807 – 805 West Broadway
Jeremy is an impressive young man and has raised a whopping $25,000! As one that has raised funds for various charities over the years, this is no small feat. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Jeremy who his father says “cares deeply about taking care of the planet”. With this much passion and drive at such a young age, we expect he’ll be making positive impacts wherever life leads him.
In the event you missed the recent feature on Global BC’s This Is BC with Jay Durant, we invite you to give it a listen, it’s rather inspiring.
We are excited to share a new and rather unique collaboration for all the dog lovers. Are you crafty with the sewing machine, or want to learn how to be? ILiveInEastVan is collaborating with ScouterWear, Our Social Fabric and Pets & Friends to provide you with the opportunity to create your own custom dog coats featuring the new reflective LiveInEastVan patch.
If you are a dog lover and have tried to purchase a dog coat off the shelf, you will often find that the fit isn’t quite right. It’s a bit like goldilocks and the 3 bears, this one is too big, this one is too small, but we have solution for a fit that’s just right.
Jill Bartlett, the founder of ScouterWear, has been creating custom dog coats for over 5 years now. Jill soon realized the demand for her custom fit dog coats was high. She put her extensive design and eLearning background to work and launched SewReady Maker Kits. These kits include everything you need to make your own custom fitting dog coat. This gives you the satisfaction of creating something special with your own hands for your furry best friend. Add to that, it’s also a perfectly custom-fit coat that can be worn for years to come.
ILiveInEastVan is providing new custom reflective patches for the ILiveInEastVan SewReady Maker Kits. Our Social Fabric, a local non profit fabric stores that sells donated fabrics to keep out of the landfill, has offered generous discounts on the fabrics for the SewReady Maker Kits. Then we have the amazing organization Pets & Friends which is a local non profit that promotes the healing comfort and companionship of animals through therapy visits in hospitals, care facilities and universities since 1982. Pets & Friends will be receiving 10% of the sale proceeds of all ILiveInEastVan SewReady Maker Kits.
If you already have a dog coat and wish to purchase only the new reflective ILiveInEastVan patch to iron on, or sew on, you can purchase them online in our Etsy Shop – ILiveInEastVan. Are you ready to purchase your ILiveInEastVan SewReady Maker Kit for yourself, or a friend? We invite you to visit ScouterWear to make your online purchase.
Shopping local has taken on greater meaning during the pandemic for a number reasons and people are embracing it wholeheartedly which is great to see. There are so many great opportunities to support local with gift giving this holiday season. We are highlighting below some of our great local finds under $75 which are perfect for gift giving this holiday season.
Swiss Bakery, 143 East 3rd Avenue, is a beloved Mount Pleasant destination and long standing business in the community. This year they are offering a Santa Stops Here Gift Box that includes:
1 Stollen (without marzipan) 2 Gingerbread Man and Woman 1 Just Tea Tin 1 Christmas Cookies Pack
Attending Christmas dinner where someone else is doing all the cooking? What a perfect hostess gift to bring. Visit Swiss Bakery to order online. Curbside pick up and delivery is available.
If you are looking for a unique sustainable gift that will last for years to come, consider these wooden lit stars handcrafted by Johnny Defazio of Roman & Ash Design. This star pictured is $60 with lights included. Should you wish a different design or shape say a Christmas tree, Johnny does custom work as well. Feel free to contact him directly via Instagram @johnny_defazio.
Local distiller Odd Society Spirits is offering a number of delectable cocktail kits perfect for gift giving this holiday season. Some of the selection includes Old Fashioned Cocktail Kit for $50 using their Commodore Single Malt Whiskey, or there’s the Thornton Park Cocktail Kit using their Wallflower Gin and Crème de Cassis for $58 as well as the Modern Hound Kit using their East Van Vodka for $34. These are just a few, to see all the cocktail kits, visit them at Odd Society Spirits. Curbside pick up is available.
Have a cheese lover in your life? If so, check out the Classic Cheesemonger Gift Box from les amis du FROMAGE which includes 3 pieces of cheese, a Divina Orange Fig preserve and Carr’s crackers. You have the option to add more cheese and characuterie if you wish. Visit them only to place your order to see all the delish options.
We would be remiss if we didn’t include our ILiveInEastVan totes in the mix. Available online for delivery or curbside pick up. Prices range from $30 – $35. You can visit our Etsy Shop online and while there, check out the new ILiveInEastVan reflective patches that can be sewn on or ironed on to whatever you choose for $12.50. They make a great stocking stuffer.
We love East Van Jam anytime of the year for their more love, less sugar frame of mind. We are also big fans of edible gifts and what a perfect hostess or holiday gift this season than a mini set of delish spreads with a variety of flavours and unique names. Made locally with BC produce, how much more local can you get? This set is available online from a favourite gift shop, Plenty + Spare in Hastings Sunrise.
The 7th Annual City Crow Calendar 2022 Edition by June Hunter is now available for sale online for $25. Not only does one get the crow photographs, but also 12 months of crow stories, crow facts and smaller crow photos tucked in among spaces between dates in the calendar. Each month reveals new little crow surprises. Heads up this does sell out every year, so if interested in picking this item up, best be quick.
Have you made your way down to the walking trails along the Fraser River in SE Vancouver? If you have, you will come across an area called Tugboat Landing at the foot of Victoria Drive at East Kent Avenue South. If you aren’t familiar with this area, it once housed tugboats at this landing on the Fraser River hence the name. It was redeveloped into a community of condos and townhomes that enjoy river front living. The area is located on a public walkway and cycle path just steps away from Gladstone Park and less than a mile West of the new River District development.
Here you will find the 5th Annual Tugboat Landing Artisan Market which is back for another year. This is a boutique artisan market that happens at 2010 East Kent Avenue at the foot of Victoria Drive. Like many markets, this one didn’t happen last year. This year though they are ready to go with all Covid-safety protocols in place including vaccine cards and masking as well as a few less vendors to ensure distancing. Having said that, they still a great line up of vendors that make it fun and easy to shop for gifts in an inviting and cozy space.
Some of what you can expect to find include handmade artisan chocolates by Ladner Artisan Chocolates, custom dog wear by ScouterWear, jewellery by Cord & Stone and ILiveInEastVan will be on site with a selection of totes, t-shirts & toques. Rawstic Handmade will also be on hand with warm and cozy Alpaca blankets. If you are looking to do some entertaining over the holidays, you will want to visit Mad Laboratory Distilling who will be hand with their spirits. MadLab’s spirits will pair nicely with Koldie’s Mixers perfect for the next holiday get together with family and friends. Speaking of get togethers, who doesn’t love to have some baking on hand over the holidays? Swiss Bakery will be on site with Gingermen, Gingerwomen, Gingerbread House Kits, sugar cookies and German Stollen. If you love handcrafted leather goods, be sure to check out DiG Leather which will be back showcasing their new custom leather accessories for E-bikes. Local artist, Daniel Clegg, will be on site with oil on canvas and watercolours and Speak Art Glitter with prints, art cards, notebooks and more. Bower Fibre Goods will also be on hand with beautifully crafted textiles and LoveandLucyCo with candles, bath salts and gems stones. As you can see, lots of options to shop and support local this holiday season.
As an added bonus, the fireplace will be on, so will the coffee, tea and hot cocoa along with some pre-packaged sweets. These items will be available by donation with all proceeds going to the Wildlife Rescue Association. Hours are 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free. To learn more, visit them online at Tugboat Landing Artisan Market, or give them a follow @tugboatlandingartisanmarket on Instagram.
The BC SPCA has been providing free emergency boarding for displaced pets in the Interior, the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island since the flooding began and has been handing out free crates, pet food, leashes and other supplies through Emergency Services Centers.
As flooding continues to impact communities across British Columbia, the BC SPCA is holding a half-price adoption promotion to free up space in its locations for emergency boarding of animals impacted by the floods.
“The goal of this promotion is to create more room to house as many animals requiring free temporary boarding as possible by finding amazing forever homes for the animals in our care,” says Lorie Chortyk, general manager of communications for the BC SPCA. The 50% off promotion, which takes place Nov. 24 to Dec. 8, applies to all animals across the province, with the exception of SPCA facilities in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Prince Rupert, which have been impacted by flooding and other local issues, and the Haida Gwaii and 100 Mile House SPCA branches, which do not have facilities.”
“We hope anyone who has been thinking about adopting a pet will take advantage of this opportunity,” says Chortyk. “You will not only make a difference in the life of a deserving animal by giving them a loving home, you will also help us support pet guardians and their animals who have displaced because of the flooding.”
If you are interested in adopting a new furry family member, visit the BC SPCA website at spca.bc.ca/adopt. There you will find photos and descriptions of animals currently looking for loving homes.
Looking for the perfect tote when heading to out to the next farmers market, or that holiday shopping? If so, our Limited Edition ILiveInEastVan Nylon Totes are now on sale until this Sunday. This sturdy nylon tote has a handscreened original design printed locally in East Vancouver. Whether it’s wine, beer, bread or produce you are picking up, these totes are the perfect carrier. Of course, they also make a great gift. To purchase, visit ILiveInEastVan on Etsy. If you wish to pick up directly from us and skip the shipping charges, contact us directly through Etsy, or email us at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com. Sale ends Sunday, November 21st.
Christmas is around the corner, and luckily craft shows are back to ease the stress of finding that perfect gift. We are hearing that Vancouverites are especially excited to finally be able to shop in person at some of their favourite markets, Circle Craft Market being one of them. Although this event is held outside of East Van at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre, it is worthy to note who will be there. With over 180 artisans showcasing their work this week, The Social Refinery has put together a great list of 5 East Van artisans you will want to be sure to visit if you are heading to Circle Craft this week.
Local glassblowing favourite, Cameron Dougherty uses traditional glassblowing techniques to elevate your home. Find mid-century modern bud vases and classic thumb divot glasses at booth # H14
Amara Blue Designs – Gold & Sterling Jewelry Artisan Kassandra Taylor creates fine gold and silver pieces using ethically sourced metals meant to be cherished and worn for more than just a season. Find her personalizing jewelry on site at booth #D12
Sweet, and always delicious! Artisan Natalie Ferrari-Morton has perfected the art of a great jam. Find her low sugar (and delectable!) jams at booth N07
Fusing traditional Japanese techniques with modern Canadian fashion, artisan Minori Takagi creates unique statement jewelry pieces that will catch any eye. Find her all glass “chain” necklaces miniature fruit earrings at booth #G09
Inspired by the beauty of the West Coast, artisan Matthew Freed experiments with unique glazes and textures with his pottery pieces. Find his mugs inspired by favourite locations around Vancouver, and stately dinnerware at booth #D14
If you are attending Circle Craft this year, it is suggested that you prepurchase your ticket online, as this year Circle Craft is releasing timed tickets for the duration of the event being November 10 – 14, 2021.
Have a favourite artisan that is not on the list? Tell us who you’re visiting at Circle Craft in the comments below.
It’s that time of year again where the opportunities to shop local are abundant and in light of the pandemic, more important than ever for our local economy. Although there are some markets that have been cancelled this year due the pandemic, there are still many going ahead. We encourage you to stop by those that are proceeding and show your support. Whether you are shopping for Christmas, a birthday or yourself, there are so many opportunities to support your local community.
When you buy from a local maker, you’re supporting your neighbor next door, your co-worker working full-time and holding down a side gig, moms carving out some extra income while still being home with their families. All have created a business doing something they love and are passionate about. We are 100% behind supporting those local dreamers and makers. Also, what is making the rounds on social media is that buying local is better for the environment. Items at markets are not being shipped in containers lost at sea, not to mention less packaging involved as a result of not travelling long distances. To make it easy to shop local, we have again created a list of Holiday Markets In East Van for 2021. We hope you will show your support for local this holiday season.
Dec. 12: Christmas Market – Il Centro (Italian Cultural Centre) 11-7
Dec. 18-19: Eastside Flea – 550 Malkin Avenue 11-4 Dec. 18-19: Got Craft – Croatian Cultural Centre 10-5
Did we miss one? We will be updating this list as we learn of other markets so check back for updates. Feel free to drop us a note with any market you think should be added at ILiveInEastVan@gmail.com.
This November, you are invited to drop by the šx?q?el?w?n ct Carving Pavilion at Britannia Community Centre for a behind the scenes peek into carver in residence and Britannia alum Randall Bear Barnetson’s artistic practice. The Carving Centre will have open studio hours Wednesdays and Thursday through November from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. You will have the opportunity to watch Randall work while he puts the final touches on transforming a cedar log into a bench for the Britannia campus. We’ve set out the full schedule below if you have an opportunity to stop by and watch the transformation first hand.
Summer weather may be gone, but farmer markets continue into the Fall and Winter seasons. As always, we encourage you to support our local growers and makers. In East Van, you have 2 great markets to choose from.
Riley Park Farmers Market– Every Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Riley Park Farmers Market is in fact a year round market that happens every Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at 30th & Ontario. They officially transition from a summer to winter market on Saturday, November 6th. This is a great space located next to a community garden with ample parking and located on a bike route.
Hastings Park Farmers Market – Every Sunday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Hastings Park Farmers Market runs every Sunday from November 7, 2021 to April 24, 2022. The market is located on the Centre Grounds of Hastings Park.
Whichever market you choose, we hope you will support local where and when you can. If you want to know which vendors will be at the markets each week, visit Vancouver Farmer Markets website for more information, or check them out on Instagram @vanmarkets.
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