The hardest part of raising a puppy in support of B.C. Guide Dog Services must be giving it up after more than a year.
But from what I've been told, as difficult as that is, knowing the dog is going to assist someone who has autism or is visually impaired or blind makes the task worthwhile.
B.C. Guide Dog Services needs volunteers in the Vancouver area to help raise puppies that will one day become working guide dogs. The puppies live with volunteer trainers from seven weeks to 15 months, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Food and expenses are covered. One stipulation is an adult must be home or be able to take the puppy to work with them while it's being trained. For more information, go to bcguidedog.com or call Linda at 604-940-4504.
Oakridge
Students from Simon Fraser University are helping with a drive this Thursday and Friday, March 22 and 23, to collect baby supplies for YMCA Metro Vancouver, which in turn will distribute the goods to mothers in need.
The Big Baby Drive was organized by the non-profit group One Big Movement, which is asking for help to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. B.C. holds the embarrassing record for the past eight years of having the highest child poverty rate in Canada. Just in the past two years, the number of children living below the poverty line has increased by 16,000.
The drive takes place in the exterior north parking lot at Oakridge Centre shopping mall (eastbound entrance off West 41st Avenue) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Infant basics most needed include unopened baby food, baby skin care and shampoo products, new blankets, clothes, mitts, socks, shoes, bedding etc., and new diapers-open boxes are OK and sizes four, five and six are most in demand.
Larger items such as strollers, cribs and mattresses are also needed, as are toys. Of course, cash is always welcome as a donation. Go to onebigmovement.org for more information.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
The Vancouver Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale takes place in the Floral Hall and Cedar Room at VanDusen March 24 (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 25 (Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $7.
Main Street
In honour of the five-year anniversary of the city's monthly Squeezebox Circle, Little Mountain Gallery (195 East 26th Ave.) and Accordion Noir present A Cedar Suede from Seattle. Also appearing, for the second time, is the Antique Accordion Orchestra performing with instruments more than 80-years-old. The all-ages show takes place March 23 from 8 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Twitter: @sthomas10
