#1. WHALLEY CRIME PREVENTION FORUM A SUCCESS
Residents from Whalley neighbourhoods and elsewhere in Surrey filled the local Legion meeting room to express their safety concerns and angst over rising crime in their communities.
“People in Whalley are very worried about safety but also showed their understanding of the complex problem,” said Surrey-Whalley MLA Bruce Ralston. “The call for safer neighbourhoods and stricter sentencing were coupled with the clear recognition that we also need more social housing and services for people who have turned to crime.”
Joining Ralston at the forum was Mike Farnworth, NDP opposition critic for public safety and solicitor general.
“People in Surrey are no different than folks I have met all over the province who think the Liberal government have ignored the deep concerns citizens have for their safety,” said Farnworth.
Joining the NDP MLAs was Colleen Staresina, the RCMP’s Crime Prevention Coordinator, and Mary Lou McCausland of the Surrey Crime Prevention Society.
The RCMP encouraged people to report all crime and talked about the importance of setting up Block Watch programs.
Residents can get information on how to set up a community Block Watch at Bruce Ralston’s website: www.ralstonsurreywhalley.ca or by emailing him at bruce.ralston.mla@leg.bc.ca
#2.SURREY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: GOLF FUNDRAISER BY LOCAL RBC BRANCHES
A major fundraiser has completed its goal of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Surrey Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Emergency Centre Campaign a year sooner than expected.
RBC Financial Group’s Surrey and White Rock branches are fulfilling their $300,000 pledge as a result of their 4th annual RBC Dominion Securities Invitational Golf Classic. “It speaks highly to the dedication of the event’s organizers that they have surpassed their five-year goal in only four years,” says Foundation President / CEO Jane Adams.
On top of the $300,000 donation raised through employee fundraising activities, RBC has committed a further $150,000 to the Emergency Centre Campaign through its RBC Foundation.
"Why do we do this? It's simple. Sooner or later, you, one of your loved ones, a co-worker, or a friend will need Surrey Memorial. Perhaps to save their life,” said Lorraine Rumberg, Branch Manager of RBC Dominion Securities. “It is our responsibility, both corporately and individually, to make sure we have done all we can to help our hospital fill that need."
The RBC Dominion Securities Invitational Golf Classic, held at Surrey’s Hazelmere Golf Course, brings together RBC employees and clients to raise funds for the replacement to Surrey Memorial Hospital’s current Emergency Department. RBC’s event is held in conjunction with the Greater Vancouver Charity Classic, a not-for-profit golf tournament hosted by the Canadian Tour and the West Coast Golf group.
#3. SENIORS SAFETY RECEIVES HAMMELL’S SUPPORT
Sue Hammell, MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers, showed her support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by promoting seniors’ safety.
Hammell handed out safety tip cards and safety whistles to the seniors at an event at the Sunrise Pavilion Seniors’ Centre on June 13.
“Unfortunately there are people who do not treat older adults with respect,” said Hammell.
“Many of our seniors have had an experience where they have felt intimidated by a stranger. Some seniors have told us they would feel better about their personal safety if they had a whistle they could easily sound off if they ever felt like they needed help.
“What we want to do is blow the whistle on elder abuse.”
#4. STEPHANIE RYAN: SEEKING SURREY CIVIC COALTION NOMINATION
Stephanie Ryan wrote her thesis on the lack of commercial development in Surrey City Centre. Now she wants to put her education to use by seeking election to Surrey Council.
Ryan, who recently graduated from UBC's political science department, is seeking a council nomination with the Surrey Civic Coalition.
The 21-year-old honour student says Surrey is growing at a rapid rate and is at a crucial point in its growth and development. "Surrey needs to make big changes to the way it thinks about development. If we don't, we're going to end up with a City in 20 years with a much larger population but with inadequate public transit, insufficient green space, and lacking an effective economic centre".
Ryan was born and raised in Surrey, growing up in the Guildford area and now residing in Fraser Heights. She expects smart growth, public transportation and the environment to be at the forefront of her campaign. She is a strong advocate for light rail transit connecting Surrey with the rest of the South Fraser region.
Ryan believes these issues are important to young people. "I think young people will take part in the democratic process if you show them why it matters. Young people can vote for better public transportation, and for environmental issues like saving Stokes Pit".
She says a lack of compact town centres and a lack of adequate public transit means residents are forever driving from one place to another, resulting in gridlock on our roads. Better planning of town centres would reduce the dependence on the automobile, she said.
Ryan was recently appointed to the Surrey Public Art Advisory Committee. "I'm excited to be a part of this group, which is advocating for arts and culture in our city. Surrey needs to continue to show leadership in supporting its arts community".
Ryan is a also a supporter of a mixed-wards system for civic elections. "Surrey is simply too large to continue to elect councillors with the at-large system currently in place", she said, adding Surrey and Vancouver are the only major Canadian cities that do not have a wards system.
While at UBC, Ryan served as president of the Arts Undergraduate Society for two years and was the recipient of the Just Desserts award for outstanding service to UBC Arts students, two years in a row.
She was a lifeguard and advanced aquatics instructor for five years, teaching at North Surrey, Newton, and South Surrey pools, and has volunteered at the Carnegie Centre soup kitchen. She is also a UBC triathlon and Storm the Wall participant.
SCC will select its council and trustee candidates at a nominating convention Sunday, July 27.
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