Vancouver is hosting its first Doors Open event on Saturday, October 4th, allowing the public free access to over 20 local attractions and iconic buildings.
Surrey and Richmond both hosted Doors Open events this summer. “Doors Open is a chance for people to connect with the important and interesting work that is done all over the city,” says Sadhu Johnston, Deputy City Manager. “We hope it helps everyone feel more connected to the work the City does, while also having a great day out.”
The Doors Open concept has origins in France where the first event, La Journée Portes Ouvertes, took place in 1984. Toronto was the first North American city to follow the European lead and launched a high profile event showcasing constructed heritage, architecture and design as a millennium project in 2000.
On Saturday, October 4th, the public will be able to enjoy free access to Vancouver venues for an opportunity to learn about civic services while experiencing Vancouver’s architectural, design, engineering, and cultural heritage.
Doors Open Vancouver venues are located in three walkable clusters: Downtown, around City Hall, and in the False Creek Flats. Venues include City Hall, the False Creek Energy Centre, Scotiabank Dance Theatre, 3-1-1 Call Centre, the Vancouver Animal Control Centre, the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services Training Centre, the Vancouver Police Department Mounted Unit and more.
A variety of tours will be offered at each site. Follow DoorsOpenVan on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more information and plan your visit online for Saturday.
Vancouver Opera presents the world’s sexiest opera, Carmen, which became the fastest-selling production in Vancouver Opera history when it last took to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre stage five years ago.
This gorgeous production of Carmen, directed by Joel Ivany Joel Ivany Joel Ivany, is set in 1930s-1940s Latin America, complete with the heat, grit and passion of that time and place. Hand-rolled cigars, poncho-clad bandits, even a New York Yankees baseball cap on a street urchin may be seen among the spectacle of more than 60 choristers.
Vancouver Opera’s Carmen will be onstage from Saturday, September 27th until Sunday, October 5th for six performances only. Tickets are available exclusively through the Vancouver Opera Ticket Centre by calling (604) 683-0222 or ordering online.
I love attended Vancouver Opera’s productions. Striking sets, moving performances, sensational music, and a great date night idea or excuse to dress up for a night on the town with friends.
Official Wine Partner Mission Hill Family Estate would like to send you to see this unforgettably passionate, colourful and sensual show. For the last 13 seasons Mission Hill has supported Vancouver Opera’s ground-breaking productions, award-winning community programs, and its foundation as a cultural pillar in our city for the last 50 years.
Here’s how you can enter to win a pair of tickets to Carmen (performance on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 7:30pm) courtesy of Mission Hill Family Estate:
I will draw one winner from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 2, 2014. Must be 19+. Contest tickets are only valid for the October 4, 2014 performance. Follow Mission Hill on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about their wines, special events, and sponsorships.
Update The winner is Wes!
The Vancouver Home + Design Show returns to BC Place this October 16th to October 19th focusing on everything you’ll need for gardening, design, renovation, home decor, and much more.
The Vancouver Home + Design Show is where it all comes together for any home improvement project! With big names like Colin McAllister & Justin Ryan, stars of Cottage Life TV’s Colin & Justin’s Cabin Pressure, Bryan Baeumler, host of HGTV’s Leave it to Bryan, and culinary master Chef Corbin Tomaszeski.
Plus local design and foodie favourites, more than 325 exhibitors and a slew of sensational new features, there’s expert insight, innovation and inspiration for living well at every turn. Satisfaction guaranteed – or the cost of admission is on us.
Visit the Vancouver Home + Design Show from 4:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, October 16th; 12:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday, October 17th; 10:00am to 9:00pm on Saturday, October 18th; and 10:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday, October 19th.
Admission is $15 for adults (or $12 when purchased online); $12 for seniors (or $5 before 5:00pm on Thursday and Friday) or $9 for seniors online in advance; and children 12 and under are free.
Photo courtesy of the Vancouver Home + Design Show
Win a Vancouver Home + Design Show Prize Pack
The Vancouver Home and Design Show has put together an awesome prize pack (valued at over $350) for me to give away to one lucky reader, and they’ve also included another pair of tickets for a secondary prize.
Urban Barn Maria Pouf – $129 value, assorted colours
Aspen Clean House Cleaning Kit (all natural cleaners & microfiber cloths) – $75 value
Noir Lash Lounge Full Lash Set – $100 value
Door Pro gift card – $50 value
A pair of tickets to the Vancouver Home and Design Show
Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw two winners, one for the prize pack + ticket and the other for tickets only on Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 5:00pm. Follow the Vancouver Home + Design Show on Facebook and Twitter for more information about the event. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash value.
Update The prize pack winner is Steven! The ticket winner is Kathy E Ali!
The BC Sports Hall of Fame is inducting its Class of 2014 tonight at the 46th Annual Banquet of Champions, live from the Vancouver Convention Centre.
On top of the induction ceremony and a dinner, guests tonight can participate in a live auction with prizes from River Rock Casino Resort, the 102nd Grey cup, the Vancouver Giants, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Edgewater Casino will also host a raffle for a trip for two to Las Vegas.
Banquet of Champions
I am proud to once again be the social media sponsor of this very special event. Check back here at around 6:00pm tonight for photos, quotes, and news as it happens at the Banquet of Champions. Partner ViaSport is also providing a live stream starting at 6:30pm.
Follow the BC Sports Hall of Fame on Twitter and Facebook, and use the tag #2014BOC to see updates throughout the night.
Class of 2014 Inductees
In the athlete category, five athletes: Greg Athans (freestyle skiing), Sarah Burke (freestyle skiing), Lars Hansen (basketball), Scott Niedermayer (ice hockey), Joanne Sargent (basketball).
In the builder category: Bob Nicholson (ice hockey) and Dr. Jack Taunton (sports medicine) have been selected. Selected for induction in the pioneer category is Robert Powell (tennis) and in the W.A.C. Bennett category, Erwin Swangard. The 1978 Doc’s Blues Women’s Softball Team has been selected for induction in the team category and Paul Carson has been selected for induction in the media category.
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Canuck Place Children’s Hospice will celebrate the 10th annual Gift of Time Gala presented by TELUS on Saturday, September 27th at the Westin Bayshore. The event has raised over $6 million dollars for critical care for province wide programs provided by Canuck Place to children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.
The spectacular gala features original centrepieces created by artist Sid Dickens and children at Canuck Place, red glass Venetian candelabras, musicians, performers and the highlight presentation story from a family who has received care from BC recognized pediatric palliative care provider.
“It is always an incredible evening,” said Margaret McNeil, CEO at Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. “We are so grateful for the support of the guests and our event partners. My favourite part of the evening is when we hear from Canuck Place families.”
Savour Life at Canuck Place’s 10th Annual Gift of Time Gala
The family stories are remarkable and focus on themes about humanity. It is not about saving lives but about how to savour life.
Partners, supporters, and donors, hear life-altering challenges from families like the Laurencos. Lindsey Lourenco passed away at Canuck Place in March 2013 at the age of 18. Lindsey was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the tender of age of 13 and she received treatments for cancer when it returned repeatedly.
When the cancer came back the fifth time, Lindsey made the brave decision to stop treatments and enter the Canuck Place program. Her best friend and her sister Lindsey spoke to gala guests in 2013. “Lindsey was the bravest, strongest and most beautiful person I will ever know. I am still in awe of all the amazing things she accomplished while silently suffering with so much pain and fear. I will always be so proud to be her sister. Lindsey is my hero, my inspiration and the positive voice inside my head.”
With the help of Canuck Place, Sadie and her parents, Tony and Darlene shared Lindsey’s last few weeks and created lasting memories. “The nurses, the doctors, the social workers, the volunteers, everyone made sure we had every need met. Did we have any questions? Were we comfortable? Did we want to talk to someone? Did we need a break? Did we need a hug? Would you like to spend some time with Poppy, the beloved Canuck Place therapy dog? I felt like every person at Canuck Place sincerely cared about my sister, me, and my whole family’s happiness and well-being,” said Sadie.
“Canuck Place was there for us and continues to be there for us. I lost my sister, but what happened to our family could happen to anyone. Please give to Canuck Place for your children, your friend’s children, for BC’s children.”
The 2014 Gift of Time gala represents TELUS’ ninth year as presenting sponsor. This tremendous contribution and continuous support through the gala and other investments has helped Canuck Place Children’s Hospice to provide clinical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, 24-hour phone consultation support and in-house clinical care, art and education, recreation therapy, grief and loss counselling and end-of-
life care.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is a not-for-profit organization that raises 80 percent of its operating budget through generous gifts from individuals, community organizations and partners. Currently, Canuck Place is reaching only 25% of the estimated 1400 children in BC who need our care. Gift of Time is one event that will make a difference. It is with the support and commitment of organizations like TELUS that Canuck Place has been able to provide clinical care for two decades to children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is British Columbia’s recognized pediatric palliative care provider. Over 560 newborns, children and teens with life-threatening illnesses and their families receive care from CPCH through outreach programs and two provincial hospice locations; Vancouver and Abbotsford. Services include clinical respite and family support, pain and symptom management, 24-hour phone consultation support and in-house clinical care, art and education, recreation therapy, grief and loss counselling and end-of-life care. Through the investment of the community and our talented team and over 325 energetic volunteers we make a lasting difference in the lives of children and the families who love them.
