An evening of dinner, dancing, and adorable puppies – all for a cause! PADS presents the For the Love of Dog Gala at the River Rock on Saturday.
For the Love of Dog Gala
Where: River Rock Casino Resort (8811 River Road, Richmond) When: Saturday, March 14, 2020at 6:00pm Tickets:Available online now $125
Enjoy the company of adorable PADS puppies, music from Dr. Strangelove, hosts Clay and Karen from JRFM, and an exciting live auction.
Proceeds benefit PADS (Pacific Assistance Dog Society).
PADS service (mobility and PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with physical disabilities other than blindness. Their accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support healthy communities.
PADS achieved full accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI) in 2002. ADI is the international body that sets standards for assistance dog training, placement and client care. Members of ADI meet regularly to share ideas and conduct business regarding educating the public about assistance dogs, advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs, and the setting of standards and establishing guidelines and ethics for the training of these dogs. ADI has a comprehensive accreditation system and members have to be regularly assessed to ensure they meet the high standards expected of assistance dog programs.
Win Tickets
I have a pair of tickets to give away to the gala, here’s how you can enter to win :
Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
Click below to post an entry on Twitter
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to the #ForTheLoveOfDog gala for @PADSdogs http://ow.ly/Rufj30qosT9″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 9:00am on Thursday, March 12, 2020. UPDATE the winner is Nicole!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Macaron Day in Vancouver 2020 is happening on March 20th, with funds raised for local causes while showcasing the deliciously chewy and sensationally sweet confections.
Macaron Day in Vancouver 2020
Update: Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some locations will be closed.
Where:Thierry Cafe (1059 Alberni St, Vancouver) Cause: St. Paul’s Foundation. Dear to Chef Thierry’s heart, St. Paul’s changed his life when he was diagnosed with a heart condition known as cardiac hypertrophy. A successful surgery in 2016 turned his health around and has made him eternally thankful for all the care he received from the dedicated team of doctors and nurses. As in years past, partial proceeds of all macaron sales will benefit St. Paul’s Foundation.
Where:Bon Macaron (2823 W Broadway, Vancouver) Cause: $5 from every box of six macarons sold on March 20th will go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. They will also be hosting a contest in Vancouver and Victoria so follow on Twitter here for details.
Where:Ladurée (1141 Robson St, Vancouver) Cause: $1 from every macaron sold on Macaron Day will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Be it one macaron, a dozen, or more, macaron-lovers are encouraged to visit any of Ladurée Vancouver’s three locations on Macaron Day to help fundraise for BCCHF.
Where: Mon Paris Pâtisserie (4396 Beresford St, Burnaby) Cause: 50% of proceeds from Mon Paris Pâtisserie’s macaron sales on Friday, March 20th will be donated to Variety BC. In celebration of this delicate French cookie, Elena is also introducing a new spring inspired macaron, Sakura Strawberry with distinct flavours of cherry blossom and strawberry.
Where:J’Adore les Macaron Cause: Chef Connie from J’adore les Macarons is donating $20 from each student’s fee to benefit BC Women’s Hospital. These will include any new bookings made during March 20-30. The classes can be for future dates until the end of 2020. Macaron baking classes are great for birthday gifts, anniversary presents, bridal showers and even corporate team building events. See below for more details about the classes.
Macaron Day History
Macaron Day was founded in France (le jour du macaron) by Pierre Hermé years ago. It’s a day to celebrate the colours of spring with a bright palette of treats. Macaron Day events will be happening overseas, in New York, and in Toronto. Over the last few years it has become a Vancouver tradition as well.
Macarons (not to be confused with macaroons) are meringue-based confections commonly filled with buttercream or jam with a delicate soft and crunchy outer shell. All you need to do is visit a participating “Macaron Day” bakery or cafe on March 20th and you’ll be given a macaron and be invited to make a donation their chosen charity.
Do you know of any more locations? The list will be updated as offerings and specials are announced.
“First things first, let’s get you a warm cookie.” Is possible to receive a sweeter greeting than that after walking for 20 minutes in the rain? I had just arrived at the new Fresh St Market Vancouver House and my senses (and tummy) were already being pampered.
Fresh St Market Vancouver House
Located at Pacific and Howe (1423 Continental St), in the newly coined Beach District, Fresh St Market opened the doors to its very first Vancouver location a month ago. During the ceremonial affair, they donated $5,000 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and cut the ribbon on the 15,000 square foot space that includes a licensed 50-seat restaurant, the Fork Lift Kitchen & Bar.
After picking up my warm cookie at the bakery section, I was given a tour of the space where the company’s “70 percent fresh and 30 percent grocery” mission is well on display. Stacks of produce, a steamy hot bar, fully stocked deli with grab and go options, a cheese bar – a CHEESE BAR – a station to create your own nut butters, 100% sustainable seafood counter and more.
The warm cookie offering!
Along the way, I spotted some of my favourite local brands like Two Rivers Meats from North Vancouver and One Arrow Bacon from Vancouver, a selection from Lepp Farms and Mt Lehman Cheese in Abbotsford, Oyama Meat Co. from Granville Island, and Spice Mantra Curries from Surrey. Coffee with your cookie? The cafe serves up cups from Lion’s Bay Coffee Company.
At Fork Lift Kitchen & Bar I discovered what is quite possibly the best fried pickle I’ve had in Vancouver, the widest cheeseburger, and Fresh St. Fries (with French grey sea salt, mesquite smoked salt, rosemary salt or black truffle salt).
The burger looks GIANT but it’s actually easy to eat since it’s smashed, Chicago-style, which leaves the patty thin but full of flavour in its bed of cheese.
To wash it down, there’s a selection of local ciders and wines available, along with Healthy Hooch Kombucha from Abbotsford, to enjoy during your stay as well.
I packed a lot into my Fresh St. visit but you’ll find there’s even more packed away in this giveaway! I have a $50 gift card PLUS a fully loaded gift bag to give away — I barely had enough counter space to display it all:
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a $50 gift card and fully loaded gift bag from @FSMVanHouse @FreshStMarket http://ow.ly/dLaI30qnrd7″ quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 12:00pm. UPDATE the winner is Karen!
International Women’s Day is Sunday, March 8, 2020 and to celebrate this year, I have rounded up a diverse list of events, from talks and wellness to fundraisers, brews, and laughs:
Callister Brewing – International Women’s Day
Ways to Celebrate International Women’s Day in Vancouver
International Women’s Day at Vancouver TheatreSports: March 8th join Vancouver TheatreSports in a mirthful and laugh-filled celebration of International Women’s Day featuring a special show featuring an all-star cast of women players drawn from our current ensemble and Rookie League.
International Women’s Day with Dress for Success Vancouver: March 8th at Birks (698 W Hastings) is hosting a clothing donation drive for DFS Vancouver. Drop off your gently used professional attire to help a woman thrive in her career. DFS Vancouver’s mission is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help them thrive in work and life.
All Day Fundraiser at Bandidas Taqueria: March 8th supporting WAVAW, Canadian Council of Muslim Women, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre, Native Women’s Association of Canada, WISH Drop-in Centre Society, Trans Lifeline, Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, and the Moose Hide Campaign.
International Women’s Day at Lululemon Lab: March 8th, a morning of women’s wellness with yoga teacher Shayla Stonechild, meditation guide Ishra Gill and naturopathic physician Dr Laura Nicholas.
International Women’s Day Her Startup Stories: March 6th, connect with women in business including Humaira Ahmed, Founder and CEO Locelle; Natasha Ingram, Founder and Marketing Strategist Transparency Digital Agency; Sara Baar, Founder and Designer at Say Hey Studio; Cindy Tran, Founder CanWeeDine; Kelly Ann Woods, Founder Gillespies Fine Spirits Ltd, Boozewitch and State B Cannabis Beverage.
International Women’s Day with Marlene Lowden: March 8th at Place des Arts in Coquitlam. Artist talk and blind contour drawing. Lowdens exhibition celebrates Canadian female artists, many of whom are significantly under-recognized in the Canadian art canon.
Women’s Collaboration Brew Day: March 8th at Callister Brewing (1338 Franklin St). Women’s brew day is for all female homebrewers, brewing professionals, or other interested women who are new to brewing and want to come learn more or just hang out with like-minded beer/brewing enthusiasts.
Gender Equity in Sports and Beyond: March 10th. A free, one-day forum that includes peer-to-peer learning, an inspiring keynote from Charmaine Crooks and expert-led training on decision-making that supports diversity and inclusion from the BC Gender Equity Office.
Walk in Her Shoes: March 8th from Creekside Community Centre. CARE’s Walk In Her Shoes challenge is a global movement that gives you an opportunity to show your solidarity with women and girls in developing countries – all while raising critical funds to help them lift themselves out of poverty.
Steel Magnolias in Vancouver: On stage until March 8th. Featuring an all-female collective of Vancouver-based performers, this beloved story of camaraderie and fierce loyalty epitomizes Southern charm and unwavering strength in the face of triumphs and tragedies.
Rugby, Women’s Day, tulips, beer… this weekend’s event lineup has something for everyone! Check out all of these and more things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
