Surrey Issues Burn Ban
Effective immediately and until further notice, the Fire Chief has banned all outdoor burning in the City of Surrey. All current burning permits are hereby suspended and no new burning permits will be issued while the burning ban is in effect. With a warm and dry weather pattern predicted, this ban will likely remain in effect until late fall.
Pratham BC Foundation Family Walk
5 km Walk-For-Words and Potluck Picnic Day on July 19 at 10 a.m. at Central Park, Burnaby. All proceeds will go to Pratham BC Foundation, a registered charity organization to help eradicate child illiteracy in India. Your pledge of $15 could help a needy, street child in India read, write and count in three months. Tax deductible receipt will be issued for total pledges of $15 or more. For further information, visit www.pratham.ca or contact Shilpi Mehotra at prathamwalk@hotmail.com, Pratham directors Kandarp Patel at (604) 724-4281 and Priti Shah at (604) 945-5836.
29th Annual Nations Cup Soccer Tournament.
The Nation’s Cup is a prestigious amateur soccer tournament held annually in Richmond with a unique concept of grouping players based on their ethnic backgrounds and / or countries of origin. Teams representing countries such as India, Fiji, China, England, Italy, Germany, and Scotland, just to name a few, are comprised of elite players from throughout the province that compete for the coveted "Nations Cup." This year the Consul General of India also contributed to Team India by providing the official India National Team uniform for the players. India’s game times are as follows: (* India vs. Argentina: Friday, July 18, 9 p.m.) * India vs. Ireland: Saturday, July 19, 11:30 a.m. * India vs. Croatia: Sunday, July 20, 10:15 a.m. All games are at Hugh Boyd Sports Complex, located on the corner of Francis Road and No. 1 Road in Richmond.
Sikh Women's Retreat
Enjoy this time for quiet reflection, personal growth, laughter and the company of many wonderful women. What is provided: Cabin rooms, bedding, towels, delicious vegetarian cuisine, beautiful scenery, informative and interesting classes and lots of fun activities. Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20 at Rosemary Retreat Center in South Surrey. Contact Inderjit Kaur at 604-596-3868 or rajkanwalk@yahoo.com.
Citytv’s Taste of the City at PNE
Many of Vancouver’s popular restaurants will take part in the 6th annual Taste of the City, a one-day tasting extravaganza Saturday, July 19 at the PNE from noon till 8 p.m. Admission is free. The CityCooks Stage, hosted by Citytv personalities including Simi Sara of Citytv’s CityCooks, will be located on a grassed area for picnicking. Visitors to Taste of the City purchase “Taste Tickets” in 50-cent denominations and exchange them for sample-size portions of menu items from more than two dozen of Vancouver’s best restaurants. Items range in price from $1 to $4.
Sai Lakshacharn
All are invited to participate in Om Shri Sai Ram Lakshacharn - Japa Bhajan on Saturday, July 19 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.
2008 Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Spirit of the West, Ozomatli and Michael Franti Lead Stellar Lineup Dates: July 18, 19 & 20. Venue: Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver. Information: 604-602-9798 or www.thefestival.bc.ca. Admission: Early Bird tickets on sale until June 21, from $46 for Friday evening and $76 for Saturday and Sunday one-day adult admissions to $112 for adult weekend passes. Little Folks (12 and under) admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets: Available online at www.thefestival.bc.ca, at the Festival office at 411 Dunsmuir (604-602-9798) and retail outlets including Highlife Records, Zulu Records, Little Sisters Bookstore and Neptoon Records (see website for details).
Richmond Animal Wellness Expo
Bring your pet and be part of the free fun at the City of Richmond’s Fourth Annual Richmond Animal Wellness Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 19 at Garry Point Park, located at the Southwest corner of Richmond between Chatham and Moncton Street on 7th Avenue. There will also be a demonstration area where trainers will show off the entertaining talents of their pets. There will be displays and demonstrations from over 30 organizations ranging from rescue groups to trainers focusing on animal safety and responsible pet ownership, as well as information on trainers and pet care facilities in the Richmond area. There is no charge for this non-profit event. For more information, call email tbissett@richmond.ca.
Annual Walk for Komagata Maru
Open invitation from Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation to all to join the walk in remembrance of 94th anniversary of the departure of the Komagata Maru from Vancouver on July 23, 1914. Date: Sunday, July 20. Time: 5-7:30 p.m. at Stanley Park - Lumberman’s Arch. Get-together at 5 p.m. Walk starts at 5:30 p.m. The walk will be of about five kilometers. Speakers will address the gathering from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Special Ceremony will be performed at Portal Park, 1099 W Hastings at Thurlow Street. For more information, contact Harbhajan S Gill at 604-763-1736, Kulvir S. Bains at 604- 614-5353 or Dalbir Pabla at 604-219-0725 or visit website www.komagatamaru.ca.
Komagata Maru Heritage Foundation
And Anniversaries of Change are holding a Reconciliation Dinner on July 23 at Surrey Convention Centre, Bombay Banquet Hall, 7475 135 Street, Surrey. The faces and foes of change, the setbacks, the heroes, the challenges ahead and much more will be the centerpiece of the evening’s program: a conversation amongst labor, Chinese, Aboriginal, South Asian and Japanese moderated by journalist Harpreet Singh. For further information, visit web site www.komagatamaru.ca or contact dinner coordinator, Sarah at 778-232-3928, email admin@anniversarie07.ca. or Harbhajan Gill at 604-763-1736 email komagatamaru@hotmail.com
Ships at Blaine
The community of Blaine will host the Lady Washington, the Official Ship of the State of Washington, and Hawaiian Chieftain, her companion ship, in Drayton Harbor from July 23 to 27. The ships are scheduled to arrive with cannons blazing at approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 and they will tie up at Drayton Harbor Marina. Throughout their visit, the ships will offer dockside tours and three-hour public sailings. At the Blaine visit, the public is invited aboard both ships for walk-aboard tours on these dates and times: July 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July 25, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and July 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be greeted by crew in period uniforms, who can answer questions about the ships and their histories. A $3 donation per person is appreciated. The vessels will also offer three-hour public sailings, including two Battle Sails, which feature an exciting mock sea battle between the ships with booming cannons. To purchase tickets for Sunset Sails, Battle Sails, and the Adventure Sail, call 1-800-200-5239 or visit http://www.historicalseaport.org.
Volunteers for Fourth PICS Mega Job Fair
The fair to be held on Thursday, July 24 needs a number of volunteers. Even students are encouraged to volunteer. Each volunteer will be acknowledged for the service and hard work and awarded a Certificate of Appreciation and also given a free polo shirt. The volunteers are required between July 2 and 25 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. One may volunteer for any number of hours and for any number of days. However, the volunteers would be required from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 24. For registration and further information, contact PICS at 604-596-7722 or email: Tilak.dewan@pics.bc.ca.
Red Cross: Recruiting Volunteers
Are you interested in helping refugee claimants as they arrive to Canada? We are currently recruiting volunteers for First Contact, a new program aimed at providing assistance to refugee claimants on first arrival. We are looking for volunteers who are fluent in English and who also speak another language. Volunteers will provide: accurate, timely information; referrals to settlement agencies, legal, paralegal and health services, housing, and other settlement services such as ESL classes and employment services; and accompaniment to appointments. A comprehensive training is provided. If you are interested in joining our team, attend our next information session on Thursday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Red Cross office in Burnaby, 3400 Lake City Way. For more information, or to sign up for this information session, contact Manon Lévesque, coordinator at 604-709-6656 or email: manon.levesque@redcross.ca. Or you can contact
Baljinder K Narang, Council Representative, at 604-805-5824. www.redcross.ca/lowermainland.
4th Annual Canadian Islamic Cultural Expo
An event showcasing Islam and the multicultural nature of Muslims in Canada. This two-day event will be taking place on July 25 and 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Shri Hanuman Maha Yagna
A nine-day Hanuman Maha Yagna is being held at Shree Mahalakshmi Temple, 467 E 11th Avenue, Vancouver, from Saturday, July 26 to Sunday, August 3, starting with the traditional Dhwajarohana ceremony. Daily prayers will begin with Ganesha puja at 6 p.m. followed by Shri Hanuman Maha Mantra Yagna, recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and a discourse highlighting the importance of the worship of Sri Hanuman, especially with relevance to the present day state of living, and a word by word explanation of the significance of recitation of Sankata Mochana Hanuman Ashtaka. The highlight of the evening is the "Parikrama" of Shri Hanuman around the temple premises. The prayer concludes with Aarti and Mahaprasad. Phone: 604-874-0175.
Canada Urdu Association: Speech Contest
Annual Speech Contest for young students ages 13-19 in two age groups. Group A is for ages 13-15 and Group B is for ages 16-19. The contest will take place on Sunday, July 27. This South Asian community contest is an effort to provide the youth an opportunity to delve into Urdu language and develop leadership skills by facing a real audience. The awards will be presented to the winners at the CUA’s annual Jashn-e-Azadi Mushaira & Celebrations event scheduled for August 30. Speech Topic: Mayholeyat Ki Aloodge Kay Asraat (The Effects of Environmental Pollution). Language: Urdu. Time allowed: 5 to 7 minutes. Venue: Meeting Room, Strawberry Hills Library, 7399 122nd Street, Surrey. Day & Time: Sunday, July 27, 3-5 p.m. Registration deadline: July 22. For more information, email: canurdu@hotmail.com or call program coordinators Muhammad Afzal Malik at 604-518-4459, Dr. Raminder Pal Singh Kang at 604-729-0406, Imtiaz Popat 604-715-4816 or Capt. Muhammad Suleman Mahtab at 778-908-1250.
Homebuilding 101
Technology experts from the Greater Vancouver Home Builders' Association (GVHBA), in partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, (CMHC), are presenting What’s New in Homebuilding, a workshop for people contemplating having a custom home built for them. The full-day workshop will be held on Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower level theatre at the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, 15463 – 104 Avenue, Surrey. Cost is $60 + GST per person or $100 + GST per couple, and includes lunch and coffee breaks. To encourage productive interaction between presenters and participants, registration is limited to 50 people. Pre-registration is required by Monday July 21. Call 604-588-5036 to register.
International Bog Days
At the Great Pacific Forum Planet Ice, in Delta. On Saturday, July 26, there will be tours of Burns Bog from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Sunday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy live entertainment from local artists such as YUCA and Tiller's Folly. There will also be exhibits and family fun at this free community festival. For more info, visit www.burnsbog.org or call (604) 572-0373.
Spirit of Edmonds Car Show
Date: Sunday, July 27. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. Information: www.spiritofedmonds.ca. Third Annual Car Show & Festival - Classic Autos, Entertainment, Workshops & Good Eats. Spirit of Edmonds, presented by the Edmonds Town Centre Business and Community Association. From Canada Way to Kingsway, the Edmonds Street will be full of a wonderful selection of old, new, art and alternate fuel vehicles. For the kids, an air guitar contest, Wheel of Fortune, Spirit of Edmonds colouring book, Hot Wheels races, Model Car building workshop and Teddy Bear Breakfast, just to name a few. The Royal City Rockets, an energetic canine show (12:30 to 2:25 p.m.) Four funky music stations from a Rock and Roll showcase sponsored by Myles of Beans, to the annual talent search hosted by Rockroom Karaoke. Local powerhouse band Rainshadow and Bob Marlow “Teen Angel” with a full selection of music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Music starts at 11 a.m. and runs throughout the event.
Richmond Multicultural Concerns Society
Invites you to their new program - Pot-lucking Public Speakers. A free program organized by RMCS once a month from July. Replacing our previous “Monthly Potluck,” it aims to help participants to build up confidence, improve public speaking and listening skills, share insights and experience, and make friends in a friendly, non-threatening, and “yummy” environment. First gathering on Wednesday, July 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Room 340, the Caring Place. We encourage you to bring a dish or desert to share with others, become an active speaker, be a supportive listener. For further questions, please contact Program Coordinator at 604-279-7160.
Vancouver NPA
Looking for candidates with a passion for the city. Are you, or any friends or family members looking for an opportunity to lead Vancouver in a way that is both fiscally responsible and compassionate? If you would like to be a part of majorities on Council, Park and School Board, then the NPA Candidate Selection Committee wants to hear from you. The cut-off to submit applications as a candidate for the 2008 election is August 13th. Email candidate@npavancouver.ca for the opportunity to run as an NPA candidate in the 2008 civic election.
Canada Urdu Association: Essay Contest
Annual “Essay Writing Contest” for students ages 13-19 in two age groups: Group A of ages 13-15 and Group B of ages 16-19. This South Asian community contest is to provide the youth an opportunity to delve into Urdu language and develop essay-writing skills. The awards to the winners will be presented at the CUA’s annual Jashn-e-Azadi Mushaira & Celebrations event scheduled for August 30. Topic: Insani Haqook Ki Ihmiyat (The Importance of Human Rights). Language: Urdu. Number of words: 850 to 1000. Last date of submission: August 5. Mailing Address: 14275 – 90th Avenue, Surrey, BC. V3V 7W2 . For more information, email: canurdu@hotmail.com or call program coordinators Muhammad Afzal Malik at 604-518-4459, Dr. Raminder Pal Singh Kang at 604-729-0406, Imtiaz Popat at 604-715-4816 or Capt. Muhammad Suleman Mahtab at 778-908-1250.
Service Canada Centres for Youth
The Vancouver Public Library and the Vancouver Service Canada Centre for Youth are ready to assist you with your employment needs. For one-on-one assistance with resume / cover letter writing, interviews and getting hired, just visit one of their mobile offices: * Renfrew Branch: Mondays, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., from now to July 28. * Oakridge Branch: Fridays, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., from now to August 8. * Kitsilano Branch: Wednesdays, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., from now to August 6.
SAFA Summer Day Camps
SAFA will be hosting Summer Day Camps for children ages 5-12 during July and August at the Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre in Vancouver. The cost is $80 per child for a full week of sports, arts & crafts, dancing and field trips. Camps are supervised by teachers and facilitators. For more information, contact Surita at 604-779-6075 or Suki at 778-688-3996.
See Where Your Water Comes From
Thursday through Sunday, from now to September. Metro Vancouver manages three forested watersheds to provide Lower Mainland residents with clean, clear drinking water. All three watersheds are closed to the public as a primary means of safeguarding our water supply. Every summer, Metro Vancouver opens up the Capilano and Coquitlam Watersheds to the public by hosting free watershed bus and walking tours. These tours are lead by watershed staff and provide unique natural and cultural history insights into the evolution of our drinking water system. What you need to know: * four-hour tours, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, from now until September 14. Adult-oriented. Located in North Vancouver and Coquitlam. Advance registration is required. For more information, call 604-432-6430 or e-mail: toursreg@metrovancouver.org.
Richmond Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Registration for the year’s busiest season of parks, recreation and cultural programming has begun at local community facilities. Customers can register at their convenience by choosing one of four methods: Internet, touch tone phone, through the Registration Call Centre or in-person at any civic facility. To register online, visit the City’s website at www.richmond.ca and click on the Recreation Registration button on the home page. Touch tone users can register anytime by phoning 604-276-4300 and following the voice prompts. Customers can also sign up for programs through the City’s Registration Call Centre by dialing 604-276-4300, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and pressing “3” for a Customer Service Agent. To register by internet or touch tone phone, you will need a Family PIN and Client Number and your Visa or Mastercard number and expiry date. You will also need the Class Number and Community Code from the Recreation & Culture Guide available online at www.richmond.ca, at all civic facilities and local Safeway and Save On Foods stores.
White Rock Sandcastle Competition
The competition takes place on August 3, during the 59th annual Spirit of the Sea Festival which runs August 1-4. Team sign up ends July 15, Cash prizes. www.wrsandcastle.com for more info and sign up forms. This is a family event with many family activities all weekend long. For festival information go to www.spiritofthesea.ca
Gordon Neighbourhood House, West End
Summer Day Camp for children 5-11. Explore attractions in the Lower Mainland. For registrations, contact Michelle or Agata at 604-683-2554. * Summer Block Party - Saturday, August 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – annual highlight attracting people of all ages of the West End and downtown. Come and join us for a fun afternoon, hot dog BBQ, clown and face painting, raffle, live entertainment, prizes, etc. * Multicultural Arts & Crafts Fair: Saturday, August 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy arts and crafts and get your Christmas gifts in advance. Exhibitors and vendors needed. Tables are $20, profit goes toward our programs. For information, contact Elena at 604-683-2554 * Skim boarding for children (ages 8 & up), youth, and adults. Drop in: $10 for children / youth or $12 for adults. To register, call Agata at 604-683-2554.
India Day in Surrey
India Day and BC’s 150th Anniversary celebrations function on August 17 at Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Surrey (7050 - 120th Street) at 1 p.m. This event is being organized by Hindu-Sikh Forum of North America, a group of Hindus and Sikhs of Fraser Valley.
Kaurs United International Sikh Women's Camp
August 17-22 at Hope, B.C. Highlights of this year's camp: archery, horseback riding, canoeing, swimming, rock-climbing, a 30-foot high ropes course, hiking to the amazing plateau, the Sangat of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji, uplifting Kaur-only lectures and discussions, Biba U Got Talent 3 (Kaur-only Talent Show), team building and self-esteem building workshops and activites, Kaur-catered self-defense and Gatka classes, meditation and Gurbani recitation, Amrit Vela Kirtan Darbars, etc. Guests attending this year's camp will be from all over the Greater Vancouver area, Abbotsford, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Buffalo, California, Seattle, England, etc. Register for camp – visit www.kaursunited.org.
WCSYA Annual Sikh Youth Summer Camp
Experience West Coast Camp - the Sikh way of life with thought-provoking discussions, meditation, Gurbani teachings, exciting sports & recreational activities, the company of youth from across North America & world-class martial arts / self defense instructors from England. Friday, August 22 to Friday, August 29. Location: Mountain View Summer Camp, Hope. Visit www.wcsya.com for more information.
Langley Cultural Festival
Langley’s International Festival Society will host its 7th annual cultural festival on Saturday, August 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Douglas Park in the heart of Langley. More than 58 countries will be represented at this free outdoor event. The festival is the centerpiece of a civic committee called the Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Task Force, supported by both the City of Langley and Township of Langley municipal governments. Partial net proceeds of the event will go to the Langley School District Foundation for their International Students program for the Karen Refugee students from Myanmar. For more information, visit the festival website at www.internationalfestival.ca or Coordinator Shar Dubas at 604-530-4661.
Mums-to-be Needed by UFV
If you’re a pregnant woman who will be having her baby in a Fraser Valley hospital between September and April, you’re in high demand by nursing students from the University of the Fraser Valley. Volunteer mums and their partners are urgently needed to help educate nursing students while receiving extra support during their pregnancy and labour. Women having their babies between September and April at Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Surrey Memorial, or Langley Memorial hospitals are eligible for this program. If you agree to participate, the student nurse will meet you (and your partner if applicable) for a “get to know you chat,” go with you on one visit to the doctor, go with you to one prenatal class, give you and your partner support during all of your labour and delivery, and visit you afterwards. For more information, or to volunteer, call UFV’s Health Sciences Centre toll-free at 1-888-504-7441, local 2817.
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.
Surrey Museum
Unique artifacts, images and interactive displays in a stunning and modern space that highlight Surrey’s history. Attractive space for programs, 42-seat orientation theatre, changing exhibits. Location: 17710-56A Avenue, Surrey. Phone: 604-592-6956. www.heritage.surrey.ca. Open Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Adult: $5, Seniors & Students: $3.75, Child & Youth: $2.50, 5 & Under Free. * Exhibit: Egypt, Gift of the Nile: Imagine and explore the daily lives of Egyptians 5000 years ago through displays of ancient jewellery and cosmetics, household goods, writing implements, and statues and amulets. Presented by the Royal Ontario Museum, June 10-September 6.
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.
White Rock Laughter Club
Meets every Tuesday at Evergreen Childcare Centre, 1185 Centre Street, WhiteRock. Drop in fee $5 or by donation. Wear something comfortable, bring water a towel or mat to sit on. For more info, contact Carol Ann- 604-536-9049 or Nicole 604-961-4211.
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.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Employment Services in New Westminster at Royal City Centre for Professional and Technical Individuals. Our program Pro-Tech Career Connect is free of cost and will offer employment assistance to all professional and technical workers looking for work. We are offering an innovative and flexible job search service including an intensive two-week job finding club and a four-week Career Café (Self-marketing Coaching). We designed the program to help enhance client’s particular job search requirements and to meet their assessed needs. The sessions may be taken full time or in modules from the following list: Over coming barriers to employment; BC Labour Market information; Professional resume and cover letter; Informational Interviews and networking strategies. For more information or to join our next information session, please contact our New Westminster office at 604-524-2100.
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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