The is monthly series features the latest updates and news from Covenant House Vancouver. Miss604 is proud to be their Official Blog Partner. This month’s post has been written by Jason Bosher of Covenant House Vancouver.
Triple Your Support for Vulnerable Youth in Vancouver
Covenant House Vancouver Is Working to Meet the Needs of Vulnerable Youth
Every night in Metro Vancouver, 500–1,000 young people don’t have a place to sleep. Vulnerable and at-risk youth face many barriers, as they navigate support systems that are designed for adults.
As winter approaches, the temperatures are dropping, precipitation is on the rise, and vulnerable youth, once again, face the challenges that winter brings.
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Hello, I’m Rebecca.
I operate the most award-winning, longest-running, woman-owned independent online outlet in Western Canada: a little blog called Miss604.com. Today, I celebrate 20 years of this chapter in my life. It was on November 22, 2004, that I clicked ‘publish’ on my very first blog post (spoiler: it was about pancakes).
I wish I could say the 20 years have been one incredible adventure after another. In a way, they have been, but that’s not the whole story.
I started my blog before social media existed, before I knew the incredible highs and darkest lows that were possible in this business – whatever business I am actually in.
I’ve never quite fit under any one label. I wasn’t taken seriously as media, even when I was accredited for the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup. I wasn’t seen as an influencer, since I wrote on a blog and wasn’t part of an Instagram pod. I wasn’t recognized as a writer, even though I’ve co-authored and edited books, been a columnist for magazines and newspapers, and worked as a travel writer with three continents and fifty bylines to my name. I wasn’t acknowledged as a photographer, mostly because I use my iPhone (and an old Nikon), even though my work has been published in print, featured in books, and sold as art
I have been cyberbullied, stalked, and threatened with violence.
I also have an anxiety disorder, and single-sided deafness, which takes a toll on me when I engage in some social situations and events.
So why on earth do I still do this incredibly public work after two decades?
I love telling you about my walks in the park.I pass over a sidewalk stamp, wonder what it is, research it, then tell you all about it. I love taking photos of nature and the city, which are so closely intertwined here. I love shining a light on incredible, selfless people in the community. I love helping raise funds for causes.
I am committed to reconciliation through several projects and initiatives.
As soon as my voice and following grew online, I knew I wanted to use it as a driving force for community impact. Whether it’s helping you plan a memorable date night in the city, raising thousands of dollars for a charity, sharing details about a warm clothing drive, or literally putting the town of Sechelt on the (Google) map, I’ve always focused on making a difference.
Bridging the online realm with in-person events, I was the first to introduce a “Social Media Sponsorship” of events, starting with the Surrey Fusion Festival in 2008. Now, Social Media or Digital Media Sponsorships are a standard. This concept has since led to lasting partnerships, such as the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards, which I first sponsored in 2010 and continue to support today. I’ve been proud to sponsor and collaborate on more than thirty other community events and campaigns every year since.
Offline, I’ve shared my expertise as a speaker and keynote at nearly a hundred events and conferences. My journey has taken me across platforms—from MySpace to Instagram, Threads, Mastodon, and Bluesky—always with the goal of helping people succeed, learn, and share stories about the remarkable individuals in our community. For me, it’s about connecting through this incredible place we all call home.
I have also made incredible friends. A tribute to them would take another 1,500 words. You know who you are and I love you, so, so much.
Now, you can go check out the largest broad-leaf maple tree in Canada in Stanley Park this weekend. You can also check out the free Rainbow Youth Project storytelling event at the library. You can walk by Eihu Lane in the West End, wonder about its origins, and pick up the book “Stanley Park’s Secrets” by Jean Barman. It’s great, I just finished it. You can support Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs. And if Miss604 had a hand in helping you do any of those things, then that’s why I do this. That’s all I need. That, and some pancakes.
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This holiday season, you have the opportunity to brighten a local senior’s day by participating in Stocking Stuffers for Seniors at London Drugs. In partnership with local care homes and charities, the mission is to spread extra holiday cheer to seniors across the communities they serve.
Stocking Stuffers for Seniors at London Drugs
Shoppers can visit their local London Drugs between now and December 8, 2024 to choose a tag from the Christmas Tree, which is usually in a prominent place but if you can’t find it just ask. The tags contain the wish list (including gifts and/or everyday essentials) of a local senior. Shop around for those items and bring the tag and your items to the customer service desk to check-out. London Drugs will take it from there and ensure your gift is delivered.
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A highlight of the season, Christmas at Canada Place is a free attraction, open every day during the holidays, featuring the traditional Woodward’s Windows, spectacular light displays, an avenue of holiday trees, and an Eras Tour twist.
Christmas at Canada Place 2024
- Dates: November 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025
- Times: Daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm
- Where: Canada Place (999 Canada Place, Vancouver)
- Admission: Free! Just show up and stroll.
The annual event, presented by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority invites guests to celebrate the season and experience the popular annual holiday tradition. It’s open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
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