Satya Sai Baba
All are invited to participate in Om Shri Sai Ram Lakshacharn - Japa Bhajan to celebrate 82nd birthday of Bhagwan Shri Satya Sai Baba on Saturday, December 1 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.
Activism Against Gender Violence
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign that came from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It runs from November 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women to December 10, which is International Human Rights Day. These dates were chosen to symbolically link violence against women with human rights violations. The 16-day period also includes other significant dates such as November 29, International Women Human Rights Defender Day; December 1, World AIDS Day, December 3, International Day of Disabled Persons and December 6, the Anniversary of the Montreal Massacre. December 1: Human Rights Information Fair - SFU Harbour Centre by Oxfam Canada (Miriam Palacios at 604-736-7678). *Memorial for the Montreal Massacre at the Vancouver Public Library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter (Daisy Kler at 604-872-8212). December 4: Workshop - "Discover Family Law" - Vancouver Provincial Courthouse: Law Courts Education Society (Lali Pawa at 604-760-5727). December 6: WAVAW, in commemoration of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, will with the Squamish Nation, Aboriginal groups, and multicultural organizations, join other women's anti-violence groups in a Sacred Smudge Ceremony of the Downtown Eastside (Darla Laughlin at 604-255-6228). *Canadian Red Cross / Respect ED is organizing an information session for Volunteers on the We Can Campaign (Linda Kuan at 604-709-6642). *Pacific Community Resources: Information Session with the South Asian Parents Program at #114 - 13479 -76 Avenue, Surrey (Sarjeet Purewal at 604-837-2949). *Canada Revenue Agency has organized two "Women Against Violence" workshops for their employees at the Taxpayers Services at Central City (Shilla Wong at 604-988-3593). December 7: Violence and Violation: Women's voices. Rhizone Café 7-9 p.m. at 17 East Broadway - this will be an evening of music, poetry and testimonies from women's working against violence against women (Miriam Palacios at 604-736-7678). *Progressive Intercultural Community Services is celebrating 20 years of their society at the Bombay Banquet Hall (Charan Gill at 604- 596-7722). December 8: Human Rights Forum - SFU Harbour Centre - 515 West Pender, Vancouver. This event is being organized by Oxfam SFU Student Club and the Canadian Students for Darfur (Miriam Palacios at 604-736-7678). December 10: Candlelight Vigil - 5-6 p.m. - Civic Square at Bob Priddy Library, Metrotown, Burnaby. Welcome address by Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan. (Lali Pawa at 604-760-5727).
Annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park
Hundreds of fire fighters are transforming 10 acres of Stanley Park into a magical, illuminated world of over a million lights, colourful displays and seasonal presentations. It is a joint event of the Vancouver Park Board and the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. The event runs from Friday, November 30 until January 3. Hours are 3-10 p.m. daily. It is closed Christmas Day. Partial proceeds from the train and all donations at the event help raise funds for the important work carried out by the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. The fundraising goal for this year is $250,000. For information visit www.burnfund.org.
Richmond's Christmas
Winter Wonderland, which is presented by the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club, will begin on Saturday, December 1 in the Galleria of Richmond City Hall, located at 6911 No. 3 Road. Richmond's Mayor and Councillors will be on hand for the official opening day "lighting" of the trees at 12:30 p.m. and the first two community Christmas concerts will be performed at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Six more weekend matinee performances are scheduled at the Galleria for everyone's enjoyment. Various local community groups will entertain, with shows starting at 1 p.m. and 2:30 pm. on December 8, 15 and 22. While the concerts are free of charge, attendees are encouraged to make monetary donations to support those groups in their ongoing operation. Themed trees decorated by local businesses or community organizations will be on display in the City Hall Galleria from December 1 to 31.
Surrey's Santa Claus Parade
The 2nd Annual Santa Parade organizers have added a new lighted Truck Parade which includes over 25 decorated semi rigs that will join the traditional parade in the Cloverdale Town Centre. The parade will start at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 2 from the Cloverdale Fairgrounds parking lot and will start by passing the Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino and then make its way to the historic 176 Street in downtown Cloverdale. The pre-parade festivities will include a variety of activities including music at Hawthorne Square which is located in the centre of the 5700 block of 176 Street in the historic downtown (also the Home of Smallville's Talon Theatre). At the Square a variety of groups will be collecting food items and Christmas presents for the Surrey Food Bank and Surrey Christmas Bureau. There will also be many groups like the Surrey Firefighters cooking hot dogs by donation and the City of Surrey CUPE union providing free face painting. Plus a number of service clubs like the Cloverdale Lions and the Rotary of Club of Cloverdale will also be selling popcorn, hot chili, hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas ornaments for charity. At about 7 p.m. there will be the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony by the Square with a chance for children to meet and greet Santa Claus. Info available on website at www.cloverdalebia.com
Talk on Kashmiri Art
Each year the UBC Museum of Anthropology and the Canadian Society for Asian Arts partner to select a theme and bring outstanding Asian art scholars to speak in Vancouver. "Kashmir: Art from a "Troubled" Paradise," a talk by Dr. Pratapaditya Pal will take place on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m. at the Museum of Anthropology. Although famous for their Pashmina shawls, this talk will explore how, for more than 2000 years, generations of Kashmiris have created a diversity of art forms. This lecture provides an overview of the interaction of the Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims as reflected in the arts and architecture of this now "troubled" paradise. Dr. Pratapaditya Pal is an authority on the arts of the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas.
Vigil, March to Honour Women
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Wednesday, December 5 at 6 p.m. DTES Women's Centre, 302 Columbia Street, near Main and Cordova. Proceed to Thornton Park (near Main SkyTrain Station). Men welcome to march with us. For more information, contact DEWC at 604-681-8480, ext. 234 or email at project@dewc.ca.
DOVE's Public Awareness
December 6 - the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women: The DOVE (Delta Opposes Violence Everywhere) coordinating Committee will be participating in a public awareness event on Thursday, December 6. Members of this committee will be setting up displays in both Tsawassen Town Center Mall (1200-block 56th Street,Delta) and Scottsdale Mall (7100-block 120th Street, North Delta) providing information and resource material. These displays will be set up at each mall location from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition this year, the committee will be setting up static displays in the secondary schools throughout Delta in an effort to educate youth on the issues of relationship violence. The Delta Police and Delta Police Victim Services support and actively participate in this committee.
University Women's Club of Vancouver
Luncheon at Hycroft will showcase Mary Anne Bobinski, Dean and Professor of Law, UBC, who will discuss current issues surrounding violence against women. After the lecture there will be a three-course gourmet meal. Proceeds will go towards the Canadian Federation of University Women's 1989 L'Ecole Polytechnique Commemorative Award, a scholarship that is given to a graduate student in any field who demonstrates the relevance of her work to women. Date: Thursday, December 6. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: The University Women's Club of Vancouver, 1489 McRae Avenue, Vancouver. Tickets: $50 per person (a tax receipt will be issued for a portion of the price). Register by phone at 604-731-4661 or by e-mail: admin_uwc@telus.net by Monday, December 3.
MLA Harry Bains' Open House
Annual Open House on Friday December 7 from 2;30 to 6:30 p.m. at his community office at Suite 102-7380 King George Highway, Surrey, (Newton Village, facing 137th Street).
MP Penny Priddy's Open House
Christmas Open House on Friday, December 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Surrey North Constituency Office, Unit 102-14045 104th Avenue, Surrey. Free parking available behind office. For more info and to RSVP, call 604-586-2441 or email: priddp1@parl.gc.ca. Bring an unwrapped toy for the Surrey Christmas or non-perishable food for the Food Bank.
Peace on Earth Celebration
Envision Financial and SOS Children's Village BC present the 2nd Annual Peace on Earth celebration on Friday, December 7. Reception: 6 p.m. Show: 7:30 p.m. Bell Performing Arts Centre, 6250 - 144 Street, Surrey. Tickets: $40 / $30 at Ticketmaster or call 604-280-4444. An evening of song, dance and inspiration, Peace on Earth is a true celebration of unity through diversity. Dance will be center stage, with rhythm tap, bhangra, traditional Korean elegance and First Nations masks demonstrating the power of movement. Performers include Bluebird North, The Underground Circus, Da Boyz & Tap Pups, Silk Road, South Asian Arts: P.A.N.J. performs bhangra, Vancouver Korean Dance Society, Dancers of Damelahamid and Kutapira. Enjoy complimentary wine and cultural appetizers at a pre-concert reception at 6 p.m. and place a bid on art pieces in our silent auction with proceeds to the SOS Children's Village BC. www.sosbc.org.
Neighbourhood Garage Sale
Collingwood Neighbourhood House's Kindercare and Preschool programs are having a Neighbourhood Garage Sale on Saturday, December 8 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce Street, Vancouver, (Gym A). Entrance fee: $0.50. People can rent a table for $10 each. Call Renuka or Jenny at 604-435-0323, ext. 250.
Dance All Sorts
10th Season: Sundays at 2 and 4 p.m. at Roundhouse Community Centre (Davie at Pacific). 2 p.m. performance: Pay-what-you-can. 4 p.m. performance: $10/$4. Info: 604-893-8875. www.newworks.ca. December 16, 2 and 4 p.m.: South Asian Arts. This company has fast become a big name in the bhangra and Bollywood world.
Stopping the Violence Counselling
Stopping the Violence (STV) Counselling Program for Women is a specialized and unique program providing free and confidential individual and group counseling, support and advocacy to women experiencing emotional, physical, sexual, psychological, social and/or economic abuse. If you are experiencing violence in your relationship, lonely and isolated, denied money, forced to stay with the person who hurts you, worried that your children are being exposed to violence and / or concerned about your sponsorship you need help. If you sponsored your husband and he is abusing you, or has abandoned you and as a result you are now in default of the sponsorship undertaking - call and speak to the STV counsellor. If you need information about the law and about your rights, information about custody, access and guardianship, help in dealing with your relationship and counseling support - contact the STV counsellor at 604-254-9626. All services are free and confidential. Punjabi and Hindi spoken. Call MOSAIC Monday to Friday from 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.
Multilingual Case Management
Is one of Immigrant Services Society's employment counselling programs that is funded by the federal government, and has served the employment needs of Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for over 10 years. They provide one-on-one employment counselling in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Hindi and Farsi at no cost to clients. For more information about program, call 604-684-2504.
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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