“It is something that we should get used to,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry on Thursday. BC’s provincial health officer has joined her federal counterparts in officially recommending the use of non-medical masks in certain situations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thanks to the efforts of local businesses, and many volunteers, there’s no shortage of options for your non-medical mask needs. I found a few ways you can protect your community while looking stylish and supporting a local cause. These non-medical coverings are a win-win-win! Here are just a few Vancouver face masks for a cause that you can order up today:
Vancouver Face Masks for a Cause
From:Vancouver Whitecaps FC Supporting:Vancouver Aquarium Mask Details: $17.99 – $19.99 + shipping. Available in three adult sizes and a kid size, featuring both logos, jellyfish, or kids design with Spike mascot. Campaign Details: Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Vancouver Aquarium have joined forces to sell high-performance athletic face masks, with all net proceeds to benefit the aquarium during this critical period. Ocean Wise Conservation Association, which operates the Vancouver Aquarium, issued a call for urgent support as the educational, environmental, and conservation institution is in danger of permanent closure after closing their doors to the public.
From:Grouse Mountain Supporting:Pacific Parklands Mask Details: $19.95 + shipping. Non-medical face masks include designs featuring the Grouse Mountain Skyride, the Grouse Grind®, Grizzly Bears: Grinder & Coola and the Grouse Mountain Logo Campaign Details: Pacific Parklands Foundation raises funds to protect and enhance Metro Vancouver regional parks for present and future generations and is the official non-profit partner of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. Included in Metro Vancouver’s regional parks is Grouse Mountain Regional Park which encompasses one of the area’s most popular trail networks including the Grouse Grind and BCMC Trail.
From:NHL / Vancouver Canucks Supporting:Food Banks Canada Mask Details: $34.99 + shipping for a three-pack of face coverings featuring the Canucks logo. Campaign Details: The NHL will donate its royalties from the purchase by the vendor to Feeding America™ (for US sales) and Food Banks Canada (for Canadian sales). Food Banks Canada is a national charitable organization dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. They support a network of Provincial Associations, affiliate food banks, and food agencies that work at the community level to relieve hunger.
From: BC Cancer Foundation Supporting: BC Cancer Foundation Mask Details: $20 with a wide range of designs. The masks celebrate the resiliency and creativity of patients by proudly featuring their artwork. Comfortable and made from sustainable, anti-bacterial fabric. Campaign Details: Proceeds from every purchase directly benefit BC Cancer Foundation. Your purchase also directly supports local business and artisans.
From:NHL / Vancouver Canucks Supporting: National Hockey League Foundation Mask Details: $19.99 + shipping for a three-pack of washable spandex face coverings.
Standing together while apart, Patterson Brands launched the Team Bonnie Merch store a few months ago in honour of BC’s favourite Provincial Health Officer, Dr Bonnie Henry.
Team Bonnie Merch
Beautiful, soft, easy fitting M&O Knits crewneck tee in solid navy with full-colour “Bonnie” artwork printed front. 7.4 oz., 100% ringspun cotton, fine knit jersey, 30 singles; Reactive-dyed; Ribbed crew taped neck and shoulders; Double-needle sleeves and bottom hem. Three styles: Men’s/Unisex; Ladies; Youth.
Shop a selection of items including mugs, hashtag hats, t-shirts and pins.
“She is a symbol for calm and unity. Now, you can show unity too and have some fun with this Canadian designed, sourced and printed merch.” A portion of all revenues (approximately 25%) are going to worthy community organizations including Atira Women’s Resource Society and Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. Earlier this month they already sent over a $500 donation to Atira!
Patterson Brands is known for “Elevating brands thru beautifully designed custom merch for agencies, event profs and Hollywood North.” Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more of their designs and products.
Enter to Win
I have a $75 credit I’d love to send over to a Miss604 reader/follower. Here’s how you can enter to win:
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win $75 in #TeamBonnie merch from @pattersonbrands http://ow.ly/5YLp30qJLdC” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
Shipping possible all across Canada in a 100% all-compostable mailer!
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, June 1, 2020. UPDATE The winner is Cathy!
On Saturday, May 23rd over 600 bidders registered for the Fighting COVID Together online charity auction, raising $60,000 for six of British Columbia’s most well-respected philanthropic organizations.
Fighting COVID Together Online Gala Auction Raises $60,000 for BC Charities
“We are over the moon with these results and the profile this event gave to these most worthy organizations,” says co-organizer Tracey Wade.
Participating charities that had items up for bids, along with “Fund-a-Need” options were:
After their gala events were cancelled this spring due to COVID-19, these charities came together in this exciting, fun, and unprecedented live online charity auction event hosted by AbleAuctions.ca.
Co-organizer Howard Blank praised Jeremy Dodd and the wonderful team at Able Auctions for their assistance in making this event possible. “100% of all proceeds went directly back to the charitable organizations as Able Auctions donated everything for this event!”
The concept for Fighting COVID Together came about when Howard Blank, known for mixing his love for philanthropy and his skill for hosting and auctioneering, wanted to do something to help all the charities he cares so much about. He turned to his friends at Able Auctions and event expert Tracey Wade, Laura Ballance, and Miss604’s Rebecca Bollwitt — and Fighting COVID Together was created.
Vancouver-based non-profit One Girl Can invites people around the world to unite at their first ever virtual IWANTtoBE event: Alone Together: A No Gala, Gala presented by Beedie Foundation.
Alone Together for One Girl Can
When: Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 6:00pm Where: Online! Tickets: Register for Alone, Together online through Handbid. Registration fee is by donation; anyone who donates $99 or above will receive an AG Hair gift box valued at $95. Attendees will require a computer or the Handbid app to access the event.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, countries like Kenya have experienced unprecedented school closures. Many girls and women may be overburdened by being a caregiver for their families and facing growing domestic violence. The limited gains made in past decades toward gender equality are at risk of being rolled back.
This is why One Girl Can is all the more focused on their commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and impacting gender equality through education and mentorship. With this in mind, the organization has adapted their original IWANTtoBE fundraiser – initially scheduled to take place in April at Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom – to a global virtual event, where anyone in the world can join.
One Girl Can’s fundraiser will be hosted by Mackenzie Davis, Canadian actress and One Girl Can ambassador. Alone, Together will feature inspirational speakers broadcasting live from Kenya, silent and live auctions, and a special live musical performance by Los Angeles-based musician Rainsford.
Event Schedule on June 4th
6:00pm Welcome remarks from Lotte and Mackenzie Davis
6:15pm Mackenzie Davis interview with Royashley Mbuthi and Millicent Mutheu, students
of One Girl Can
6:25pm Live auction
6:40pm Online silent auction closes
6:45pm Special performance by Rainsford
“The global pandemic has affected societies and economies around the world – but cultural gains are being impacted too, with economists predicting women to be hit harder than men and existing inequalities to worsen,” says Lotte Davis, CEO and Founder of One Girl Can.
“The future of the 500 girls we sponsor, mentor, and build schools for depends entirely on our generosity. We can’t stop our fundraising efforts now as Kenya faces one of its biggest challenges.”
100% of all donations will go directly to funding scholarships for girls living in extreme poverty in Kenya. For updates, including information on the silent and live auctions as well as exclusive pre-event content, follow One Girl Can’s social media accounts.
Now in its 13th year the GrapeJuice Wine Auction presented by RBC is committed to continuing its support of Big Sisters by going virtual for a live streamed evening to celebrate the power of mentorship.
GrapeJuice – Vikaash Prasad Photography
GrapeJuice Wine Auction
Where: Broadcasted live online from Weissach (1757 West 2nd, Vancouver) When: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm Tickets: Available online now for $30, or choose a charcuterie and wine package from $135 to enjoy during the virtual event
Guests will enjoy a virtual tasting with Mission Hill Family Estates Lead Sommelier and Select Fine Wine Ambassador followed by a short program with founding partners Sarah and Cameron McNeil and Cheryl McNak with live entertainment by Mark Woodyard.
Connection matters now more than ever. With social distancing practices enforcing closure of schools and temporary holds of in person meet ups for Big Sisters matches, isolation is a real risk on the mental health of the already at-risk youth Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland serves.
“Trauma falls hardest on our youth” said Hanne Madsen, Executive Director for Big Sisters BCLM. “This pandemic will have a long lasting impact on their mental, physical and economic health. The connection our youth have with their Big Sister is more important now than ever before to mitigate the risk factors and help them navigate this new normal. With over 135 girls on our waitlist, we are striving to ensure that we can help all of them reach their potential. GrapeJuice has been a huge part of making our programs possible over the years and while we have had to adjust its format we still are hoping to celebrate it’s million dollar year this year.”
