Census Day Celebration
On Tuesday, May 16 more than 32 million people in Canada will "count themselves in" when they complete and return their 2006 Census questionnaire, either online at www.census2006.ca or by mail. To highlight the importance of the census, Statistics Canada is organizing a celebratory outdoor public event on Tuesday, May 16. There will be special live performances from Goh Ballet, Vancouver's hottest Bhangra band, Signia, and world renowned African-Canadian musician, Alpha Yaya Diallo. Date: Tuesday, May 16. Time: 12-2 p.m. Location: Vancouver Public Library Square - South Plaza, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver.
Small Fry Soccer Clinics
The Vancouver Whitecaps and McDonald's are presenting Small Fry Soccer Clinics for children aged six to nine. The free clinics will be offered in nine communities throughout the Lower Mainland during the months of May and June. Children will enjoy instruction from Whitecaps players and coaches, an autograph session and fun prizes. Participants can also look forward to a chance of winning the McDonald's Kick of the Game! One lucky winner will take the opening kick at the next Whitecaps Men's or Women's home game and will also receive four tickets to the match. Contact information for each camp is available on the Whitecaps website at www.whitecapsfc.com.
Guru Kabir Centre
Mahant Jagdishji Shastri from Gujarat will present a spiritual talk on Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at 208-14770 64th Avenue, Surrey. Additional programs: Sunday, May 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Maha Lakshmi Temple at 467 East 11th Avenue, Vancouver. Monday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Vishwa Hindu Parishad at 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby. Tuesday May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lakshmi Narain Temple at 8321-140 Street, Surrey. For further info, call Dr. Das at 604-599-6876 or Sorojini at 604-594-7268.
SFU Department of Women's Studies
Invites all staff, students and faculty members to attend two panel presentations on: Gender, Race, Islam and the War on Terror on May 13. A community dialogue on Muslims in Canada and the world for promotion of peace, democracy, human rights for all people. Put on by SFU Department of Womens Studies (Woodward Chair) and Researchers and Academics of Colour for Equality/Equity (RACE) with invited guests: Asma Barlas (Ithaca College), Amina Jamal (Concordia University), Nighat Said Khan (University of Lahore), Rosalie Gould (BAOBAB Nigeria), Zool Suleman (Vancouver) and Sunera Thobani (UBC). May 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Free and open to the public. There is no registration required.
Kala Utsav: Indian Arts Performance
As part of Asian Heritage Month and in support of the efforts of the Canadian Red Cross, the City of Richmond is co-sponsoring "Kala Utsav: 2nd Annual Indian Arts Benefit for Global Relief". The event will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate. The evening will showcase Classical Indian Dances of Odissi by Scheherazaad Cooper and Frank Petty III and Bharata Natyam by Sudnya Dance Academy; Karnatic Music, South Indian Classical Vocal by Sunita Fine Arts Academy and South Indian Classical instrumental by Vadya Sadhana; and Tabla and Mrudangam, North and South Indian Classical Drums by Jugalbandi. Tickets are on sale for $15 Adults, $10 Seniors/Students. Children 5 and under are free. All proceeds for this event go to support the work of the Canadian Red Cross. Doors open at 7 p.m. To order tickets, call the Richmond Cultural Centre at 604-231-6457 or visit the Cultural Centre Information Desk at 7700 Minoru Gate.
Indian Ex-Servicemen of BC
12th Anniversary Dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. on May 13 at Punjab Banquet Hall, Payal Business Centre, 81 Avenue and 128 Street, Surrey. All ex-servicemen are cordially invited to attend the function. Wives will be honoured guests. All are requested to confirm their attendance by May 8 to Captain Ajaib Singh Parmar, coordinating secretary, at 604-501-3939.
Sai Lakshacharn
At Hindu Cultural Society and Community Centre of BC. All are invited to participate in Om Shri Sai Ram Lakshacharn - Japa Bhajan on Saturday, May 13 at 5:15 p.m. at the Centre at 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby. Priti Bhojan will be served after Aarti. For more information, contact Suresh Bhai Desai at 604-523-9360, Ballu Bhai Parekh at 604-327-8259 or Sharad Bhai Pandit at 604-299-5922.
Islamic Information Day
At Clearbrook Library, 32320 George Ferguson Way (corner of South Fraser Way and Trethewey) on Saturday, May 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Musleh Hakki at 778-888-9611 or Asgar Husain at 604-590-5864.
Vancouver Rhododendron Society
The Vancouver Rhododendron Society Show and Sale takes place on May 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Park and Tilford Gardens, Brooksbank Avenue, North Vancouver. Admission is free.
Indo-Canadian Cultural Association
Punjabi cultural program at the Bell Centre for Performing Arts, 6250-144 Street, Surrey, on Sunday, May 14 for the annual Vaisakhi festival. The program will begin at 3:30 p.m. There will be folk songs, Bhangra, Giddha, dramas and comedy skits. For more information, contact Surinder S. Sahdra at 778-889-1887 or Iqbal S. Jhooti at 604-450-4360 or email ssahdra@telus.net.
Murti Sthapana Day
Hindu Temple Burnaby will be celebrating the Murti Sthapana Day on Sunday, May 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hindu Cultural Society and Community Centre of BC, 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby. The program: Pooja from 9 to 9:30 a.m., Abhishekam from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Shringar from 11 to 11:30 a.m., Bhajan and Kirtan from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by Priti Bhojan. All devotees are requested to join. Temple devotees who would like to participate in the Abhishkam are requested to wear special Indian dress: for men: kurta and pyjama; for women: saree, lehnga or Punjabi suit. For more information, contact Pandit Sharad Chandra at 604-299-5922.
Kids Chess Tournament
Surrey Public Library's Guildford Library Super Checkmate Challenge: Kids and teens, ages 8 and up, can participate in this free, fun competition and win trophies which will be awarded in each skill grouping. The tournament takes place on Thursdays, May 18 and 25, 3:30-5 p.m. at the Guildford Library. Register by phoning 604-588-5015 (ext. 306), or visit the Guildford Library, located at 15105 - 105th Avenue.
Art of Living
Part I (basic course) from Friday, May 19 to Tuesday, May 23 at South Hall, 8273 Ross Street, Vancouver. Friday: 6-9 p.m. Saturday-Monday: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday: 6-9 p.m. For further details, contact Manjit at 604-266-9452 or email: munnyma2003@yahoo.com. Everyone should bring a yoga mat, a light blanket, two small cushions and a water bottle.
Business Taxation in Canada
This seminar will present detailed information on business taxation in Canada, business loan application, business links project introduction and more. It is free of charge. Date: May 19 (Friday). Time: 2-4 p.m. Venue: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. - Fraser Service Centre, 5834 Fraser Street, Vancouver. For enquiries & registrations, contact: gurpreet.nagra@success.bc.ca, 604-324-8300, ext.106.
Youth Civic Issues Forums
Harmony Institute is holding a free series of Canadian Civic Information and Discussion Seminars to be held on Fridays in May (May 19 and 26), from 8 to 9.30 p.m. at Suite 2, 7420 Westminster Highway, Richmond. Raymond Chan, M.P., will be a guest speaker at the seminars.
Sapasa
Sangeeta Trimurti Aradhana - homage to the musical trinity of Sri Tyagaraja, Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar and Sri Shyama Sastry. These saint composers and many others like them have shaped the current day South Indian (Carnatic) music as a rich medium of very high spiritual, lyrical and musical content. Date: May 20 (Saturday). Venue: Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949, 49th Ave West, Vancouver. Time: 5 p.m. Program: Mini concert by Sunita Bapooji - a well known local artiste. This mini concert will also present Nealamjit Dhillon - another local star on the Kanjira (South Indian one-sided drum). This will be followed by a South Indian violin concert by Sailaja Dharmala. Sailaja is an experienced violin player of high caliber and is visiting from Portland, U.S. She will be accompanied by Ramamurthy Dharmala, a top-notch Mridangam artiste. For more details, visit website www.VancouverSaPaSa.org.
Gujarati Seniors Annual Show
Gujarati Hindu Seniors Society is having its Annual Show on Sunday, May 21 at Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 Mac Pherson Avenue (corner of Rumble and Mac Pherson), Burnaby. Tickets: $12. Snacks and tea will be served between 4 and 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. For tickets, contact: Sureshbhai Desai at 604-523-9360, Rameshbhai Ghandi at 604-294-0360, Thakorbhai Rajput at 604-501-2214, Girdharbhai Ghadia at 604-291-1155 or Mohanbhai Ghandi at 604-873-1460. All are welcome.
SAFA Youth Centre
The South Asian Family Association (SAFA) Youth Centre in partnership with Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre is holding the following free programs: Fridays from 7-9 p.m.: May 26 - Jagwinder Mahal - Mehndi art; June 2 - Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre Acting sessions. The artists will first perform their pieces, and then the youth will be invited to participate in the activities, followed by discussion. We will be selecting youth to perform for SAFA Youth Centre Team for the June 25 SAFA Sawan Mela 2006 at the Plaza of Nations. There will also be information about SAFA youth scholarships for academic and community achievement, food and fun socializing. SAFA Youth Centre offers a free supervised youth program for South Asian Youth from ages 10 and up for youth to socialize, celebrate and share South Asian culture in a safe environment. Our aim is to strengthen South Asian Culture and to promote a positive image of South Asian Youth. Location: Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, 7642 Prince Albert Street, Vancouver. For more information call Indira at 778 865-3305 or visit SAFA online at info@safa.ca.
Fourth South Hill Festival
Vancouver-South Hill Neighbours and the Fraser Street businesses invite the community and media to the 4th South Hill Neighbourhood Festival. Look for us in the parking lots behind Fraser Street at 47th Avenue on Saturday, May 27, noon to 3 p.m. Free admission. The theme: sustainability. This year, we feature PedalPlay's bikes, the Solar Roadshow, a book swap, music, dance, food and more. The focus is on fun, eco-friendly ways of keeping both community spirit and the Earth alive.
Celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival
On Saturday, May 27, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., Surrey Public Library invites you to join in the colourful celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival at the Guildford Library, located at 15105-105th Avenue, Surrey. Check out the dragon boat display and enjoy an exciting line-up of entertainment and activities including Taiwanese Opera, Guzheng performance, Taiwanese dance, fruit crafting, Chinese calligraphy and more. Children can participate in crafts, enjoy a puppet show and storytelling (in English and Mandarin), and get their faces painted. Kids can also enter the Dragon Boat Festival colouring contest until May 27. They can pick up colouring sheets at any of the Surrey Public Library branches. There will also be many draw prizes at this free event. No registration required. For more information, visit any branch of Surrey Public Library or www.spl.surrey.bc.ca.
Canada Urdu Association
Sham-e-Bahaar, a ranga-rang, fun-filled evening of dance, music and entertainment on Saturday, May 27 at Newton Recreation Center at 7120-136 B Street, Surrey. The program will start at 6:45 p.m. and will feature local artists and include dinner. Entry by tickets nominally priced at $10. Seats are limited. For info, contact M. Rafiq at 596-7781, Feroz at 764-6920 or Shakil 537-4791.
World Partnership Walk
Tens of thousands of Canadians across the country will participate and walk to raise funds to fight global poverty. Join us for a fun filled, family event and "Be Part of the Solution to Global Poverty" on Sunday, May 28 at 11 a.m. at Lumberman's Arch, Stanley Park, Vancouver. Premier Gordon Campbell will be the guest of honour. To register, sponsor online and for more info, visit www.worldpartnershipwalk.com or call 604-924-4544. Also: http://www.worldpartnershipwalk.com/tell_a_friend/send_again.shtml.
Computer, Internet Classes in Punjabi
Surrey Public Library is offering free basic computer and Internet classes in Punjabi at the Strawberry Hill Library Electronic Classroom located at 7399-122nd Street. You will first want to learn how to use the mouse. To do so, register for the "Mousing Matters" class on Wednesday, May 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m. No computer experience necessary for this class. You can then learn the fundamental components of a computer, and get comfortable turning it on, finding your way around the desktop and customizing settings. To do so, register for the "Computer Comfort Step 1" class on Wednesday, June 7, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Take Mousing Matters before you register for this class. Next, you will be ready to learn how to open programs and to create and store information. To do so, register for the "Computer Comfort Step 2" class on Wednesday, June 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Take Mousing Matters and Computer Comfort Step 1 before you register for this class. If you would like to learn how to use the Internet, register for the "Internet Survival Skills" class on Wednesday, June 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Basic computer and mouse skills are required for this class.
If you would like to learn how to use email, register for the "Emails Essentials" class on Wednesday, June 28, 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Basic computer and mouse skills are required for this class. These free courses are taught in Punjabi and each student will have a computer to follow along. To register, call 604-501-5839.
Poetry Book Launch
Poems of selected writers of three official languages of India's sub-continent, including Punjabi, are featured in the book "Ravi ke Ehsaas Fraser ke Tatt Par" in their original scripts.The book has been edited by S.P. Dwivedi, Kulvant Singh Parmar "Nadeem" and Mohammad Rafiq. The underlying theme of the poems is universal brotherhood. Book launching will follow the Kavi Darbar (poetry recital session) that is dedicated to the memories of the late Sri Devendra Sharma (Kamloops) and Barjinder Singh "Dard". June 3 at Seniors Centre behind Guru Nanak Gurdwara (Scott Road and 70th Avenue) from 1 to 4 p.m. All are welcome. For further info, call Dwivedi at 604-507-3099, Nadeem at 298-2920 or Rafiq at 596-7781.
SAFA's Sawan Mela
On June 25, SAFA - South Asian Family Association - will be hosting its 4th annual Sawan Mela 2006 at the Plaza of Nations from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. SAFA, a non-profit society which was created four years ago by a group of concerned South Asian men and woman who want to promote cultural harmony. The festivities will include a South Asian bazaar, Rangoli, many traditional dance performers, face painting, and games for children to play and prizes. There will be lessons on Bhangra dancing. If you have any questions about sponsorship, contact event coordinator Lali Pawa at lali_pawa@telus.net. For more information, call Suki Grewal 778-688-3996 or info@safa.ca.
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K
On Sunday, June 25 to benefit VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, where individuals can run or walk and raise funds for the cause that means the most to them: Your Health - Your Choice. This annual event has grown each year to become Vancouver's 3rd largest run. The run starts at UBC Thunderbird Stadium, winds through the Endowment lands, continues along some of Vancouver's most picturesque beaches and finishes at Second Beach in historic Stanley Park. Top prizes for the run include $1,500 for 1st place for both men and women; $750 for 2nd and $500 for 3rd. All Half-Marathon runners receive finisher medals and New Balance technical shirts. Registration is now open and entry fees are $60 at the early bird rate until May 17. If a shorter distance is preferred, participants can choose a scenic 5k course in Stanley Park that starts and finishes at Second Beach. Entry fees for the 5k are $25 at the early bird rate until May 17. For a complete list of fundraising choices visit www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm. For information on VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, visit www.supportvgh.ca or call (604) 875-4676.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Parent-Child Program
The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program: This program in Punjabi is of rhymes, stories, and songs for parents and their young children. Each session is led by two trained Mother Goose Program Staff who can speak English and Punjabi, and the teaching is directed at adults. It is a free program, and light refreshment is provided. Time: from now until June 20 every Tuesday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Where: Surrey Strawberry Hill Library. Registration: Strawberry Hill Library, 7399-122nd Street, Surrey, or S.U.C.C.E.S.S., #206-10090 152nd Street, Surrey. Enquiries: 604-408-7274, ext. 2071.
Newton Community Festival
June 10: Looking for business, service, non-profit and concession food vendors. Different ethnic foods would be ideal. This is a great opportunity for vendors of small crafts. See website at www.newtonfestival.com or email display@newtonfestival.com.
The Art of Volunteering
The second annual Surrey Children's Festival takes place June 1-3 at the Surrey Arts Centre and Bear Creek Park. This year's theme: "Exploring the World in Our Own Backyard," expresses Surrey's strong cultural base. With the City as founding sponsor, the festival will showcase world-class artists in theatre, music and dance provide a wonderful venue for children to share cultural experiences. Volunteers are needed on a short-term basis to fill a number of roles: Site Services, Venue Services, Audience Services, Food and Hospitality, Workshop Assistants, and Performer and Volunteer Services. More information is available on the website at www.surreychildrensfestival.ca or you can call 604-502-6323.
Newton Community Festival
Looking for vendors to participate on the day of the festival on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Businesses, charitable organizations and other groups are encouraged to submit applications. Go to Displays on the festival website and send in your registration today: http://www.newtonfestival.com/
Mega Job Fair 2006
Organized by PICS on July 20 (Thursday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Surrey Convention Centre, 7475-135 Street, Surrey (behind Costco). Employers: 100 (expected). Clients: 5000 (expected). To reserve your booth, contact Satbir Cheema, Programs Manager (satbir.cheema@pics.bc.ca) or Renu Gambhir, Programs Assistant (renu.gambhir@pics.bc.ca) at 604-596-7722.
Free English Speaking Classes
Aldergrove Library is offering an opportunity to practise your English language skills. Join other English language learners at our regular Conversation Circle in the library. To register or for more information, visit the library or call 604-856-6415. Aldergrove Library is located at 26770-29th Avenue, Aldergrove
Canada Urdu Association
Free Urdu teaching classes in all regions of Greater Vancouver. Our qualified and dedicated volunteers will conduct Urdu classes for individuals and groups at pre-arranged mutually convenient locations and timings. All persons of any age, gender, religion, belief or origin are urged to benefit from this offer and learn the Urdu language, a wonderful language that is widely spoken in South-east Asia. Direct your inquiries Captain Suleman Mahtab at 604-526-0990 or e-mail at Canurdu@hotmail.com.
Service Canada: Multi-Language Extension Services
Government of Canada Programs in Punjabi: Employment Insurance, Old Age Security, Canada Pension Plan, Social Insurance Applications, Passport Applications and any other government service inquiries. Tuesdays - Surrey Delta Immigrant Services Society, 1170-7330-137 Street, Surrey, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays - Sunset Community Centre, 404 East 51st Avenue, Vancouver, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays - Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), 109-12414 82nd Avenue, Surrey, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or appointments, call 604-526-4511, extension 240.
Weekend to End Breast Cancer
Vancouver men raising money for breast cancer . 6S Marketing President, Chris Breikss, hopes to use his Internet marketing skills and 'word of mouse' to gain online donations and support for "The Weekend to End Breast Cancer," a 60-kilometer walk happening later this summer. Raising over $3000 through online donations from an email asking for support, his team creatively named "Breast in Show" has a goal of $7000 for the cause. Breast in Show is seeking new members. Join the team online using the password "challenge." www.breastinshow.ca.
Free Computer Training
Aldergrove Library offer a variety of computer and Internet training courses such as learning to use the mouse and keyboard, computer basics, Internet basics and advanced skills, e-mail, word processing, typing and lots more. Hands-on and demonstrations every Friday and Saturday. To register, or for more information, visit the Aldergrove Library or call 604-856-6415.
Surrey Women's Centre
Offers free and confidential services for women, children and families whose lives have been impacted by violence. Services include a support line, counselling, court accompaniment, clothing exchange, lending library, community kitchen, family law clinic and resource centre. Our services are available in English & Punjabi. For more information, contact us at 604-583-1295 or visit our website at: www.surreywomencentre.ca.
Rape Relief Shelter
Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter: Women are needed for the volunteer training program beginning immediately. Support your local 24-hour rape crisis line and shelter for battered women. Join us to stop rape and end woman abuse. Volunteer training is free. Booking interviews now: 604-872-8212. Website: www.rapereliefshelter.bc.ca.
SUCCESS
SUCCESS has the right answers for you. We speak English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. Our success rate is consistently over 80%. We have an on-line job posting system with more than 10 new jobs a day. Our services are funded by the Government of Canada and are at no cost to you. Whether you need extensive assistance, or just someone to polish your resume, give us a call at 604-408-7246. Our office is located at 38 West Pender Street, 5 minutes' walk from the Stadium Skytrain Station in Vancouver. SUCCESS is a community-based multi-service organization for the promotion of the well being of Canadians and their participation in a just, equitable and culturally diverse society through the provision of services, community development and advocacy. For details of the wide range of employment services we offer, visit: http://www.success.bc.ca/sti/eng/pender/
Individual Job Search Program
All newcomers and immigrants in the Lower Mainland: The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) Vancouver Main Street Office is open as usual to help you with your job search. If you are interested in one-on-one employment counselling the Individual Job Search is just the program for you. The skills and techniques you will learn are tailored to meet your unique job search needs. Past or current E.I. Recipients are always welcome. Ongoing intake. For more information or to register, call 604-324-7733. www.pics.bc.ca. The government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative.
Free Multilingual Job Search
If you need help with your job search, call PICS at 604-596-7722 or visit the office at Unit # 109, 12414 82nd Avenue, Surrey. Clients will be assisted through two weeks Job Finding Club, or through short-term Focused Job Search Workshops for resume preparation, interviewing skills, and learning how to use the Internet as a job search tool. Professional immigrants can join Job Mentoring Program to learn more about their chosen fields. There is no fee for the job search programs and clients get free access to the Internet, photocopier, fax machines, computers, printers, job leads and other useful resources. The multi-lingual counsellors at PICS Employment Programs provide job search assistance in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu languages. PICS has helped thousands of clients in getting jobs through free job search programs and can help you too. The government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative.
Free Placement Assistance
Call PICS at 604-596-7722 or visit the office at Unit # 109, 12414-82nd Avenue, Surrey, when you are planning to hire workers for your business. PICS maintains a database of skilled job seekers for different industries and can refer suitable candidates to you for hiring. You will save time and money by posting job orders on PICS display boards. This service is free for employers and job seekers.
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