Introducing Paddle BC & Win a Squamish Adventure

Comments 37 by Rebecca Bollwitt

A new directory of BC’s world-class guided paddling experiences is now right at your fingertips! Paddle BC is a collaboration between BC’s paddling associations, and supported by Destination BC. It’s an online directory that lets paddling enthusiasts of all levels easily discover BC’s world-class destinations and waterways for paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and kayak fishing.

Paddle BC Above Photo
Submitted Photo by Paddle BC

Introducing Paddle BC

There are six diverse paddling regions in BC: the Kootenay Rockies, Thompson Okanagan, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Northern BC, Vancouver Island, and the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region.

Did you know? BC has over 25,000 kilometres of ocean coastline to explore, innumerable rivers and tributaries, and more than 20,000 lakes of all sizes. Canoeing and kayaking are the fourth most popular outdoor activities and are as popular as fishing (Source: General Social Survey, Canadians at Work and Home, 2016).

At PaddleBC.ca you’ll find a directory of the top guided paddling experiences across BC. All of the experiences featured have been expertly vetted to ensure a safe and memorable paddling experience. You can search up experiences by paddling-type, namely paddleboarding, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and kayak fishing. Explore experiences by waterway type and find the top lakes, rivers and ocean experiences BC has to offer.

Win a Squamish Adventure

I have an incredible Paddle BC experience to give away thanks to Norm Hann Expeditions in Squamish. This Howe Sound Interpretive Tour is an introductory ocean paddle on the stunning Howe Sound Fiord. This tour starts with ocean safety is for beginners or experienced paddlers and along with an opportunity to connect to the waters. Guides will also help coach and improve your paddling skills throughout the tour. Atl’Kitsem (Howe Sound) is the traditional waters and territory of the Squamish First Nation.

Over the winter they do sessions by appointment and check their calendar for scheduled tours.

Paddle BC Experience Giveaway

Learn more via Paddle BC – have fun out there!

Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend November 11-13

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

This weekend starts with Remembrance Day ceremonies on Friday, which then leads into a festive season of shows, theatre, pop-up local attractions and so much more. From music and roller skating to winter markets, find a bundle of things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:

View Fall Things to do in Vancouver This weekend

Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend November 11-13

Friday, November 11, 2022
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Coquitlam Remembers
Fighting to Be There @ Mackin House
Surrey Remembrance Day Ceremonies
Bespoke Market Squamish
Chor Leoni Remembrance Day Concerts
La Seizième: Un. Deux. Trois.
Circle Craft Christmas Market
Music on Main’s 2022 Modulus Festival
The Frontliners Workshop Production
Architecture & Design Film Festival
The Cave at The Cultch
Chutzpah! Festival 
The Sound of Music 
Bear Creek Lights 
Beyond King Tut at Canada Place
Western Gold Theatre Presents: Seventeen
Mom’s The Word: Talkin’ Turkey

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Join National Philanthropy Day in Vancouver

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Join the 25th annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon and Giving Hearts Awards ceremony in Vancouver on November 25th.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (“AFP”) Greater Vancouver Chapter invites you to celebrate the incredible individuals, families, and organizations that generously give their time, leadership, and financial support to benefit countless people and communities throughout Greater Vancouver this year.

National Philanthropy Day & Giving Hearts Awards 2022

  • When: Friday, November 25, 2022 at 11:00am
  • Where: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
  • Tickets: Available online now for $130 until November 18, 2022
National Philanthropy Day in Vancouver

The Giving Hearts Awards (“GHA”) honour outstanding individuals, volunteers, leaders, fundraisers, philanthropists, and youth of Greater Vancouver’s non-profit and social profit community.

This year, AFP received 30 nominations from charities throughout the Lower Mainland. GHA recipients will be announced for the categories of Spirit of Generosity (formerly Outstanding Philanthropist), Outstanding Legacy Philanthropist, Outstanding Youth Philanthropist, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, Outstanding Professional Fundraiser, Outstanding Corporation, and Outstanding Small Business.

Speakers

AFP’s Tracy London will be joined by Vancouver Foundation’s CEO Kevin McCort and Director, Indigenous Priorities Jeska Slater who will present a keynote address on Vancouver Foundation’s ongoing journey to be in right relations with Indigenous and Metis communities in BC.

Initially, Vancouver Foundation was one of the first signees of the Philanthropic Declaration of Action. Since then, the foundation has hired an Indigenous team and community advisors to lead the first steps – to create a multi-faceted program that goes beyond just funding. The Indigenous Priorities Strategy includes exploring systems change in an Indigenous context, mapping opportunities for advocacy, and moving to more relational grantmaking that is co-created with the communities they serve. The journey has not always been an easy one, and Kevin and Jeska will share some of the learnings and insights gained along the way.

Join National Philanthropy Day in Vancouver

Nominees

Spirit of Generosity – formerly Outstanding Philanthropist

  • Alyssa Virani – nominated by PS & Co Branding Inc. and Frank Palmer Art
  • Ali Pejman – nominated by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation
  • Ian and Rosemary Mottershead – nominated by Lions Gate Hospital Foundation and West Vancouver Foundation
  • Russ Cmolik – nominated by BCIT Foundation
  • Gaglardi Family – nominated by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
  • Leon Judah Blackmore Foundation – nominated by BC Cancer Foundation
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Win Tickets to see Liraz at the Chutzpah! Festival in Vancouver

Comments 2 by Rebecca Bollwitt

The 22nd annual Chutzpah! Festival is on now with exciting and dynamic lineup of performances until November 24, 2022, presenting music, theatre, comedy, dance and multimedia arts, connecting communities and celebrating the vibrancy of our stories.

Artists will once again grace the stages of the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, Wosk Auditorium, and the Sidney & Gertrude Zack Gallery, our festival hub at the JCC, and share their work in person and select digital streams.

Chutzpah! Festival in Vancouver
Liraz Photo credit Shai Franco / Liz Glazer / Dan & Claudia Zanes credit Anna Zanes

Chutzpah! Festival in Vancouver

A special programming highlight brings Jewish and non-Jewish artists of Persian heritage together to explore how these communities have intersected in their artistic expression. The Festival’s new programs for young audiences and families expand with theatre and music events, including special school matinees. Audiences will have the opportunity to attend in-person performances, or to enjoy select digital events from the comfort of their own homes. With an emphasis on artists from across Canada, the Festival will also present work from Israel, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Comedy Highlight

  • Celebrating Queer Jewish Comedy featuring Liz Glazer (USA)
    • November 24 at 8:00pm, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
    • Hosted by Yenta (USA) with Drag Queens Ziona Patriot & Talula Bonet “The Holy Sisters” (Israel)

Dance Highlight

  • Double Bill: Vanessa Goodman/Action at a Distance – World Premiere of Echo Chamber (Canada) and Shay Kuebler/Radical System Art Ghost Scripts (Canada)
    • November 21 & 22 at 8:00pm, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre (Digital Streaming Available)

Theatre Highlight

  • Staged Reading: Yankl & Der Beanstalk (UK). Part of the DBLSPK Program co-presented with rice & beans theatre (Canada)
    • November 7 at 1:00pm, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre (Digital Streaming Available)

Multimedia Highlights

  • Maya Ciarrocchi & Andrew Conklin – Site: Yizkor (Canada/USA)
    • November 12-19: Installation and Workshops, Sidney & Gertrude Zack Gallery
    • November 19: Performance, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre (Digital Streaming Available)

Programming for Families & Young People

  • Dan and Claudia Zanes in Concert (USA)
    • Family Show: November 13 at 11:00am, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre
    • School Matinee: November 14 at 11:00am, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre

Literary Program Highlight

  • Jacqueline Saper – From Miniskirt to Hijab: A Girl in Revolutionary Iran ( USA)
    • November 14 at 1:00pm, Digitally Streamed

Culinary

  • Ayelet Latovich – Persian Jewish Food and Cooking (Israel)
    • November 21 at 6:00pm, Digitally Streamed

Workshops and talkbacks with festival artists, facilitated by members of the Vancouver arts community will run throughout the Festival. Select workshops will also be available for streaming. Check the website for updates and registration info.

Win Tickets to see Liraz

I didn’t forget to mention a music highlight! I have a pair of tickets to give away to Liraz – A Persian-Jewish Program happening November 23rd at 8:00pm, Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre.

Celebrated Israeli singer, songwriter, actress Liraz Charhi has wowed crowds with her performances on stage, sound, and screen. Her debut self-titled album garnered wonderful acclaim. Her follow-up album, Only You ‘re Allowed, is a collaboration of Israel’s best writers and composers and combines modern sounds with the ethnic Persian flavor of Liraz’s upbringing.

To enter to win:

  • Leave a comment on this post, or post the following on Twitter:
contest ended

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, November 14, 2022. Follow the Chutzpah! Festival on Facebook for more info throughout the festival and beyond.

UPDATE: The winner is Fiona!

West Coast Christmas Show in Abbotsford

Comments 26 by Rebecca Bollwitt
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by the West Coast Christmas Show Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

One of the largest one-stop holiday shopping destinations in the Lower Mainland, the West Coast Christmas Show and Artisan Market, is back in person this year at Tradex in Abbotsford November 18-20, 2022. Shop holiday gifts, fancy foods, personal services, decor ideas, festive live florals, and culinary inspirations under one roof. This is where your Christmas shopping begins, and ends!

West Coast Christmas Show in Abbotsford

West Coast Christmas Show in Abbotsford

  • When: November 18-20, 2022
    • Friday 1pm to 9pm; Saturday, 9am to 5pm; Sunday 10am to 4pm
  • Where: Tradex (1190 Cornell St, Abbotsford)
  • Tickets: Save up to $3 a ticket by purchasing online in advance. Your ticket purchase includes free re-entry throughout the show dates, just stop by the exit counter to have your hand stamped.

Discover new gift ideas, original art, pottery, crafts, woodwork, textile art and fashion designs, specialty foods, home decor, clothing, furniture, jewellery, candles, soaps, and much more.

Take in a performance at The Festive Performance Stage, which features a wide range of local musicians and dancers performing live including the Royal City Youth Ballet. Bring your camera or smart phone so you can take a selfie with Santa, and be sure to stop by the on-site nursery, which is your source for live seasonal décor needs.

Create your very own free ornament, with a little help from the elves in Santa’s workshop, and stroll through the Festival of Trees where charitable organizations will decorate trees and compete for a grand prize.

Enter to Win

I have a pair of tickets to give away so that you can shop one of a kind, unique items and have a whole lot of festive fun in the process! Here’s how you can enter to win:

West Coast Christmas Show & Artisan Market

Follow the West Coast Christmas Show on Facebook for more info.