It’s now easier than ever to give to Indigenous-led charities through the recently launched Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund by CanadaHelps. This Fund stands in solidarity by highlighting Indigenous-led charities and qualified donees to share the transformational work done daily. Whether it is equal access to healthcare, education, mental health, and clean water, or services founded in Indigenous knowledge, culture, and language.
Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund by CanadaHelps
Developed in partnership with Wanda Brascoupé, an Indigenous philanthropic leader, this Fund supports 40 Indigenous-led charities that bring first-hand experience to help shift community outcomes.
To help your gift go even further, donations up to $25 will be MATCHED to support the Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund. Plus, your donation will be pooled with others to have an even greater impact.
Indigenous Peoples represent nearly 5% of the Canadian population, and they are the fastest-growing population in Canada. Indigenous-led organizations are critical to the communities they serve, and they are leading the way with solutions to long-standing challenges.
These solutions include a focus on physical and emotional healing from the traumas of colonialism; rebuilding traditional culture, language, and intergenerational transfer of knowledge that was lost or damaged through government-led assimilation practices; offering services or supports founded in Indigenous knowledge and practices in communities and in urban settings; and uplifting an emerging generation of leaders through a resurgence of culture and sustainable relationships with their lands and waters.
You can view the latest list of charities included in the fun here, including Haida Gwaii Museum Society, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, and many more.
Stand with Indigenous Peoples by supporting Indigenous-led ingenuity and providing funding directly to Indigenous communities and the people they support.
Uno Gelato and the Canucks Autism Network (“CAN”) have teamed up this month to help raise funds for new programs to assist families and individuals with autism. For the month of November, Uno Gelato will be donating 10% from every online and in-store purchase of a pint to CAN.
CAN Month at Uno Gelato
Purchase: $12.50 pints (min. four pint order) mix and match flavours with 10% of pint sales going to CAN. Use code CAN2020 for online checkout.
Founded in Vancouver, with shops currently open in Kitsilano and Canada Place, the gelateria embraces a farm-to-cone philosophy, working with local farmers for the best natural ingredients.
Uno Gelato current has up to two dozen different flavours with seasonal selections available as different fruits and nuts ripen locally. Partner sources include Emma Lea Farms in Ladner for blueberries, Tesfa Farms in Langley for water buffalo milk, Avalon Dairy in the Fraser Valley for organic milk and cream, and Vancouver Island Sea Salt in Black Creek – just to name a few. They also have a selection of vegan sorbetto available.
“This time has been really hard for us all. We’re just so thankful to CAN that we have activities to do at home. Because of CAN, I have hope that our family will get through this.”
Iveta, CAN mom
CAN provides programs for individuals with autism and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond.
Since 2008, CAN has directly impacted over 5,000 individuals with autism and their families. In response to COVID, CAN quickly developed virtual programming to continue supporting its members at home. With health and safety protocols in place, they are also reintroducing in-person programs across the province.
Enter to Win
To celebrate this partnership I have four pints of Uno Gelato to giveaway! Here’s how you can enter to win:
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a 4 pint delivery from @unogelatoyvr http://ow.ly/iGA050CaMnQ + this month 10% from pint sales support @CanucksAutism #CAN2020″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Tuesday, November 10, 2020. For more information, follow Uno Gelato on Facebook. Delivery is available to Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, Delta, New Westminster, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Shore, Port Moody.
At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month we usually gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in honour of all who have fallen. Due to COVID 19, Remembrance Day ceremonies in Metro Vancouver have either been cancelled or the public is discouraged from attending services. You can, however, tune into a few livestreams that will be setup:
In partnership with the New Westminster Royal Canadian Legion, The Royal Westminster Regiment and other community organizations, Remembrance Day for 2020 has been re-imagined to meet COVID-19 safety requirements and to provide the community with a safe way of honouring our veterans and their sacrifices.
A small group from the Cloverdale Legion will lay wreaths in an intimate ceremony to commemorate the day. In the interest of COVID-19 safety, the public is not invited to gather at Victory Square. Instead, pay your respect by watching the small, live event on Facebook.
The Stanley Park ceremony (at the Japanese Canadian War Memorial) is limited to wreath layers and speakers only and is not open to the public. To commemorate the Cenotaph’s 100th anniversary, the viewing event will include pre-recorded tributes that include the 100th anniversary of the cenotaph; a display of the original Honour Rolls; and light refreshments. Join the event at the hall to honour and give thanks. Health and safety protocols will be in effect in our 5000 square-foot Japanese Hall at 487 Alexander St, Vancouver.
The traditional Remembrance Day ceremony that takes place at the Cenotaph at White Rock’s City Hall is going virtual this year due to COVID-19. The City is working with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 8, to record a ceremony, complete with the traditional songs, readings and two minutes of silence. The City is also encouraging people in the community to show their support for veterans and those in active service by putting poppies in your front windows in the days leading up to Remembrance Day.
Maple Ridge Legion Branch #88 is developing an online, livestream presentation in place of the in-person parade and gathering in Memorial Peace Park. The broadcasted commemoration from Maple Ridge will be much smaller, with invited guests only.
2020 marks the 69th year that the University of British Columbia has hosted a Remembrance Day ceremony. This year, due to COVID-19, the Remembrance Day ceremony will be a virtual event, featuring a live broadcast from War Memorial Gym. All UBC faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to watch—to honour and remember all those who served in times of war, military conflict and peace.
When driving the Sea to Sky from Vancouver to Whistler, we often just get from A to B. However, it’s such a lovely corridor, winding up from the ocean, along rivers, through the mountains, there’s plenty to stop and see along the way. For the first time – ever – we stopped at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park when we were heading to Whistler earlier in the fall.
Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
How to Get There: Head north on the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver for about 80 minutes, and you’ll spot the Provincial Park sign around Daisy Lake (15 minutes from Whistler) Features:View a trail map here
I had only previously seen the 70-metre waterfall from the window of the Rocky Mountaineer train. While you can’t get as close to it as Shannon Falls, another lovely waterfall stop on the Sea to Sky, the viewpoints give a unique panoramic view of the vast rugged terrain from lake to peak.
The whole park is about 420 hectares. In 2010, park was tripled in size to include unique habitat for red-legged frogs (a provincial “blue listed” species at risk). A number of existing recreation trails were included in the expanded park as well.
Brandywine Falls Trail: In the winter, BC Parks says the park trails provide good beginner snowshoe opportunities. Enjoy a 10 – 20 minute (one way) walk or snowshoe across the covered footbridge and through the forest to a viewing platform overlooking Brandywine Falls. Continue along a short walking path to a second viewpoint of the falls and another of the surrounding area of Daisy Lake and the Black Tusk.
Swim Lake Trail: This is a short branch off the the main Brandywine Falls Trail that starts just before the railway crossing. It has one short steep climb, leading to a small lake.
The canyon is extremely unsafe and has very significant public safety concerns due to unstable slopes and falling rock. Public visitors should not be travelling off of designated and approved trails/viewpoints. Help us protect the sensitive ecosystem and stay out of the canyon.Stay behind fences and away from the river’s edge. Use caution when crossing the Canadian National Rail line. Trails in the park are not maintained during the winter.
Always be prepared for the elements and tell someone where you’re going even if it’s just a quick stroll through a Provincial Park. Follow AdventureSmart for advice and preparedness tips.
Using the Adaptive Cruise Control on the Sea to Sky Highway was a breeze, and I love that how going downhill or braking (which you’ll do a lot on the mountainous route) charges the electric battery.
The Head’s Up Display (HUD) minimized distraction and I like how my cruise control was locked in there. Lots of cargo space, seat heaters (it’s that time of year) and a Bang & Olufson sound system made for a very comfy ride.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge returns on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Tuesday, December 8th and runs until Sunday, January 3, 2021. The outdoor holiday experience visitors have enjoyed for the past 15 years returns with COVID safety measures in place.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Open for 2020 Holidays
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Tuesday, December 8 to Sunday, January 3, 2021 from 2:00pm to 9:00pm daily (closed Christmas Day)
Cross the glowing suspension bridge, with the canyon and Capilano River illuminated with lights below, journey into the magical rainforest and walk high above the forest floor between the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world on Treetops Adventure. The mesmerizing “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel returns on Cliffwalk for that perfect Instagram moment. Kids of all ages can explore the Park in search of lit snowy owls in a scavenger hunt with weekly prizes to be won.
A tradition for many Vancouver families, Canyon Lights welcomes guests back with some operational changes to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff remains the top priority.
Face masks or coverings will be required in the Park. Disposable masks can be purchased by donation to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund for those without one.
Tickets and annual passes must be purchased in advance online.
There will be a limited quantity of tickets available each night for designated entry times, to limit contact upon entry and reduce capacity.
All ticket sales are final.
BC annual pass holders will also be required to reserve their time online prior to their visit.
Book early to avoid disappointment. The first phase of tickets and timed entry bookings will go on sale here on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
Partial proceeds from admissions will be donated to the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, for fire and burn education in schools throughout British Columbia. To date, Canyon Lights has donated over $381,000 to this worthy program.
