(These are FREE listings. Email: EditorVoice@gmail.com)
Clothing Drive
Amazing Tutors Children’s Foundation is again collecting lightly used Western adult jackets, pants and shirts to distribute to the less fortunate ones in Surrey and Vancouver. Brand new socks are needed as well. Please do NOT donate Pakistani, Indian, Fijian, or any other ethnic-style clothes. Call Sikandar Hayat at 604-765-4099 or email at MrHayat7@gmail.com to arrange for a free pick up or for a drop off location near your place.
Vigil at Women’s Monument
Saturday, December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Vigil at Marker of Change, the Women’s Monument in Thornton Park, Main Street and Terminal Avenue, Vancouver. National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Rogers Santa Claus Parade
Sunday, December 7, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Coast Capital Savings Christmas Square (Vancouver Art Gallery plaza facing Georgia Street). Face painting, holiday photo booth, Christmas ornament decorating, Letters to Santa station with 10-foot high mailbox, Greater Vancouver Food Bank drop-off zone, and entertainment stage with music and dance performances. 1-3 p.m.: Parade. Starts at Georgia and Broughton, travels east to Howe Street, then travels south on Howe Street to Davie Street. 3-5 p.m.: Photos with Santa at Robson Square Ice Rink. More than 300,000 spectators are expected to be on hand as the 11th Annual Rogers Santa Claus parade celebrates the start of the holiday season with more than 60 marching bands, choirs, festive floats, and community groups. Spectators are asked to celebrate the spirit of giving by bringing a dollar or a non-perishable food donation for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. Volunteers will collect donations along the parade route, at Christmas Square and at Burrard SkyTrain Station. More parade details can be found online at www.rogerssantaclausparade.com
Surrey: Big Rigs for Kids – Lighted Truck Parade
On Sunday, December 7, the 6th annual Lighted Truck Parade will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Holland Park and Old Yale Road from University Drive (13428 Old Yale Road, Surrey). A host of Big Rig trucks will be on displayed decked out in festive holiday lights. Citizens are able to vote for their favourite lighted truck display by donating. At the end of the night the truck with the most votes will receive an award and all proceeds raised will go to the Surrey Christmas Bureau and the Surrey Food Bank. The North Surrey Lions Club will be serving up hot dogs and hot chocolate to keep you warm. Carollers will wander around, singing festive songs. Everyone can look forward to a variety of games and activities such as face painting. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also be stopping by for a visit.
Richmond Nature Park: Owl Show
Meet rehabilitated owls and their handlers from the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) at this weekend’s Owl Show on Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A representative from the Urban Owl Conservation Project, sponsored by the Science and Technology Branch of Environment Canada, will show you how owls are tracked by radio. The Owl Show is suitable for all ages. Photos are permitted and children can create an owl mask to take home. While in the park, visit the Nature House to check out Nature in your Neighbourhood, an exhibit featuring Richmond’s urban wildlife like racoons, coyotes, skunks and crows. The Richmond Nature Park is located at 11851 Westminster Highway. Admission to the Owl Show is by donation, with all proceeds supporting educational programs provided by the Richmond Nature Park Society. For more information, call the Richmond Nature Park at 604‑718-6188 or visit www.richmond.ca/parksprograms
South Asian Seniors: Antakshari Music Competition
Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey invites South Asian adults / senior members as well as non-members to attend and participate in a Bollywood musical competition, unleash the singing ability you have been secretly practicing in the shower and also give your brain a good exercise by past memories of your favorite Bollywood songs. You have to recite at least one line of the song using 9 words or sing the whole song if you like. It will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2-3:30 p.m. at Shanti Niketan Hall of Lakshmi Narayan Hindu Temple at 8321 – 140th Street, Surrey. Tea and snacks will be served. Call Surendra Handa at 604-507-9945 for further information.
Senior Parivar Vedic Hindu Cultural Society
At 8321 140 Street, Surrey: Free flu shots on Sunday, December 7 at kitchen hall from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dr. Saroj Kumar (President, PISA) and two other PISA members will provide information on flu immunization and also give flu shots. Lunch will be served. Bring your medical care card with you.
British Columbia Boys Choir
Presents ‘Musical Joy!’ on Sunday, December 7, 4 p.m. Special Guest: Ken Lavigne, Tenor. Director: Tony Araujo. At Ryerson United Church, 2195 West 45th, Vancouver. Tickets Advance: Adults $24, Student $12. By phoning Toll Free: 1-888-909-8282. Tickets at Door: Adults $28, Student $16.
PICS Society: Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Information Sessions: December 9 and 16. Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is launching the PICS Youth Entrepreneurship Program which supports potential young entrepreneurs in the Lower Mainland. If you’re ready to start your own business, then PICS is your ‘go to’ resource in the Lower Mainland that can help you bring your business idea to life. From pre-launch to growth and expansion, PICS Society supports young entrepreneurs during the launch of their businesses by providing pre and post-launch training, coaching, financing, mentoring and business resources. Eligible participants could receive financial support for up to 22 weeks when approved by the funder. To be eligible for this program, you must be: * Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the time of intake / selection * Out of school * Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person on whom refugee status has been conferred * Legally entitled to work according to the regulations in vogue in the Province of B.C. * Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits * In need of assistance to overcome employment barriers. Join one of the information sessions: at PICS Head Office – Unit 205, 12725 80th Avenue, Surrey on * Tuesday, December 9, 2:30-4 p.m. * Tuesday, December 16, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. At this session, you’ll learn how PICS Society can help you to obtain self-employment skills through its entrepreneurship program, including developing a business plan, a marketing plan, arrange start-up funding and managing your cash. Seating is limited – to attend the session you must pre-register at deshpal.grewal@pics.bc.ca or sunil.rawat@pics.bc.ca. For more information, contact Deshpal Grewal at 604-596-7722, ext 126, or Sunil Rawat at 604-596-7722, ext 128.
Surrey RCMP “Pack the Police Car”
Over the next couple of weeks, the Surrey RCMP will be inviting the community to help “Pack the Police Car” with non-perishable food, gifts, cash donations, and other needed items in support of local food banks and charity programs across the City of Surrey. Surrey RCMP officers, auxiliary constables, and volunteers will be out on four different days between December 10 and 17, accepting donations to help families in need during the holidays. # District 3, Newton: * December 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Superstore (7550 King George Boulevard) * December 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Walmart (12451 88th Avenue) * December 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Morgan Crossing Shopping Centre (east parking lot outside Thrifty’s). The District 5 office will also be holding a “Pop Up Detachment” at the same time. People can meet South Surrey police officers, learn about police programs and crime prevention initiatives, and discuss any neighbourhood concerns. * December 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Save on Foods (100 – 7320 King George Boulevard) # District 5, South Surrey: For Sources Food Bank. Donation suggestions: * Non-perishable food items such as: canned vegetables and fruit, soup, crackers, snacks, canned meat / fish, condiments, pasta, rice, etc. * Grocery and food gift cards * Toiletries and personal care items. Some events held earlier.
All Star Wrestling: Bodyslams For Toys
Saturday, December 13 at 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.) To benefit the Surrey Christmas Bureau. This event will be taking place in the Alice McKay Building on the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. Bring a NEW Toy for a boy or girl with at least a $10 value and enjoy a night of Pro Wrestling. If you do not have a toy we will accept a $10 cash donation on behalf of the Christmas Bureau. The All Star Wrestlers will be donating their time for this cause. Venue is being donated by the Cloverdale Rodeo & Exhibition. For more information call 604-710-0872. www.allstar-wrestling.com
Canadian Eyesight Global: Free Eye Health Clinic
Canadian Eyesight Global’s Free Eye Health Clinic sponsored by Rotary Club of Surrey-Guildford and Rotary Club of Burnaby will be held on Sunday, December 14, 12- 4 p.m. at the Khalsa Diwan Society Complex, 8000 Ross Street, Vancouver. Everyone is welcome. Anyone interested in sponsoring an eye camp in their village in Punjab or any part of India, may contact: Anup Singh Jubbal, Canadian Eyesight Global, at 604-582-0579, email: info@CanadianEyesight.org, www.CanadianEyesight.org
Urban Older Workers (55+) Program
Starting from December 15 until June 2015 for 4 Sessions. If you’re 55 or older, living in Surrey or Delta / White Rock areas, and you want to get back into the job market, then Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society has an employment program for you: Job Options BC: Urban Older Workers (55+) employment program is seeking participants for its upcoming sessions. This program partners with local community and business employers, to generate job placements for participants. To qualify for this program, you must be: * 55 years old or older * Unemployed * Non – EI eligible (or EI-Reach Back) * Out of school * Looking for a job * Permanent Resident or Citizen * Living in either Surrey or Delta / White Rock. In this program, you will: * Increase your employment skills * Get valuable job search experience * Access to training allowances. The next session starts on December 15 at the Surrey Office located at #205-12725, 80th Avenue, Surrey. For more information, contact K. C. Chau at 604-596-7722, ext. 117, or via email at kcchau@pics.bc.ca
Delhi-ite Get-together
It’s time to celebrate our common heritage, roots and traditions by getting together for yet another Delhi-ite Get-together: Fun-filled night with Tambola, Karaoke, Musical Chairs and much more. Full course dinner with dance on Sunday, December 26 at 7 p.m. at Fraserview Banquet Hall, Fraser & Marine Drive, Vancouver. Tickets: $ 25/Adults, $ 15/Children 12 & under. For more info: Kamal Sharma at (604) 833-1977.
PICS Kids Club
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society has launched the PICS Kids Club for students in grades K-12 who need a little extra help with their school work and studies. The tutoring sessions are $20/hour and they run every Wednesday between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. at PICS Society head office, 205-12725 80th Avenue, Surrey. For more information, contact Sunita Dhaliwal at 604-596-7722, ext. 141.
Unemployed, Non E.I. receiver, Looking for a Job?
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society’s Job Options BC program in White Rock / South Surrey is providing opportunities for unemployed non-EI British Columbians 18 years of age or older. If you’re looking to get into the job market, then this program is for you. The eligibility criteria for Job Options BC program are: * Unemployed British Columbians who are Landed Immigrants or Canadian Citizens and aren’t attending school * Non-EI receivers who haven’t established a regular Employment Insurance claim in the last 3 years; and haven’t established a maternity or parental claim in the past 5 years * Individuals who are most likely to benefit from long term job search help, supported work experience and follow-up support services. Funded through the Canada – B.C. Labour Market Agreement, the program offers: * 4 to 6 weeks of facilitated group work followed by 4 to 6 weeks of work experience options to a maximum of 10 weeks * Training allowances for 4 to 6 weeks of group work * Preparation for employment, or where appropriate, further training and up to 6 months follow up support * Opportunity to train and work with a BC employer. The next session starts on January 12, 2015 and intake is ongoing. For more information, contact Job Options BC Program: PICS Society #206-1461 Johnston Road, White Rock. Phone: 604-531-8299, Fax 604-531-9057, danny.pendhall@pics.bc.ca
