For the last eight years we have been taking my niece to Victoria in the spring for a girls weekend. We shop, visit the museum, dine out, hit the spa, and explore the city by land and sea. This year was different as my sister and I took my niece and her best friend over for a few days just before spring break. My niece, whose friend had never been to Victoria before, and I called the shots as we planned the activity schedule.
Shopping
On the top of my niece’s shopping list was the “Seeing is Believing” store on Government Street. I’m pretty sure we spent about an hour in there looking at novelties, getting zapped by trick pens, learning about new board games, and playing with toys that were bouncy, sticky, and gummy. It’s also on the same stretch of road as Rogers Chocolates where it’s almost necessary to stop in, try some samples, and pick up a chocolate truffle or two.
Referring to a map she picked up at breakfast, my niece also took us over to “Murray’s Trick & Joke Shop” where she and her friend were eying squirting roses that could fool their little brothers. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
UPDATE 2022: The Gassy Jack statue has been toppled during the Women’s Memorial March. UPDATE 2016: This is an important read: “Indigenous activists say the story of Gassy Jack is missing sordid details.”
Captain John “Gassy Jack” Deighton is a local legend and namesake for the area of downtown Vancouver known as Gastown. The Gassy Jack statue is one of the most photographed in Vancouver and is this week’s featured Vancouver Icon.
Saloon proprietor Deighton headed toward the Burrard Inlet by canoe from New Westminster and saw a need that he could fulfill near the mill. In 1867 he told the workers in the harbour that they could have all the whiskey they could drink if they helped him build a saloon. Within 24 hours “The Globe” was up and running.
While there is nothing left of The Globe (or much else of Vancouver from that time period due to The Great Fire) the statue of Gassy Jack stands at Maple Tree Square, where Alexander, Carrall, Water and Powell meet.
1870 – VPL Accession Number: 24322
“The north edge of Maple Street Square was the location of the original shoreline at high tide during Deighton’s time. Most of the pre-fire wooden buildings on the north side of Maple Tree Square were constructed over the tidal flats on wooden piles.” [source]
Installed in 1970 the statue was commissioned by Larry Killam who was interested in improving business in the Gastown area at the time.
“Vern Simpson made the sculpture following a drawing by Fritz Jacobson. It was given as a Valentine’s Day gift to the City. Then Mayor Tom Campbell threatened to have it hauled away to the city dump. Vandals later decapitated it but the head was returned for a $50 reward.” [source]
People pose with the statue, jump up on it, and have even dressed it up on occasion. Many laugh at the nickname “Gassy” (although it just meant he talked a lot) but his legacy lives on.
Nightlife thrives on Water and Carrall, through dance clubs, public houses, and fine drinking establishments featuring some of the city’s best mixologists.
To enter the contest, take a photo of a place in North Vancouver with historical significance and upload it to your own Flickr account. Then join the North Shore History group on Flickr and go back to your photo, click “Actions” then “Add to Group”. It’s free to sign up for a Flickr account if you do not already have one and Flickr offers various levels of privacy and licensing settings on your images.
This is the second Flickr photo contest from the North Vancouver Museum and Archives. The first was a “Then and Now” competition that juxtaposed old photos of landmarks with new.
It was on this day in 1985 that BC’s own Rick Hansen set off in his wheelchair to circumnavigate the globe to raise awareness of the potential of people with disabilities (in particular spinal cord injuries “SCI”). After 34 countries, four continents, and 40,000km in two years, the “Man in Motion” tour raised $26 million for Rick’s cause.
This year the Rick Hansen Foundation is organizing an anniversary tour across Canada that will begin in Newfoundland on August 24th, 2011 and finish in Vancouver on May 22nd, 2012. The “25th Anniversary Relay” will recreate Rick’s original Canadian route, travelling 12,000kms and visiting over 600 communities. The foundation is also encouraging other participants to join the relay and applications will begin online this spring.
All funds raised will go to the Rick Hansen Foundation: “Among the Foundation’s accomplishments is the creation of the Rick Hansen Institute. It began as a Foundation project and has grown in both size and success over the years. Today this independent Institute is a Canada-wide collaboration dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for people who live with SCI and related-disabilities. The Foundation will continue to provide leadership and assistance to the Institute in order to attain financial sustainability and expand its programs internationally.”
Follow the Rick Hansen Foundation on Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and Twitter for updates about the Man in Motion tour and participation in the 25th Anniversary Relay.
On March 11th a series of earthquakes offshore shook Japan causing a devastating chain of events including a tsunami that permanently redefined the coastline. Thousands lost their lives and the country is still on high alert due to the instability of several nuclear power programs. From the Red Cross to Doctors Without Borders, many helpful organizations are already on the ground to assist. In order to make sure these programs have the resources and manpower required, there are several fundraising events being held around the Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley to show support.
1000 Paper Cranes for Japan
When: Until March 25, 2011
Where: CA Hall, University of British Columbia
Details: During the Exec Meet n’ Greet, come drop by the booth where you will find origami paper and string. WIth a minimum donation of $1, you can fold your own crane, write a message or prayer on the side, and then we will hang them up in the CA Hall. Event website
Paleolithic 6 Band Spring Rock Blowout
When: March 18, 2011 starting at 8:00pm
Where: Rickshaw Theatre (West Hastings, Vancouver)
Details: 100% of proceeds from the event will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross for Japan relief efforts. Event website
Japan Love
When: March 18, 23, 25, 30, 2011 starting at 5:00pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery, Burrard at Robson
Details: Japan Love Bokinbako donation boxes will be setup by the BC Japan Earthquake Relief Fund will be on-location. Event website
We ♥ Japan
When: March 19, 2011 starting at 9:30pm
Where: Pop Opera (686 W Hastings, Vancouver)
Details: All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Canadian Red Cross. Event website
Unite for Japan
When: March 19, 2011 starting at 9:00pm
Where: Post Modern (7 Alexander Street, Vancouver)
Details: “Organized by four UBC 4th year Students with proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross. Event website
Japan Love BC Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
When: March 20, 2011 starting at 10:00am
Where: Fisherman’s Park Steveston (3rd and Moncton St, Richmond)
Details: The Steveston Rotary Club will issue tax receipts for any donations of $20 or more. Funds will be used to adopt a Japanese fishing village in Sendai through Steveston’s Sister City in Wakayama, Japan. All the funds will flow through the Steveston Buddhist Temple directly to the village once they have secured the administration of the funds. Event website
I Heart Japan Fundraiser
When: March 20, 2011 starting at 7:00pm
Where: Sin Bin Sports Grill (295 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver)
Details: All proceeds will go to the Red Cross Canadian Match Program (Molson Coors Canada will match all donations made at the event). Event website
Hope for Japan Bake Sale
When: March 21, 2011 starting at 11:00am
Where: Conference Center Building G at Kwantlen (12666-72 Ave, Surrey)
Details: Organized by Kwantlen students with proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross. Event website
Comedians Stand up for Japan
When: March 22, 2011 starting at 7:30pm
Where: Anza Club (#3 W 8th Ave, Vancouver)
Details: Join co-hosts Brendan Beiser (Agent Pendrell from X Files) and Ellie Harvie (Morticia from the New Addams Family) together with Vancouver’s top comedy talent, including Roman Danylo (Comedy Inc.) with proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross. Event website
Fundraiser for Japan
When: March 25, 2011 starting at 6:30pm
Where: Frankie G’s Boilerhouse Pub (305 Ewen Ave, New Westminster)
Details: All funds raised as well as drink proceeds from Frankie G’s will go to the Canadian Red Cross. Shuttle service will run from 22nd Ave Skytrain Station to/from Frankie G’s thanks to Phat Cat Limousine. For tickets email mmorriss[at]shaw.ca
Move, Groove, and Soul
When: March 25, 2011 starting at 9:00pm
Where: Heritage Hall (3102 Main St, Vancouver)
Details: Dance the night away to a funky 9-piece band while benefitting Japan relief efforts Event website
Japan Love Fundraiser
When: March 28, 2011
Where: Fortune Sound Club (147 E Pender, Vancouver)
Details: DJs and performers will entertain as 100% of donations made will go to the Canadian Red Cross Event website
The Social Media Club’s March Mixer
When: March 28, 2011 starting at 5:30pm
Where: Ceilis Irish Pub (670 Smithe St., Vancouver)
Details: A discussion about the lesser known story of the Social Media Club and facts going back two thousand years of social experiences. 100% of donations made will go to the Canadian Red Cross Event website
Japan Relief Fundraiser
When: April 2, 2011 starting at 6:30pm
Where: Shiang Garden Restaurant (2200-4540 No. 3 Road, Richmond)
Details: Proceeds from the formal dinner will go to the Canadian Red Cross. Event website
Walk of Hope
When: April 3, 2011 starting at 3:00pm
Where: Science World parking lot (1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver)
Details: 5.5 km walk through Vancouver. Participants are encouraged to wear red and white to show support. Event website
Exercise for the Cause
When: April 9, 2011 starting at 4:00pm
Where: 3584 West 41st Ave (Vancouver)
Details: Proceeds raised from the Dailey Method class will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross in support of its efforts to aid Japan.
Plates for Japan
When: April 12, 2011
Where: Participating restaurants in Vancouver
Details: Restaurants across Vancouver are pledging a portion of their proceeds from their sales to the Canadian Red Cross fund for the Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami. Event website
Pierce-a-thon at Supreme Tattoo
When: April 17, 2011 starting at 9:00am
Where: Supreme Tattoos (46257 Yale Road, Chilliwack)
Details: All proceeds from piercings will go to the Canadian Red Cross efforts in Japan. Piercing, jewelry, and supplies usually cost about $55.
Bake for the Quake
When: April 20, 2011 starting at 6:00pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver)
Details: A collective bake sale to raise funds for Japan earthquake and tsunami relief. The proceeds will go directly to Doctors without Borders. Event website
Waves Coffee for Japan
When: April 23, 2011
Where: Waves Coffee Houses in BC
Details: All Waves in BC will be donating 10 percent of their sales proceeds of the day to the Japanese Relief Fund for relief efforts in Japan.
Tea for Japan
When: Present – no end date specified
Where: Online
Details: Organized by Capilano University students, 50g packs of Japanese Sencha green tea will be sold with all proceeds going directly to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia-Pacific Tsunami fund. Event website
Please feel free to submit any additional event listings through the comments section of this post.
