ROOM WITH A VIEW: Last fall, McLaren Housing Society of B.C. opened the doors to its latest residential development located on Howe Street. The $30 million, 12-storey, 110-unit building supports 120 people dealing with issues of HIV, addiction and substance abuse. Sadly, hundreds still are on a wait list for affordable housing. Canada’s longest serving agency devoted to housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, the non-profit hosted its annual Sparkle fireworks party at Scotia Tower. Fronted by society president Michael Hoche, 75 guests enjoyed libations, fine fare and an auction from the 34th floor before taking in the impressive pyrotechnics from Team France. A reported $20,000 was raised to support McLaren Housing’s portable subsidies program, which provides clients financial assistance to remain in their own homes.
HIGH HOPES: CEO Ross Hetherington and his Make-A-Wish Foundation recently hosted its first Rope for Hope fundraiser at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Forty individuals, corporate teams and wish families — each raising a minimum of $1,500 — bravely rappelled 36 storeys down the downtown property to help grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions across B.C. and the Yukon. Vancouver was one of eight cities including Calgary, Montreal and Halifax joining in the cross-country effort to support once-in-a-lifetime wishes. First launched in Toronto, over $78,000 was generated locally and with the participation of the other cities, the charity was set to reach $1 million.
LA DOLCE VITA: Vancouverites got a taste of the good life at Terrazza di Peroni’s annual summer party. Held at the Waterfall Building, a stylish set, among them the fabulous Steven Schelling, fashion shutterbug Joshua McVeity and John Casablancas model Nicole Briann, took in the Trattoria Italian Kitchen-catered party and art show while enjoying Italy’s premium blue-ribbon lager. The special art installation exhibited photographs of Italy by Canadian luminaries including stylist George Antonopoulos, model Heather Marks, and Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong of Greta Constantine reimagined by emerging Canadian artists, including Vanhattan’s own Andy Dixon.
