Tuesday, November 29th is recognized as “Giving Tuesday”, opening the season of giving around the world following Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday unites charities, companies and individuals in the spirit of giving and over the next few days I’ll be profiling a few local organizations that you can support on this day – and throughout the year.
Giving Tuesday
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland is hoping to spread the message about mentoring this Giving Tuesday. They have a goal to raise $2,000, the cost to make one Big Sister match, within 24 hours and to sign up two new volunteers.
It’s proven. The impacts of mentoring last a lifetime. From improvements in school performance and higher career achievements to stronger relationships and increased self-esteem, mentoring changes lives.
Big Sisters helps girls reach their full potential through mentorship — and there are currently over 160 girls on their waitlist.
How to Give to Big Sisters
Every gift counts. Whether it’s a donation towards mentoring programs or volunteering your time, both help girls reach their full potential.
1. Help raise $2,000 online — the cost of one Big and Little Sister match per year. Donate now.
2. Become a volunteer — they’re hoping for two new volunteers this Giving Tuesday. Sign up here.
3. Increase social media activity — that means more likes, shares and comments on posts that you find more interesting. Here are some ways you can share the message on social media:
Follow Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland on Facebook and Twitter for more information. As a leading child and youth mentoring charity, Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland facilitates life-changing relationships that inspire and empower girls to reach their potential, both as individuals and citizens.
Miss604 is a proud sponsor of the Big Sisters Volunteer Recruitment campaign.
Enjoy Christmas down on the farm, as Surrey’s Historic Stewart Farm boasts holiday charm, circa 1894. The heritage farmhouse is decorated in authentic Victorian style, complete with local greenery on the verandah and fresh baking from the wood stove. Guests are welcome to tour the farmhouse and take a scenic walk of the riverside grounds.
Christmas At Historic Stewart Farm
While every day at the farm is a chance to escape the holiday mania, additional family friendly activities are scheduled for the weekends, including:
- November 26 & 27: Decorate a gingerbread cookie and make a tissue paper wreath
- Saturday, December 3, 2016: Rhayne and Friends singing carols in the parlour
- Sunday, December 4, 2016: String popcorn and make a Christmas tree ornament
- Saturday, December 10, 2016: Live harp music in the farmhouse parlour, figgy pudding, apple cider and a barn scavenger hunt
- Sunday, December 11, 2016: Listen to piano music in the parlous as you make a Christmas card
- December 17 & 18: Make a reindeer head band and do Santa scavenger hunt in the farmhouse
Entrance is by donation, and the farmhouse is open Tuesdays to Fridays, 10:00am to 4:00pm at 13723 Crescent Road in South Surrey.
Follow Heritage Surrey on Facebook and Twitter, and read more about Historic Stewart Farm, South Surrey’s Best Kept Secret.
Vancouver is a “no fun” city no more as the New Year’s Eve Celebration Society has put together its second annual party where you can ring in 2017 with family and friends. With indoor and outdoor concert stages, starring headliners The Sheepdogs and The New Pornographers, it will be the place to be when the clock strikes 12.
Concord’s New Year’s Eve Vancouver
With a new title sponsor, Concord Pacific, the entertainment lineup has been expanded, with The Sheepdogs headlining the free outdoor community celebration, while The New Pornographers take centre stage at “TRUE NORTH,” a ticketed indoor party in the magnificent VCC West Ballrooms.
Indoor Ticketed Concert
TRUE NORTH will also feature live performances by Yukon Blonde, Meghan Patrick, Humans and Delhi 2 Dublin; a second room will feature DJs Kevin Shiu, Andy Clockwork and Hebegebe. All TRUE NORTH ticketholders will enjoy premium viewing of the midnight fireworks, with the option of watching the show from indoor or outdoor areas on the Pacific Terrace overlooking Jack Poole Plaza.
Ticketed Fireworks Viewing
A premium fireworks viewing zone will be located along the seawall on the North promenade of the Vancouver Convention Centre. It will guarantee a prime view of the fireworks over Coal Harbour as well as in-and-out privileges to enjoy the entertainment on the main and outdoor music stages before the midnight fireworks.
Free Family New Year’s Eve
This year’s family-friendly event will feature multiple stages, a new countdown clock tower and early fireworks for families at 9:00pm followed by a midnight countdown with a spectacular fireworks finale. The free community celebration will run from 6:30pm to 12:10am along Canada Place Way between Howe and Thurlow Streets.
A ticketed RE/MAX Family Zone will be located inside Canada Place and along the outdoor West Promenade. The zone will feature family-focused entertainment such as face painting, crafts and arcade games and a reserved outdoor viewing area for fireworks.
Follow Concord Pacific New Year’s Eve Vancouver on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
The Port Coquitlam Winter Artisan Market brings holiday cheer and holiday shopping to the Leigh Square Community Arts Village this weekend.
Port Coquitlam Winter Artisan Market
- Where: Leigh Square Community Arts Village, The Outlet & The Gathering Place (1100- 2253 McAllister Avenue, Port Coquitlam)
- When: Friday, November 25, 2016 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday, November 26, 2016 10:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday, November 27, 2016 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Admission: Free admission!
Browse a wide variety of handmade artisan crafts, delectable prepared foods, and delicious baked treats. Enjoy music from Christmas choirs, and play games with the kids.
Follow the market on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
More in Port Coquitlam This Christmas
Christmas in Leigh Square
Where: Leigh Square Community Arts Village
When: Saturday, December 3, 2016 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Details: Families can take part in the official lighting ceremony, holiday craft making, face painting, music and entertainment, and shop artisan vendors.
Christmas Movie and Skate Night
Where: Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex
When: Friday, December 16, 2016, 6:45pm to 8:15pm
Details: Lace up your skates and celebrate with a movie and skate at the Recreation Centre in Port Coquitlam.
If it wasn’t already cool enough that Vancouver was going to be home to the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze this season, I recently discovered that Enchant will be supporting Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC and other local community partners.
World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze
Where: West 1st and Crowe Street (between Olympic Village & Cambie Bridge)
When: November 25th to December 31st, 2016 4:00pm to 10:00pm daily
Tickets: Starting at $20 for adults (or $5 for the Christmas Market only)
Enchant will have 55,000 square feet of brilliantly illuminated sculptures along with the light maze. The market will have over 40 local vendors, 12 food trucks and a licensed eating area where guests can enjoy their favourite holiday drink. There will also be a VIP Christmas Party area.
Tickets are available now online for specific dates. Season passes are sold out. December 8th and 22nd are fundraising nights at Enchant Christmas where you can support Variety BC. You can also use code VCC2016 anytime to automatically donate 20% of your ticket purchase to the organization.
Follow Enchant on Twitter and Facebook for more information leading up to the holiday event.
Win Tickets
I have 4 tickets to give away to this spectacular event thanks to Variety BC. You and three friends or loved ones can experience this new holiday attraction on December 7th. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post with who you would bring to the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze (1 entry)
- Like, comment on or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
Prize is valid only for entry on December 7th. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2016.
About Variety BC – The Children’s Charity
Variety steps in where health care ends to provide direct support to children in BC with special needs. Since 1966, the ways in which they make a difference are vast in number yet heartfelt on every occasion. This includes life-saving medication & medical equipment, life-changing mobility equipment & specialized therapies, as well as life-enriching education & experiences. All that and much more! Miss604 is a proud member of Variety BC.
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Update The winner is Megan Bell!
