The RunGo Dash for Dogs, a guided 10km, 5km or 2km run or walk through Stanley Park, is coming up this month and 100% of proceeds going to BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. The event is hosted by the RunGo app, a running app with turn-by-turn instructions for popular running routes in cities like Vancouver, London, New York, and Seattle.
RunGo Dash for Dogs
Where Starting and ending at Brockton Pavilion (1151 Stanley Park Dr)
When Saturday, February 24, 2018 start times 10km: 9:00am, 5km 9:15am, 2k 9:30am
Registration Register online for the 2km Walk ($20 by Feb 23); 5km Run ($35 by Feb 23); or 10km Run ($40 by Feb 23). Routes are outlined online here.
After this fun, non-competitive race, there will be a social event with pancakes, prizes, and good tunes. This is a race for people to support dogs, you don’t need a dog to run. Guide dogs and good dogs are welcome, dogs must be on leash and under control at all times for the safety of the working guide dogs.
Download the RunGo app for Android or Apple devices.
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs makes a profound difference to blind/ visually impaired people by partnering them with a certified guide dog at no cost. These guide dogs provide tangible and immediate help; making a significant difference in their partner’s safety, independence, sense of well being and belonging.
This post has been contributed by Ben Hill, Communications Volunteer with the Stanley Park Ecology Society (“SPES”).
SPES Turns 30!
Photo: Pierre Cenerelli
The Western red cedar can grow more than 25cm in a year; in 30 years a tiny sapling may become a great tree. On February 5, 2018, Stanley Park Ecology Society celebrated its 30th birthday marking 30 years of education and conservation in Stanley Park. Akin to those great cedars, we’ve come a long way…
Thirty years ago in 1988, a group of ecologists joined forces to try and enhance facilities at the ageing Stanley Park zoo, which had existed since the early 20th Century. The penguins, wolves and polar bears were still a major tourist attraction, but their accommodation was outdated.
Western red cedar in Stanley Park
Photo: Don Enright.
The newly formed Stanley Park Zoological Society soon expanded its work from captive animals to conservation programs for wild species like bats, and to urban wildlife management. In 1993 Vancouver residents voted to close the zoo, meaning that the Society could focus its efforts on conserving the Park’s habitat. With the newly refurbished Nature House as a base, the Zoological Society was rebranded as the Stanley Park Ecology Society in 1995.
While the Ecology Society worked on important projects like public education and monitoring of the Park’s Pacific great blue heron colony, it took the 2006 windstorm to really make people appreciate how vulnerable the Park’s landscape really is. The loss of 10,000 trees and the massive restoration effort following the storm required the kind of expertise that SPES could provide.
The 2006 windstorm blew down 10,000 trees
in Stanley Park. Photo: Tilo
The Society produced reports on the Park’s ecologically sensitive areas, planned ecological recovery and even steered the logging machines around areas where they would put breeding birds at risk.
The shock of that event and the work of SPES, the Park Board and a host of other stakeholders paved the way for a more thorough and scientific approach to preserving Stanley Park.
In the last ten years SPES has taken the lead in innovative conservation projects to remove invasive species, restore the Park’s threatened waterways and put in place plans to protect the most threatened species. Our school programs, which started out as a way to interpret the natural history of the captive animals to young people, are now tied closely to the provincial curriculum reaching over 5000 students annually. And our public education programs have expanded in scope and direction to include unique offerings like taxidermy preparation, Indigenous plant walks and brewing bitters from native plants!
(Left) A SPES taxidermy class participant holds a horned grebe. Photo: Rose Gardner.(Right) A SPES volunteer removes invasive blackberry vines. Photo: Michael Schmidt.
Conservation has come a long way in the last 30 years but there is still a huge amount that we need to do. The popularity of the Park means the environment is under constant pressure from human use, invasive species remain a threat, and the impacts of climate change are still not fully understood. Over the next 30 years, SPES will continue to advocate for a collaborative and scientifically sound approach to conserving this world renowned park for generations to come. Join us!
About SPES Saturday
As a member of the Stanley Park Ecology Society (“SPES”), I wanted to offer the organization an opportunity to share their news, events, and work so I created the “SPES Series” years ago. This is where SPES can contribute and share stories with my audience once a month. Follow SPES on Facebook for more information.
The 52nd Show of Hearts Telethon returns this Sunday on Global BC, supporting Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC. Tune in to hear stories, watch performances, and get updates from children you met during Variety Week 2017.
Variety BC’s Show of Hearts Telethon
When: Sunday, February 11, 2018 9:30am to 5:30pm
Where: Tune into Global BC live from the Molson Canadian Theatre at Hard Rock Casino Vancouver on television and live streaming online.
The entertainment line up includes Mathew V, The Matinée, Ty Waters and the return of “Working My Way Back To You – A Jersey Boys Tribute.” Plus The Sojourners, The James Barker Band, Gentlemen’s Quartet and a Buddy Holly Tribute.
You will be reintroduced to kids from past years whose lives have been changed thanks to donors like you. Learn more about Variety’s granting programs and see firsthand where your dollars go.
Sunshine Coach Program
At this year’s Show of Hearts, Variety will be celebrating a very important milestone – Variety’s 600th Sunshine Coach to hit the road in British Columbia.
It was 25 years ago when The PACE Program received a Sunshine Coach to use for their Family Program which offers intensive early intervention for young children with emotional and behavioural challenges and their families. Today, they are in urgent need for a new one. We are so pleased to announce that on February 11th because of our donors’ commitment to this program, their dream of a new coach will be fulfilled.
Robert Bateman Poster
Back by popular demand, donors can once again receive an official Robert Bateman poster with a minimum donation of just $169! This year we will be featuring Robert Bateman’s Water’s Edge – Wolves poster and donors will have the opportunity to have their posters framed for an added $169 by GS & Company, with a portion being donated to Variety.
Lottery
Don’t miss your chance to win one of three incredible prize packages in the Show of Hearts Lottery! There’s an all inclusive trip to Los Cabos up for grabs along with a NASCAR Driver for a Day experience, and a luxury getaway in Charleston.
Ways to Give
Donate online, by phone 310-KIDS (5437) toll-free in BC, or by texting KIDS to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution.
About Variety
With your support, Variety – the Children’s Charity steps in to provide direct help to children with special needs in BC. For over 50 years, Variety has ensured that children have the support they need to reach their potential and thrive.
Funding from Variety helps to cover costs for medical care and services, mobility and communication equipment, therapies and developmental programs not covered by private or public health plans.
Since 2010, Variety has distributed more than $30 million in funding to families and organizations in communities all across the province.
Miss604 is proud to return as the sponsor the Social Lounge at the Show of Hearts Telethon, where my team of amazing friends and colleagues — who all social media superstars — will be sharing updates throughout the day, from the VIP lounge, behind the scenes, with honoured donors, volunteers, performers and more. Follow along on social media using the tag #ShowOfHearts.
Rebecca Bollwitt is a member of Variety BC’s Board of Directors and Miss604 is the proud sponsor of the Show of Hearts Telethon’s Social Lounge
In search of long line, fresh powder, friendly locals, and epic Instagram-worthy sights and scenes? Then you need to #SkiNorthBC!
Photographer and writer Abby Cooper (@AbbyDells) set out for Northern BC with SnowSeekers’ #SkiNorthBC expedition this winter. She hit 6 different destinations and chronicled her journey. I wanted to find out more about what she experienced, discovered, and what anyone looking for a Northern BC adventure simply cannot miss.
Q&A Get to Know Historic Barkerville in the Winter
Abby’s next destination was the historic gold rush town of Barkerville.
Photo by Abby Cooper
Q1. 1 What were your first impressions of Barkerville?
Abby: Surreal. The perfectly preserved town seems too perfect to be a functioning piece of the past, yet it’s lively atmosphere quickly proved me wrong.
Q2. Who was your best local resource for info?
Abby: James Douglas over Visitor Experience or character “Billy Barker” himself are both oozing with information about the past, present and ways to experience all things Barkerville in a hands on way.
Photo by Abby Cooper
Q3. What did you find most surprising or unexpected?
Abby: I came to Barkerville excited to experience the town, the history and the culture. What I didn’t expect was for the opportunities to adventure all around it via snowshoes, backcountry ski touring and snowmobiling!
Q4. What is a can’t-miss at this destination, any insider tips?
Abby: The views! It’s easy to stay in the magical town of Barkerville, but throw on some snowshoes and get some perspective on the trails. View it from above and get some exercise, guaranteed you’ll appreciate how the original prospectors settled this gem of a town even more this way.
Photo by Abby Cooper
Q5. What was the most instagram-worthy moment or place?
Abby: The Chinese Village was spectacular. Seeing the cultural mix of Chinese traditions with old frontier style log buildings was really unique.
Q6. What would make you go back again and again?
Abby: I’d love to see it in all seasons knowing that the aesthetic of the town changes dramatically with each season and so does the opportunity for exploration.
Read Abby’s Top 5 Reasons to Visit Barkerville in the Winter »
Photo by Abby Cooper
If you go
- Explore Barkerville »
- Call Tourism Quesnel at (250) 992-8716
- Troll, Quesnel, the District of Wells and Barkerville are destinations along the famed Barkerville Highway (aka Highway 26) – all within the Cariboo Regional District.
- SnowSeekers has partnered with National Car rental to secure you a SnowSeekers’ preferred rate. Make a reservation online, or with an agent and in the Contract field enter XVC4SNO for a savings that could cover your ski pass cost every day.
- Get inspired and learn more to what BC has in store for you this winter, search #ExploreBC on social media.
For more on skiing in Northern BC, set a bookmark to check out the #SkiNorthBC expedition page on a regular basis. More stories and videos will be coming out all season long.
Back again this year, you can tie the knot for free at Robson Square just ahead of Valentine’s Day! Presenter Pop Up Weddings BC has assembled a group of photographers, decorators, florists and officiants that will gather at Robson Square so you can exchange or renew your vows.
Free Weddings at Robson Square
When: Sunday, February 11, 2018 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Robson Square (800 Robson St, Vancouver)
Donations of $20 are encouraged, all proceeds will go directly to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Last year,77 couples were wed and $1,375 was raised for the cause.
The event will be first come first served but they will do our absolute best to marry everyone that comes to register. Couples only need themselves as well as a properly filled out marriage license — just don’t sign it yet!. Having some witnesses is always a good idea but not 100% necessary. They ask that couples dress for the weather. You can read the full wedding day FAQ sheet here »
For more information, follow Pop Up Weddings BC on Facebook and Instagram.
