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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by KIND Healthy Snacks Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
One of my favourite quotes is: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). On November 13th, you can do a KIND act for World Kindness Day in Vancouver, here’s how:
A KIND Act for World Kindness Day in Vancouver
Where: Canadian Blood Services (4750 Oak St, Vancouver) When: November 11-15, 2019 from 11:00am to 6:00pm
KIND Healthy Snacks and Canadian Blood Services are partnering up this World Kindness Day. Every individual who visits a Canadian Blood Services donor centre from November 11 to 15, 2019 will receive a KIND bar. On November 13th, KIND representatives will be sponsoring relaxation lounges at select donor centres in Toronto (2 Bloor Street East, Hudson Bay Centre) and Vancouver (4750 Oak St, at Oak and 32nd, next to BC Women’s and Children’s Hospital).
TIP: On the day of your donation, make sure you are hydrated, feeling well, and had a good night’s sleep. Remember to bring a valid ID, your donor card (if you have donated before) and any prescription medication you are currently taking.
Donating blood is the kindest thing an individual can do to help someone in need, yet only 4% of eligible donors sustain the Canadian blood system. By giving blood and joining Canada’s lifeline, Canadians will have the power to change someone’s life, with just a small amount of time. The impact of this single kind act is significant, as half of all Canadians will either need blood or know someone who will need blood to survive.
I’ll see you in the KIND relaxation lounge on November 13th! Follow KIND (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) #snackKIND and Canadian Blood Services (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for more information.
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by Guest AuthorDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by VisitCoquitlam.caPlease review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
Spirits are riding high in Coquitlam – get in there and join in the fun! Santa arrives at Coquitlam Centre, shops are adding their festive decorations, and Lafarge Lake will soon be sparkling with one of Metro Vancouver’s largest free outdoor lights displays.
Get a jump on your shopping list with our top tips of places to find those one-of-a-kind gifts. And get into the festive spirit with activities and events for the whole family.
Gift Ideas and Festive Fun in Coquitlam This Month
Lights at Lafarge Lake
Unique Gift Ideas
If you’re in search of a unique present for that certain someone, how about a hand-crafted item? Here are three places to start.
Place des Arts Christmas Boutique: You’ll find finely crafted ornaments and decorations as well as artful gifts made by local artisans. The boutique takes over the artisan shop from Tuesday, November 12, with a festive opening reception on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair: Mark your calendars! This annual event features more than 100 artisans at the Poirier Forum for an entire weekend December 6-8, 2019.
Christmas Farmers Market: Also coming up next month (December 14, 2019) is this special one-day event featuring local merchants, carollers, kids’ activities and crafts at Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by the West Coast Christmas Show and Artisan Market Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
Christmas begins at the largest holiday one-stop shopping destination in the Lower Mainland, the West Coast Christmas Show and Artisan Market! Over 170 artisans and 300 participants will provide a unique shopping experience November 15-17, 2019.
West Coast Christmas Show and Artisan Market
When: Friday, November 15, 2019 from 1:00pm to 9:00pm
Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, November 17, 2019 from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Tradex (1190 Cornell St, Abbotsford)
Tickets: $10 general admission, $9 seniors, youth/children 16 and under are free.
Free re-admission for all three days with hand stamp or next day readmission pass obtained when leaving the show (non-transferable). Free parking!
There is something for every member of your family as you discover new gift ideas, original art, crafts, woodwork, ceramics, specialty foods, home decor, clothing, furniture, floral designs, jewellery, candles, soaps, toys, and much more.
Your Christmas purchases can help improve our world by shopping among the gathering of community minded artisans who are committed to giving back. Fair trade, zero waste and community support through giving back are all components of the It Takes a Village artisan shopping area. Whether the artisans focus is to go green by limiting their use of plastic and toxic materials, or the focus is empowering a community through fair trade items, you’ll find a way to connect to your global community this Christmas.
Festival of Trees, for Local Causes
When you visit the West Coast Christmas Show, you will be welcomed by a wonderful array of decorated Christmas trees, all part of the Festival of Trees where charitable organizations will decorate trees and compete for a grand prize. This year’s organizations include Burns Bog Conservation Society, Fraser Valley Health Care Society, Fraser Valley Humane Society, Fraser Valley Brain Injury, Canadian Blood Services, Job’s Daughters International – Bethel #20, Langley Elks.
Abbotsford Community Services will be on site to provide gift wrapping service for visitors, by donation. The donations help to fund meals on wheels for the less fortunate in the community.
A piece from Flux & Stone
Win Tickets
I have a 4 pack of tickets to give away to this amazing shopping experience AND a gift (value $50) from Flux & Stone.
Mieke’s passion is creating jewellery that makes women feel beautiful. Inspired by the wild west coast of BC, Canada, Mieke seeks to remind women of their wild nature and connection with the earth. Each handcrafted piece is intentionally infused with love during the creation process. She has been operating Flux & Stone full time since 2014 from her studio, located in Victoria, BC. She can be found at various events in and around Victoria, and her work can be found throughout various locations in and around BC.
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win a 4 pack of tickets to the West Coast Christmas Show @WestCoastXmas Nov 15-17 and a gift (value $50) from Flux + Stone http://ow.ly/qQv630pQcdr” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Follow the West Coast Christmas Show on Facebook for more info.
Every 5 years or so I look at the calendar, realize how long it’s been, and I throw a party to celebrate the amazing community that has helped me do this ‘blogging thing‘ for so long. On November 14th, join me at Timber on Robson for the #Miss604Party supporting Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC.
#Miss604Party Fundraiser for Variety
When: Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Admission gets you a beer or wine beverage ticket, snacks from Timber (slider bar, s’mores station, mac n’ cheese, charcuterie), an entry in the door prize draw to win $100 from award-winning Forage restaurant next door, networking and fun with my awesome friends, family, and supporters.
About Variety BC
Variety – the Children’s Charity steps in where health care ends providing direct help to children with special needs in BC. For over 50 years, Variety has ensured children have the support to reach their potential. Since 2010, Variety has distributed more than $30 million in funding to families and organizations in communities all across the province.
Variety will also be on site to oversee the raffle and silent auction with all donations going directly to their cause. Prizes include goodies from:
Forage H2 Rotisserie & Bar DanceHouse PuSh Festival Electric Company Theatre Early Music Vancouver Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo Vancouver Christmas Market Gateway Theatre Rob Cole Stretch Therapy The Cultch
Vancouver Opera Oliver Osoyoos Pig Out Vancouver Theatresports Disney on Ice Vancouver Jazz Festival Mark Cannon Photography LanaBetty Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Whitecaps FC V2V Vacations and more!
Win Tickets
I have a pair of tickets to give away so you can join me (and about 100 other revelers) at the #Miss604Party on November 14th. Here’s how you can enter to win:
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to the #Miss604Party on Nov 14th, a fundraiser for @VarietyBC http://ow.ly/zoDG30pQ95T” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Monday, November 11, 2019. UPDATE the winner is Mandy!
Miss604’s Rebecca Bollwitt is a proud member of the Board of Directors of Variety – The Children’s Charity, and Chair of its Membership and Marketing Committees.
The latest trend in gift-giving is experiences; going to shows, holiday attractions, and generally spending time with those you love. It’s zero waste and it feels really, really good. If you’re looking for some experiences this season that won’t break the bank, here is my 4th annual list of Free Christmas Activities Around Vancouver*:
This list will be updated often throughout the season so be sure to bookmark it and check back regularly.
Free Christmas Activities Around Vancouver
St Paul’s Lights of Hope launch on November 14, 2019 at Burrard at Helmcken Street with the light display staying up all season.
Chanukah Chocolate Party at the Jewish Community Centre December 15, 2019 free with donation to the Jewish Food Bank.
Christmas at Canada Place December 6, 2019 to January 1, 2020 with free outdoor displays, lights, the legendary Woodward’s Windows, and more.
Winter’s Dance on Robson, mixed reality dance performances and interactive light installations inspired by The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty December 7, 14 and 21, 2019.
FAO Schwarz Holiday Pop-Up Vancouver – Holiday Photo Booth and Card Making on November 30, 2019. Free but registration is required.
The 12 Days of Christmas at the Robson Square ice rink (December 13-24, 2019 and December 31, 2019) where your free skating session is complimented with live music from local talents. (Skate rental $5).
Free Christmas Activities in Langley & Fort Langley
The Magic of Christmas on December 7, 2019 at McBurney Plaza. Langley City’s free family event to start the holiday season with tree lighting and carolling.
