Follow-up Langara Forum on Domestic Violence:
On October 4, Langara College's Department of Sociology will be hosting a free follow-up forum: "Domestic Violence, Intergenerational issues & Solutions: Women and Men in the South Asian Community." Come participate in the dialogue and hear the voices of youth, professionals and past victims of violence for knowledge translation and solutions. Moderated by CBC TV News Anchor Ian Hanomansing. Invited guest speakers include: Wally Oppal, Attorney General and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, Teresa Goff, producer of CBC's national documentary "Silent Like Air" on domestic violence within the South Asian community, Raminder Dosanjh, founding member of the India Mahila Association, and social activist Shashi Assanand, Executive Director, Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multiculturalism Support Services (VLMFSS), Serf Grewal, Lawyer (past male victim of abuse: testimonies and empowerment tools), Kamilla Singh, counsellor, Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW) & producer of Asian Pulse TV, Jas Cheema, Manager, Diversity Services, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Dr. Patti Janssen, professor, UBC, Langara College youth voices of Supreeti Ghosh, Sandip Rakhra and Ashley Sandhu from Part One of Langara Forum & CBC Silent Like Air Documentary, a short performance by Raji Basi from Victoria, from the play Athe/Uthe which questions abuse and inter-cultural and intergenerational issues & special unannounced guests. The goal of the forum is to foster greater understanding and to empower youth, families and social activists through knowledge translation and solutions. Supported by Attorney General Wally Oppal, CBC Radio and Television, The Indo-Canadian VOICE, Georgia Straight, Channel M, Asian Pulse TV, Radio Sher-e-Punjab and Darpan Magazine. Thursday, October 4, 7-9 p.m. Langara College, Lecture Hall A130 (by the main entrance on 49th Avenue) 100 west 49th Avenue, Vancouver. For information, contact Indira Prahst, organizer and instructor, Department of Sociology at (604) 323-5717, iprahst@langara.bc.ca. Reservation is recommended to guarantee a seat.
Thamil Cultural Society of B.C.
Gandhi Macintyre in his one-man theatre "The Glory of Saaram" - a stand up comedy - and "Vathiyar" - a comic compassionate play which brings back the old education system in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, on Sunday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Gilmore Park United Church, 8060, No. 1 Road (at Blundell Road), Richmond. Admission by donation of $10, free for kids. For further information, call secretary P. Pararajasingham at 604-272-4960.
Orissi Dance Performance
Kamal's Video Palace presents Sthayi featuring Sitara Thobani on Sunday, September 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Norman Rothstein Theatre. Tickets: $15 for students, $20 for adults. Available at Kamal's Video Palace (604-592-9777) or call Aly Khan Panju at 604-945-4965.
Delta Police Victim Services
An award-winning community program that provides support, information and referral to victims of crime and trauma. Volunteers are tasked with providing emotional support, case/file updates, information on police and court procedures, court orientation and accompaniment and referral to community agencies. Support Worker volunteers may find themselves providing services at the scene of the crime, at the home of a traumatized family or simply over the phone. Regardless of the circumstance, the service provided by these volunteers is essential. Due to the nature of this work, applicants must be a minimum of 19 years of age, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be fluent in English (written and spoken), able to pass a security clearance and hold a valid B.C. driver's license. All volunteers are obligated to contribute a minimum of four hours per week, on a consistent basis, for one year. Volunteer applicants must live in or very near to the Delta area. The program's current hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays until 8 p.m. The program will be hosting four 90-minute information sessions for those interested in volunteering. Interested persons must attend an information session; however, attending does not obligate you to apply for the program. Information sessions commence September 22, 25 and 29. Call 604-940-5019 for session details and to register. For additional information about the Delta Police Victim Services program, visit website at www.deltapolice.ca.
District Ropar Night
Ropar District Association of Canada is holding a District Ropar Night on Sunday, September 23 at 6 p.m. at Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475-135 Street, Surrey. All former residents of Ropar district in Canada are requested to attend. There will be dinner and entertainment. Admission: $15. For more information, call Amrao Kaler at 604-617-7002, Surjit Madhopuri at 604-377-4171, or Pritpal Gill at 604-726-8410.
SANSAD AGM
SANSAD has completed fifteen years of its existence and the next Annual General Meeting is being held on September 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bonsor Recreation Complex, Arts Room, near Metrotown (behind the Bay store), Burnaby. Agenda items will include: 1. President's report - 15 years of SANSAD: Looking back, looking ahead. 2. Treasurer's report. 3. Discussion around some of the main issues impacting the countries of the sub-continent, and the people of the Diaspora living here, followed by adoption of resolutions. Draft copies of the resolutions will be circulated in advance. 4. Election to the new board of directors. 5. Any other business.
100th Birth Anniversary: Bhagat Singh
On Friday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Bonsor Community Centre, 6550 Bonsor. Entrance by donation (pay what you can). This event will include multimedia, movies, talks and cultural celebrations. All across South Asia and amongst the South Asian diaspora, September 28 is being commemorated as the 100th birth anniversary of one of India's best known freedom fighters - Bhagat Singh. As a leader of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, he was hung at the age of 24. His legacy prompted youth in India to begin fighting for Indian independence. This event will mark the legacy of Bhagat Singh as well the relevance of his ideas and actions today. Organized by Radical Desis South Asian Youth Group. For more information call 778-885-0040 or email harjap@gmail.com.
Om Shri Sai Ram Lakshacharn
Hindu Cultural Society & Community Centre of British Columbia: All are invited to participate in Om Shri Sai Ram Lakshacharn - Japa Bhajan on Saturday, September 29 at 5:15 p.m. at Hindu Cultural Society & Community Centre of British Columbia (VHP), 3885 Albert Street, Burnaby. Priti Bhojan will be served after Arti. For more information, contact Suresh Bhai Desai at 604-523-9360, Ballu Bhai Parekh at 604-327-8259, Rasikbhai Joshi at 604-597-1323 or Sharad Bhai Pandit at 604-299-5922.
Breastfeeding Challenge
On September 29 at exactly 11 a.m., mothers and babies will attend events across Canada, the U.S. and other countries in a competition to set a new record for "most babies breastfeeding at one time". The goal of the Breastfeeding Challenge is to celebrate breastfeeding and promote its many health benefits for women and their families in a fun and social way. The Breastfeeding Challenge will take place at four locations on September 29, 10 a.m. to noon. Latch-on starts promptly at 11 a.m. so come early to get settled in. Four locations include Oakridge Mall Auditorium (650 West 41st Avenue), BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre (4500 Oak Street), St. Paul's Hospital (1081 Burrard Street), and Britannia Community Centre (1661 Napier Street). For more information contact Quintessence Foundation at 604-228-9331 or visit the website: www.babyfriendly.ca. Participants must register online at no cost and submit some simple paperwork to be counted on the big day.
Al Gore Presentation
Dr. David Suzuki to speak at An Inconvenient Truth presentation with former U.S. vice president Al Gore in Vancouver on Saturday, September 29 about climate change, the challenges it presents to Canada and the planet, and the reasons to hope. Organized by the British Columbia Restaurant & Foodservices Association (BCRFA). Gore will present An Inconvenient Truth, followed by a question-and-answer session. The event is at the Westin Bayshore Hotel. Tickets can be purchased only through the event website at www.algorevancouver.com.
Folksong-Folk Dance Gala Dinner
Organized by the Hindi Literary Society of Canada, Indo-Canadian Folk Dance School and Arya Samaj Society of B.C. on September 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Fiji Canadian Association Hall, 1791 Douglas Road, Burnaby. Admission fee; $10 per person. For more information, call Pushpalata Shama at 604-543-3230, Madhu Varshney at 604-222-1444, Anjali Nagalia at 604-591-1574 or Acharya Dwivedi at 604-507-3099.
Pandit Jasraj School of Music
Shakti Dance Company's 'Prince to Buddha - The Journey to Enlightenment.' Choreographed by Viji Prakash. At Massey Theatre (735 8th Avenue, New Westminster) on Saturday, October 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at Ticketmaster at (604) 280-3311 or www.ticketmaster.ca or visit the PJSOM office (14 East Broadway, phone: 604-879-8319, cell: 604-729-4497), Highlife Records (phone: 604-251-6964, 1317 Commercial Drive),
Kamal's Video (phone: 604-592-9777, #103 - 8268 120th Street, Surrey), Banyen Books & Sound (phone: 604-737-8858, 3608 West 4th Avenue). Tickets: $35 / $40 / $45 + s/c.
Fiji's Independence Day Celebration
(PHOTO: 'WHAT'S UP - FIJI FLAG')
Asian Pulse Television and Fiji Times Canada are hosting their Second Annual 37th Fiji's Independence Day Celebration on October 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Bollywood Banquet Hall, 201-8166 128th Street, Surrey. "Ticket prices: $35 per couple, $20 per single and free for under 12. This will include dinner, spectacular entertainment, dance and scholarship presentation. Proceeds from this event will go towards scholarships for post secondary students. This year's essay contest is "Fiji after its Independence." Encourage youth to enter into the contest. Essays should not exceed 500 words. Submission deadline is October 5. Send your essays to asianpulse@gmail.com or info@fijitimescanada.com. For tickets or further information, contact Kamilla Singh at 604-537-5123 or David Linghan at 604-909-4088.
Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society
Evening English class from September 13, every Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. for intermediate level students. The fee is $40 ($35 material fee and $5 membership if you are not member yet). English conversation class from Tuesday, September 11, every Tuesday morning (9:30 a.m. to noon) for beginner and advanced levels. The fee is $40 ($35 material fee and $5 membership if you are not member yet). For more information or registration, contact Arthur at 604-279-7160 / ccwarthur@hotmail.com or visit our office at Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society, 210-7000 Minoru Boulevard, Richmond. We are open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PICS Toastmasters Club
The PICS Toastmasters Club is open. It meets every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Surrey office: #109 - 12414 - 82nd Avenue. The Club is an "open" club, which means that anyone can come to visit, or join, at any time. So, if you missed the first meeting, or are not ready to join right now, just keep in mind that you can come to visit or join - whenever you are ready. For more information, contact barry.goodwin@pics.bc.ca or at 604-596-7722, ext. 246.
Fraud Marriages
Are you now or have you been or do you know someone who is a victim of marriage fraud or marriage of convenience? Did you sponsor a "spouse" to come to Canada only to be abandoned within a certain amount of time after they arrive? Sometimes they leave immediately or they will live with their sponsor for a few short months. They usually disappear once they receive their PR/SIN cards. Feel free to email your story at victims@stopmarriagefraud.ca. For more information visit our website at
www.stopmarriagefraud.ca.
SAFA Arts Youth Nights
The South Asian Family Association (SAFA) Arts Youth Nights are for children and adolescents between the ages of 7-16 on Fridays 7-9 p.m. (Free). The goal of the Arts Youth Nights is to provide structured creative activities for participants where they will learn through the arts to build upon various skills. Our aim is to strengthen South Asian Culture, to promote a positive image of South Asian youth and to achieve cultural harmony through South Asian eyes. Location: Moberly Arts & Cultural Center, 7642 Prince Albert Street, (one block east of Fraser at 60th), Vancouver. If you have any suggestions or comments, contact SAFA at: info@safa.ca. Visit our website at: www.safa.ca.
PICS Job Finding Club
The Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society of Vancouver (PICS Vancouver) Job Finding Club is a two-week program geared at helping immigrants and newcomers to Canada to find successful employment. Learn how to write a fantastic resume, gain valuable interview techniques and knowledge of the local labour market and more, all at no cost. Past or current E.I. recipients are always welcome. Programs run the first two weeks of every month. PICS Vancouver also offers no cost one-on-one employment guidance, a one-stop Resource Centre for all your job hunting needs and a paid wage subsidy program for on-the-job work experience. The government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative. For more information, call 604-324-7733. Email: eas@pics.bc.ca or drop by 200-8161 Main Street (64th Avenue and Main Street), Vancouver.
South Asian Counselling
Personal/family counseling is available at Turning Point Community Church, 12371-96 Avenue, Surrey. Appointments are made on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. For more info, call Dave at (604) 588-5522.
Services for Permanent Residents
Permanent Residents (Immigrants) are invited to attend this seminar. Following information will be provided: services, programs, and resources available to newcomers, objects of settlement, adaptation, and integration services, how and where to access these services in the community, and much more. For your convenience, this seminar is offered on rotating schedule. Contact us to ask for the upcoming sessions or if you have any other question or would like more information. Fee: None. Language: English /Hindi/ Punjabi. Venue: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fraser Service Centre, 5834 Fraser Street, Vancouver. Phone: 604-324-8300, Ext. 106. Email: southasian.fraser@success.bc.ca
Free Computer Training
Walnut Grove Library offers a variety of computer and Internet training courses such as learning to use the mouse and keyboard, Internet basics and effective Internet searching, and how to set up and use e-mail. Hands-on sessions are available. Program is free, but registration is required. To register, or for more information, visit the Walnut Grove Library or call 604-882-0410. Walnut Grove Library is located at 8889 Walnut Grove Drive, Langley.
Women Against Violence Against Women
And Rape Crisis Center strives to end violence in women's lives. WAVAW offers: 24-hour Crisis Line and referrals, Outreach and Public Education, One to One and Group Counselling, Accompaniments to hospital, police and courts, Crime Victim Assistance (Sexual Assault), Comprehensive Training for crisis line peer support volunteers, Aboriginal Outreach & Counselling. WAVAW has multicultural staff that are able to offer outreach to Ethno-Cultural Communities & Front Line Service Providers. WAVAW is able to provide workshops, speeches and information tables with cultural sensitivity to raise awareness and educate the public on abuse against immigrant / refuge and visible minority women. All services are free, confidential and private. WAVAW Crisis Line - 24 hours, 7 days a week: (604) 255 - 6228. Free long distance:
877-392-7583.
Family Support Volunteer Listing
The Canadian Red Cross Family Support Program is recruiting compassionate and reliable volunteers who can commit four hours a week for 18 months to offer emotional support to families of children with chronic or life threatening diseases at BC Children's Hospital. Second language an asset. Training provided. For more information contact: Ginny Wong at 604-709-6618 or ginny.wong@redcross.ca
Canadian Blood Services
Consider volunteering at your local blood donor clinic. We have rewarding opportunities for outgoing, enthusiastic people who would like to give some of their time to help save lives. Volunteers are needed for our Surrey clinic on Thursdays and Fridays - three-hour shifts. Contact Volunteer Resources at 604-707-3513 or e-mail us at volunteer.bc@bloodservices.ca.
Girls' Program
The City of Surrey, Parks, Recreation, and Culture Department in partnership with the School District and The League of Ordinary People are implementing a new program targeted at girls ages 12-17. The program offers numerous new social and recreational opportunities as part of the "It's A Girl Thing" program. The free program takes place at Princess Margaret Senior Secondary School every Friday from 4-7 p.m. For more information, contact Pam Reddy at 604-501-5536.
PICS: Computer Courses
PICS is offering basic & advanced computer courses at its Head Office in Surrey. Call PICS at 604-596-7722, or visit their office at Unit #109, 12414-82 Avenue, Surrey, to find out more and to register for these courses.
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.
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. 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.
Free Multi-lingual Job Search Programs
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 language. PICS has helped thousands of clients in getting jobs through free job search programs and can help you too.
Free Resume Service on Wednesdays
If you are unemployed and need help in preparing your general/professional resume, call PICS at 604-596-7722 or visit the office at Unit #109, 12414 82nd Avenue, Surrey. There is no fee to attend the workshop and clients get free access to the Internet, photocopier, fax machines, computers, printers, job leads and other useful resources. Workshops are conducted every week for eligible clients residing in Surrey, White Rock & North Delta.
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