Dedicate a Star with Vancouver’s Space Centre

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

Here’s a new one for my Gifts That Give Back gift guide! Vancouver’s H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is helping you inspire curiosity, celebrate a special occasion, or pay tribute with their Dedicate a Star program.

Dedicate a Star with Vancouver’s Space Centre

Star dedication prices range from $75 to $300 with the magnitude of stars becoming stronger (brighter) with higher values. All star dedications are tax deductible.

  • $75 – 3rd magnitude star, star constellation package
  • $150 – 2nd magnitude star, star constellation package
  • $300 – 1st magnitude star, star constellation package

All donations go directly to the Space Centre to support their vision to inspire experiences of wonder… “where we dream of a world filled with inquisitive, open-minded individuals who embrace their differences, connected through discovery and united through a deeper sense of shared humanity.”

The Dedicate a Star package includes a constellation star map, information and mythology about the constellation where the star is found, a star certificate, and a limited edition holiday ornament. The ornament features the Cancer constellation, in honour of the Crab fountain found in front of the Space Centre.

To purchase a Dedicate A Star package, fill out the online form, send an email or leave a phone message and a representative will be in contact to process payment and complete your order. Please note it may take up to 5 days for us to respond to your request. Place your order by December 14th to ensure timely delivery/pick-up.

The Dedicate a Star Program does not represent an official astronomical designation. 

The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is a non-profit community resource that brings the wonders of space to Earth, while providing a personal sense of ongoing discovery. Through innovative programming, exhibits and activities, their goal is to inspire sustained interest in the fields of Earth science, space science and astronomy.

They are currently offering virtual programs, online resources and onsite programming.

Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau Donations at London Drugs

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

London Drugs together with the Vancouver Fire Fighters Charity have found a safe and simple way to collect toys and gifts desperately needed for thousands of families who depend on the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau, which is experiencing 75% fewer donations than in 2019. 

Lower Mainland Christmas Burea

Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau Donations at London Drugs

On December 8 from 8:00am to 3:00pm, Vancouver Fire Fighters will be stationed outside six Vancouver London Drugs locations with Christmas toy collection bins. Masked up individuals can simply drop off toys and gifts to the outdoor toy bins while maintaining physical distance from the fire fighters and others.

The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau is seeing an increase in families accessing the services of the Christmas Bureau because of COVID-19. With the challenges presented by COVID protocols around accepting, sorting and distribution of items, 2020 has been challenging to gather the amount of both toys/gifts and monetary support that is so desperately needed.

The public is welcome to drop off new unwrapped toys and gifts for children, tweens and teens at the following locations:

  • London Drugs – 710 Granville St.
  • London Drugs – 2230 West Broadway
  • London Drugs – 3328 Kingsway (drive-through option)
  • London Drugs – 1622 Salt St. (Olympic Village)
  • London Drugs – 4588 Dunbar St.
  • London Drugs – 2091 West 42nd Ave

If individuals are unable to drop off a toy at those locations, all Lower Mainland London Drugs locations will happily accept donations at all customer service desks which will be forwarded to a central location for distribution to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. According to the Bureau, items for newborns, tweens and teens are always in need. Ideas for teens include cosmetics, jewelry, electronic and gaming items and gift cards. 

Related: Stocking Stuffers for Seniors at London Drugs 2020; Ways to Support Surrey Christmas Bureau This Season

Holiday Meal Kits from Match and Atlas, Win a Gift Card

Comments 126 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Match Eatery & Public House and Atlas Steak + Fish are now offering Holiday Meal Kits, that businesses can gift to team members, friends can gift to each other, or for your own family to enjoy.  

Holiday Meal Kits from Match and Atlas

Atlas Holiday Meal Kit

Kits are available for 2-6 people and all you have to do is order then pick up to enjoy at home. For businesses, they are happy to accommodate large and corporate orders.

Open for dine-in, with reservations and with your household bubble only.

Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Vancouver Weekend Events Dec 4-6, 2020

Add a Comment by Rebecca Bollwitt

The first weekend of December is here! There is a lineup of online shopping/markets kicking into high gear right now alongside a roster of digital entertainment and socially-spaced attractions. Stay safe, happy and healthy and enjoy these Vancouver Weekend Events:

Things to do in Vancouver This Weekend

Vancouver Weekend Events Dec 4-6, 2020

Friday, December 4, 2020
Got Craft? Holiday Pop-Up Virtual Market
Ambleside Forest of Miracles
CBC Vancouver Open House and Food Bank Day 2020
Upintheair Theatre Presents The Array: First Contact
Steveston Festival of Trees
Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas
FlyOver Canada Christmas
Holidays at Highstreet: Illuminate
The Dance Centre: TomoeArts
Fleurs de Villes Noël in Downtown Vancouver
The Dance Centre: Global Dance Connections Series

Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Coquitlam Shop Local Gift Guide

Add a Comment by Guest Author
Disclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by VisitCoquitlam.ca Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

In this month’s Visit Coquitlam guest feature you’ll find many reasons to shop local this season and a handy Coquitlam Gift Guide!

Coquitlam Shop Local Gift Guide

Coquitlam Shop Local Gift Guide

There are so many amazing shops and other businesses in Coquitlam, locals don’t need to travel far to nab an amazing gift for loved ones this holiday season. 

Yes, buying local supports our small businesses, but that’s not the only reason to shop close to home. It’s good for our health and the environment. Also, you’ll find locally made items you might not otherwise have discovered. 

Reasons to Shop Local This Season

Here are five reasons to shop local this holiday season, including some great gift ideas. And if you’re hesitant to head out in the hustle and bustle this year, remember that many of your local retailers are also offering online shopping or curbside pickup.

Coquitlam-Made Pottery
Coquitlam-Made Pottery

1. You’ll get into the festive spirit and explore new places

Wrap up warm and go for a walk, taking in the lights, the music and the festive atmosphere. By shopping close to home, you can park the car and set out on walkable shopping experience with plenty of charm and festivities.  

Try neighbourhood hubs of shops and services such as Austin Heights in Coquitlam, where you can take in the light displays while masking up to dip in to small businesses along the way. North Road in Coquitlam is another walkable area with unique shops and some delicious restaurants for refuelling. Visit the Tourism Coquitlam website for even more shopping hubs for you to explore. 

Continue reading this post ⟩⟩