Various locations
From Vancouver to Whistler and across the Lower Mainland, restaurants participating in Dine Out for Life will donate 25 per cent of their food sales March 26 to non-profits organizations Friends For Life and A Loving Spoonful.
Almost 100 locations will serve breakfast, lunch or dinner in support people living with HIV or AIDS. All proceeds go directly to programs and services, including meal delivery, support therapies and end-of-life care to people in their own homes.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, in 2012, B.C. had the second largest number of reported AIDS cases at 24.4 per cent, followed by Saskatchewan and Alberta. Ontario had the largest percentage.
In the previous year, the agency estimated 71,300 people lived with HIV or AIDS in Canada, with more than 25 per cent residing in B.C., in particular Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, making it the highest HIV rates in the Western world, reaching as high as 27 per cent.
While B.C.’s infection rates have decreased, advanced therapies mean people with HIV or AIDS are living longer and the number of people who depend on the services of Friends For Life and A Loving Spoonful continues to grow. For more information and a complete listing of participating restaurants, visit diningoutforlife.com.
Kitsilano
Let a few crooners brighten up your spirits this Easter at St. James Community Square April 3.
Songs of Mahalia Jackson is a concert of gospel songs made famous by the singer, considered by many to be the greatest gospel singer of all time and known for songs such as “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and “His Eye is On the Sparrow.” The show features Blues Hall of Fame inductee Dalannah Gail Bowen,
Will Sanders of The Sojourners, Joanie Bye and Simon Kendall on piano.
Doors open at 6:45 p.m. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Bowen at [email protected] or 604-642-2502.
Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re up for an evening stroll through the lush Queen Elizabeth Park, check out Approaching the Past, a free event April 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
VanDusen Botanical Garden Association board member Vicky Early and Vancouver Park Board chairman John Coupar will present the history of the park and the Bloedel Conservatory. It’s ideally aimed at educators in schools, museums and heritage programs but everyone is welcome. Participants will be provided with a package of materials for lesson and program planning. To join, contact [email protected] or call 604-822-6915.
Various locations
BlueShore Financial, a sponsor of the Vancouver Sun Run, is bringing the Sun Run ShoeRenu Program to the city March 31 with a community-wide shoe collection effort.
BlueShore Financial staff in 12 locations spanning Vancouver, Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish and North Vancouver are encouraged to bring their gently used shoes to work this month. Surrounding communities are also invited to drop off their own shoes at the nearest BlueShore Financial location March 30. Used shoes and boots are collected, washed and distributed to the disadvantaged through the Vancouver ShoeRenu Foot Care Clinics at the Salvation Army Harbour Light.
Now in its eighth year, the program has given away almost 500 pairs of re-conditioned shoes and clean socks annually to low-income individuals. To find a location, visit blueshorefinancial.com.
Downtown
For seniors who want to keep up with technology and social media, the Vancouver Public Library is offering two introductory workshops at its downtown central branch, 350 West Georgia St. — Twitter for Beginners for Seniors and Internet Basics for Seniors.
The Twitter workshop takes place March 27 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on the 7th floor. In this hands-on course, participants will set up an account, customize the account settings and begin following other Twitter users.
Meanwhile, the Internet Basics for Seniors workshop takes place March 31 from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. on the same floor. Participants will learn what’s available on the Internet and how to find it. This hands-on session includes a discussion about browsers, navigation and effective searching.
Both events require registration. Contact [email protected] or call 604-331-3603.
Also downtown, the Canadian premiere of a documentary examining the legacy of eco-warrior Edward Abbey, will screen March 30 at Vancity Theatre. Wrenched is part of the Sea Shepherd and Vancouver International Film Festival’s second annual environmental film series.
The movie celebrates Abbey’s life and asks, “How far do you have to go in order to address the rapidly escalating ecological crisis and what forms of action are most effective?” It also includes an interview with Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson who talks about Abbey’s influence on his career as an activist. Watson is a guest speaker at the event. Tickets for the evening are $11 in advance. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the screening at 6:30 p.m.
The documentary will run through June 1 at Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St.
For more information, visit viff.org
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