The Union Gospel Mission is looking for volunteers to help them out in a week-long Thank-a-Thon.

At Union Gospel Mission, we love our donors — thanks to them, we can make a difference in Metro Vancouver. We want to pour some serious time and effort into making phone calls to say “thank you” for the generosity of the people that keep UGM helping people.

But we need YOUR help! If you’ve got a spare hour or two on an evening or a weekend in the coming weeks, would you help us make some phone calls? You’ll be provided with a script, some delicious food to keep you satiated, and your very own desk phone (with real buttons!)

From January 19th until the 30th they will be placing 10,000 calls to thank supporters (no donations will be solicited). As this is quite the task they are looking for volunteers (about 15 a night) to work shifts Monday to Friday, 5:00pm to 8:00pm or 6:00pm until 9:00pm. They also have a Saturday shift, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Training will be provided along with scripts.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you can contact Amy Billingsley (abillingsley [at] ugm.ca] or call (604) 215-5440 ext 343.

Union Gospel Mission is a non-profit urban relief organization serving Metro Vancouver and the City of Mission, providing hope for the hungry, hurting and homeless since 1940.

Last year Mount Seymour introduce their Ride for Breast Cancer Research campaign and since it was such a hit, they’re bringing it back.

Each Monday, when vouchers were picked up ahead of time at various locations in the region, ladies will be able to ride free during evening ski times.

Girls Ride Free every Monday night from the 12th January 2009 to the 16th March 2009.

This great night is to support breast cancer research at the BC Cancer Foundation and is an awesome social night to share with friends. Not only do girls get to ride for free, but we have plenty of draw prizes, and food and drink specials in Elevations Restaurant starting at 8pm each Monday night.

This year’s “Guys Night Out, Girls Ride Free” begins tomorrow. Ladies can pick up their vouchers at Coastal Riders in Surrey, Committed Boardshop in Deep Cove, Comor Sports in Burnaby, Fluid Sports in Maple Ridge or Langley, and Pacific Boarder on West 4th.

Just before Christmas I met up with Ananda of VATA Brasil to chat and learn more about this local company that is producing some extraordinary garments.

VATA Brasil active wear can be found in Canada, US, Mexico and the Middle East however their flagship storefront on is located on Richards street between Dunsmuir and Hastings – right next door to their offices and design headquarters.

Ananda and her husband Mario (who are established freedivers) are very savvy when it comes to sports wear and since Ananda herself is the lead designer of the clothing, she is able to create pieces that work; whether you’re doing yoga, jogging or riding a bike. I personally have been living in my VATA pants over the last few weeks since they’re so comfortable.

One of the keys is that their shirts, pants and jackets are not made of lycra so they are able to stretch, move, and breathe with your body. They’re also all available in one-size, no joke. You can pick up a pair of pants in whichever of the many colours on display and try on any style to get the same great fit.

VATA OneFit is made of a micro-fibre yarn, synthetic fabric with hydrophobic (water-hating) properties versus hydrophilic (water-loving), like cotton, and the fabric has four times the filaments of average yarn.

The small Vancouver-based company is making quite the splash in the industry, having recently designed a line for Bikram Yoga Vancouver and by being the official outfitter of the Toronto Argonauts CFL cheerleaders.

VATA’scollection is bright, colourful, and contains dozens of styles to suit your sport, activity or lifestyle. Prices are comparable to the other yoga/activewear outlets in town but I believe the material and styles truly make the difference.

VATA is also in the middle of a social media makeover with a blog in their near future. For now, you can check in with them on Twitter, their main website, or feel free to swing by their boutique on Richards street.

Disclosure: I was not paid to write this review however I did walk away from VATA with the top and pants pictured above.

I’ve celebrated 28 birthdays in the Greater Vancouver Region so turning 29 (for the first time… for real) while in Iowa is a new experience for me. Mom won’t be there when I wake up with a stack of pancakes on the table pierced by a single celebratory candle. I won’t be able to answer my phone all day because my roaming charges are obscenely high. I also won’t be sitting around a big TV screen watching the Canucks play a hockey game, secretly hoping they win in my honor.

However, I will be surrounded by a loving family, I will wake up next to my husband/best friend, and I will be thankful for everything and everyone in my life.

This past year has taught me a lot and even though each day I have moments where I worry, stress, or wonder just what the heck I am doing, I take a look at those who surround me, support me, and inspire me, and I know that I must be doing something right to be blessed in this way and to have them all at my side.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and this site over the last year and here’s to a great 2009 (because next year I’ll be turning 29… again).

In honor of my birthday, I encourage everyone to do something nice for someone else… no matter how big or small the task. Open a door for someone, leave the waiter a big tip, call your mom, let your friends know you appreciate them, or take out the trash/recycling. There’s also the UGM, and the Food Bank, which are two of the causes I’ve supported this year.

This morning we headed out to Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year-round respite and recreational facility and a very special place in the hearts of many.

Camp Courageous was founded in 1972 when forty acres of land was donated for the sole purpose of establishing a camp for the disabled. In 1973 five buildings were built from donated labor and materials. By 1974 the camp was ready for its first campers, which totaled 211. Today the camp is open year-round, has over 150 acres of land with 14 buildings, and annually serves over 5,000 campers, ranging in age from 1 to 105. [Camp Courageous]

Today we met with staff, talked about social media (check out their blog or follow them on Twitter) and learned more about the great work Camp is doing. We then got a tour of some of the facilities (mostly the indoor ones since it’s darn cold outside).

Most of the amenities, supplies, buildings, and even the miniature train/railway were donated. “Camp Courageous was built and continues to operate on donations, without government assistance, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fund-raisers.” [History]

Camp Courageous is for anyone with a disability (“vision, mental, physical and other disabilities are typical of the individuals served.”) It’s run by staff and volunteers who keep things running smoothly and most of all, make sure that every camper is cared for and has the time of their life – from swimming, canoeing, accessible playgrounds, farm animals, pets, arts, and the celebration of each unique individual that comes by.

Having spent many summers at camp in BC when I was younger as a camper and volunteer, I know that the effects a facility like this can have on a child are pretty remarkable.

If you’re looking for a non-profit to support, please check out Camp Courageous of Iowa, whether you’d like to contribute funds, equipment, in-kind donations, sponsorships, or simply your time.

The rest of my photos from Camp can be found in my Flickr set.