Guest post by Kristy Hayter in honour of Giving Tuesday. Happening this year on November 28th, the campaign is the world’s largest generosity movement.
The Power of Giving Tuesday and Beyond
What does it mean to give? To be philanthropic? Philanthropy and giving speaks to generosity in all forms and includes giving gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
To me, giving speaks to caring, support, and to that innate human desire to want to help one another and the world around us. The act of giving back can also be an expression of someone’s values, supporting what they truly care about and the changes they want to see in their communities and world.
Recently, it has felt like the number of those needing support has grown exponentially. So many individuals, families, causes, and communities need a helping hand. It can be overwhelming and hard to know what to do and how to help.
But here is the good news, every day I have the privilege of witnessing the act of giving in action.
I want to share some of the different ways you can give. Everyone has something to give. Yes, even if you don’t have an extra cent or an hour to spare right now, you can still make a difference.
Carousel Theatre for Young People presents playwright Greg Banks’ delightful take on the fairytale classic Snow White on Granville Island – and you can enter to win tickets!
The wickedly funny reinterpretation sees two actors whimsically embody a cast of beloved characters, including the handsome prince, malicious queen, helpful dwarf, and pure-hearted Snow White herself.
Katrina Teitz and Carly Pokaradi in Snow White. Photo credit Emily Cooper – Carousel Theatre
Snow White tells the familiar story of an evil, envious queen who recruits a huntsman to dispatch the pure-hearted heroine, only to have her come into the care of seven dwarfs. When the queen learns of Snow White’s presence in the woods, she sends her into an eternal slumber that can only be broken by the arrival of a certain prince.
Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company originally commissioned the script from playwright Greg Banks, who also directed the play for the company’s 2019 season. Since its debut, the piece has graced stages among children’s theatre companies across North America, with a Christmas staging at Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre in 2022, an upcoming Winnipeg production this holiday season, and multiple runs throughout the U.S.
The Carousel presentation will see actors Katrina Teitz and Carly Pokoradi embodying the mercurial cast and executing the lightning-quick switches between characters. They are joined on-stage by Sound Designer MJ Coomber, who will layer their original score with live accompaniment on accordion, fiddle, french horn, and mandolin.
The creative team also includes Set & Props Designer Monica Emme, Lighting Designer Rebekah Johnson, and Costume Designer Emily Friesen.
Win Tickets
I have a four-pack of tickets to give away to Opening Night on December 1st. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Snow White will feature several special events throughout its month-long run, including a mandatory masked performance on December 2 (1:00pm), an ASL Interpreted performance on December 9 (1:00pm), and a VocalEye described performance on December 16 (4:00pm). In addition, audiences are encouraged to dress up as their favourite fairytale characters on Saturday showings at 4:00pm (December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30).
Find unique, handmade goods and works by artists and artisans in these holiday themed pop-up gift shops, curated by galleries and museums around Metro Vancouver:
Location: Studio Theatre at Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88 Ave, Surrey)
Details: Heart to Home Holiday Market at the Surrey Art Gallery offers over 30 artists work from across the Lower Mainland. Shop ceramics, jellies and cookies, skincare, apparel, jewellery, and so much more while enjoying live musical performances at this free admission market.
Location: UBC Welcome Centre in the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (6163 University Blvd, Vancouver)
Details: The MOA (Museum of Anthropology) Shop Pop-Up Holiday Sale features unique gifts, made by Indigenous (local and international) artists and artisans. During the temporary closure of MOA, the Pop-Up Sale will be in the UBC Welcome Centre. Proceeds from purchases support MOA’s acquisitions, publications and public programs.
Location: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (639 Hornby St, Vancouver)
Detail: Bill Reid Gallery Shop carries a handpicked selection of traditional and contemporary artworks including jewelry in gold, silver, argillite and cedar bark, handmade glassware, one of a kind masks and sculptures. Choose from a beautiful array of accessories for home and personal use and curated books for all your holiday shopping needs.
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery Store (750 Hornby Street, Vancouver)
Detail: Shop their Exhibition, Canadian, International and Design gifts. Proceeds from all retail operations support the Vancouver Art Gallery’s exhibition, education, and public programs.
Location: The Polygon Gallery (101 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver)
Details: The annual Holiday Shop transforms the main gallery floor into a beautifully decorated and curated shop with unique gifts by independent makers and artists. This year there will be weekly interactive activities for visitors to enjoy.
Hours: 9:00 to 9:00pm (Mondays through Fridays), 9:00am to 5:00pm (Saturdays) and 1:00pm to 5:00pm (Sundays)
Location: Places des Arts (1120 Brunette Ave, Coquitlam)
Details: Complete your holiday shopping at Places des Arts featuring housewares, clothing, skincare and beauty, and more. Find something unique for everyone on your list.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
Free festive fun for the family returns to Christmas at Canada Place including the traditional Woodward’s Windows, spectacular holiday light displays, and an avenue of holiday trees.
Christmas at Canada Place Miss604 Photo
Christmas at Canada Place
Dates: December 1, 2023 to January 2, 2024
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.
It’s a great spot to take holiday photos and enjoy the sights and sounds of our city surrounded by light displays, the inlet, and the snow-capped mountains. Here are some highlights:
Canada’s North Light Display
Enjoy a magical holiday experience at the North Point of Canada Place with a display featuring wintery light displays and a 15-foot illuminated moose figure named “Chrismoose”.
Woodward’s Windows
Walk along the west promenade of Canada Place to enjoy this treasured part of Vancouver’s history. Originally displayed in the popular Woodward’s Department Store, the window displays feature Victorian-era holiday scenes with animatronic characters and elaborate decor.
Avenue of Trees
The Canadian Trail along the west outdoor promenade at Canada Place will be transformed into a holiday wonderland. Guests can stroll the outdoor promenade and enjoy beautifully decorated holiday trees and lights, sponsored by community-minded organizations.
Sails of Light at Canada Place
The night sky will be illuminated by the Sails of Light at Canada Place when the iconic white sails come alive with holiday-inspired colours starting at dusk every evening.
For more information about events, attractions, and happenings this season, follow Canada Place on Facebook.
Miss604 is a proud Media Sponsor of Christmas at Canada Place
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by The Improv Centre Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
Get ready to unwrap a bundle of laughter and festive cheer as The Improv Centre (TIC) hosts its holiday and New Year’s Eve programming from November 23 to December 31, 2023.
Holiday Comedy at The Improv Centre
Where: The Improv Centre (1502 Duranleau St, Vancouver on Granville Island)
Tickets: Starting at $26.50, available online now or in person at the TIC Box Office.
Holiday Fun
Dates: November 23 to December 31, 2023
Times: Thursdays to Saturdays at 7:30pm; 2:00pm matinee December 17th & 24th
Back to the Holidays is a fun, family-friendly show! From Scrooges to Grinches and Krampuses to Hans Grubers, there’s something inherently funny about holiday cynics who begrudgingly give in to seasonal merriment. An homage to Back to the Future and A Christmas Carol, the show explores holidays of the past, present, and future through the lens of an eccentric scientist who is tasked with helping our hero discover the true meaning of the holidays and save the town from ruin.
Year in Review
Date: December 27 to December 30, 2023
Times: 7:30pm
Celebrate this past year with 2023 and Me. Whether it was the best, worst or middling year of your life, this show will be a delightfully therapeutic “thank you!” or “**** you!” to 2023. Audience members can share with us what made this year unique, fantastic or a total dumpster fire, and watch TIC ensemble members recreate those experiences – and maybe even rewrite history.
New Year’s Eve
Date: December 31, 2023
Times: 7:00pm, 9:00pm, and 11:15pm
Finally, join TIC in bidding adieu to 2023 with libations and laughter at NYE at TIC. There’s no time like the holidays to shed the dread and spread kindness. NYE at TIC is an evening filled with fun, frivolity, and fabulously funny improv comedy as we count down to 2024. Tickets for this performance also include full access to a dessert bar and photo booth.
