WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
![[ID: logo of Vancouver Farmers Markets.]](https://eatlocal.org/assets/themes/VFM-2018/img/header_vfm_logo.png){kind=logo}
Mental Health Week Art Show
Mental Health Week Art Show Opening
Come join us for the grand opening of our Client Art Show celebrating Mental Health Week! The event will be held in person at St. Paul’s Hospital. (4th Floor – Burrard Building)
Can’t make it to the opening? The show will be on until Friday, May 9th
Explore the powerful and inspiring artwork created by individuals in our programs as they express their journey towards mental wellness. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and raise awareness about mental health. We can’t wait to see you there!
WHEN: From May 5th to May 9th
WHERE: St. Paul’s Hospital (4th Floor – 1081 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC)
COST: Free | Click here to reserve a spot!
Still Moon Arts – Bye Bye Blackberry: Still Creek Stewardship at Cornett Road
Join us for Bye Bye Blackberry, a hands-on stewardship session along Still Creek where we’ll work together to remove invasive Himalayan blackberry and make space for native plants to thrive. Volunteers will learn how to identify and safely remove blackberry, hear a bit about the creek’s ecology and salmon, and get their hands dirty restoring this urban waterway. Tools, gloves, and snacks will be provided—just bring your enthusiasm, weather-appropriate clothing, and a willingness to wrestle some brambles!
Still Creek along Cornett Road is a particularly special restoration site for Still Moon. This is the farthest west that chum salmon have returned to spawn in Still Creek, making it a key location for ecological renewal. We’re excited to complete our restoration goals here in 2025! Our vision includes removing the remaining invasive species, replanting with native vegetation, and establishing a vibrant meadow space. We see this portion of Still Creek as a welcoming gathering place to celebrate the return of salmon, native plants, and other biodiversity.
Summary of Logistics:
- Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
- Time: From 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Meet at the corner of Natal Street and Cornett Road (Google Map Location)
- If you arrive late, we’ll be working at the meeting spot above.
- This is a free event. Donations are appreciated.
What to expect
- This program is best for those who are 6+.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- We will provide light snacks, fruit snacks and granola bars, as well as some beverages, such as tea or Bubly.
- Please bring a full water bottle to stay hydrated.
- We will be working on slightly steep slopes.
- Please wear sturdy closed-toe footwear (hiking boots, trail runners, rubber boots with good traction).
- Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Still Moon will provide all tools, including gloves, shovels, garbage reachers, trowels, sharp boxes, and a first aid kit.
- Photos and/or videos will be taken to document the event for Still Moon Arts Society’s archival and promotional purposes. You will be asked for consent at the beginning of the event and your choice does not impact your ability to participate fully in the experience.
Accessibility
- This site has somewhere to work for everyone! Our meadow space is flat and away from the sloped creekside. If you need help getting to the site or have other questions about accessibility, please email connelly@stillmoonarts.ca.
Getting There
- Cornett Road is a 5 – 10 minute walk from the Rupert Skytrain Station. Limited street parking is available.
- Washrooms are not available on site. The nearest washrooms are a 5-minute walk away at the Canadian Tire.
About the Facilitator
Connelly (she/her) is a biologist with a passion for nature, science, and community. She received her Bachelor of Science in Applied Animal Biology from the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at UBC. During her career, Connelly has participated in pollinator research, led nature education in the Gulf Islands, and guided stewardship efforts in local parks.
Connelly is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment where everyone can learn, participate, and cultivate a passion for healing the land and waterways of our local parks. Outside of work, Connelly can usually be found birding, knitting, or reading a good book with her cat on her lap.
Click here for more info and to register!
Rainbow Seas Present: Famous Fishes
Rainbow Seas is a series of six totally free ocean themed cross stitching workshops for queer folks! Join us to learn about the ocean, build crafting skills, and meet new friends!
Famous Fishes is our first workshop of the year. Join us to learn how to cross stitch some fun little fish friends! No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
Spaces are limited by supplies and room space, so please register to reserve your spot!
Accessibility Information:
- Creekside Community Centre and our program room is wheelchair accessible.
- Masks are encouraged but not mandatory.
- We expect a medium-low noise level at this event, there will be some chatting and quiet music in the background.
- There will be overhead lights and lots of natural sunlight. Lighting can be adjusted to best support the group.
- Please arrive at 1pm so we can go over some instructions together! You are more than welcome to step-out or leave early.
- Any accessibility needs or requests not covered? Please email me and I’ll do my best to accommodate you!
WHEN: Saturday, May 10th | 1:00PM – 2:30PM
WHERE: Creekside Community Centre (1 Athletes Way Vancouver, BC)
COST: Free | Click here to register or to contact the organizer!
SAVE THE DATE! Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025
TIME: 2:00PM – 5:00PM
WHERE: JOHN HENDRY PARK – TROUT LAKE – PICNIC GAZEBO
Save the date to join us for the Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!
We are also looking for volunteers that would like to assist in the setup, clean up, and take down of the event. If you’re interested in being a part of the Picnic Team, please email Spectrum’s office at reception@spectrumsociety.org
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone in the summer for another fun day of socializing, good food, and sunshine!
VIFF – Accessibility
VIFF is committed to making our events and screenings accessible to as many people as we can, and we strive to remove barriers to access whenever possible. For more information, please email accessibility@viff.org
Click here to review VIFF’s Accessibility Page
Ticketing
For ticketing assistance, you can reach us at on the VIFF Infoline 604-683-3456 or feedback@viff.org
Wheelchair Positions: We encourage patrons requiring wheelchair positions to call ahead to reserve. The adjacent companion seat is also available to reserve.
Support Companions: Support persons who accompany patrons with disabilities are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket. Contact the Infoline to book ahead or book in-person at the Box Office.
Accessible Tickets: We offer a limited number of discounted tickets to each film for folks who face financial barriers and may not be able otherwise to attend a film. Discounted tickets are available on our website or at the Box Office while quantities last.
Accessible Screenings
Captioned Screenings: Our Wednesday matinee Captioned Screenings welcome Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, along with anyone who benefits from captions.
Relaxed Screenings: Our monthly Relaxed Screenings are open to anyone who could benefit from a more casual, supportive and laid-back experience.
SHOWING: Steel Magnolias (Hearing Assistance)
Mother’s Day Special: Get 2 adult tickets for the price of 1!
Oh momma! In a Louisiana parish, Shelby Eatenton (Julia Roberts) is getting married and, soon enough, getting pregnant. But this great news comes with considerable risk, due to her type 1 diabetes. Shelby’s mother M’Lynn (Sally Field) is terrified of losing her. Fortunately they have an extensive support group ready to offer advice, hugs and wisecracks: Louisa, Truvy, Annelle, Clairee (Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis). If you’re still keening for Victoria Ratliff, this bevy of southern belles should be a boost.
WHEN: Sunday, May 11th | 12:00PM
WHERE: VIFF Centre – VIFF Cinema (1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC)
What is happening in Vancouver in May?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events/
Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch Menu for May
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Tuesdays from 12:15 to 1:15 pm in the multipurpose room at CNH Main House (5288 Joyce St)
Please join us for one of our three-course meals, which offer a nutritious, healthy and affordable lunch. Our Food Hub team members will take turns showcasing diverse cultural cuisines at CNH, bringing flavours from different backgrounds to the community table. We hope to create a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy delicious meals and celebrate the rich food traditions that make our community unique.
Max. 40 people. No take-out meals, dine-in only. For questions, email Ross Oh at roh@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0323.
Tickets can be purchased at reception on the same day as the lunch and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis:
$7/meal for seniors, CNH staff, youth and students
$8/meal for adults
- May 6, 2025: Wrap, multi-bean soup, salad, chocolate cake, hosted by the Early Years team’s Diana and Sabrina
- May 13, 2025: Rice, dak gomtang, soy sauce braised potato, kimchi, and dessert. Please note that there is no vegetarian option on this day.
- May 20, 2025: TBD. Our community member, Shara, will be hosting this week’s Community Lunch with support from our dietitian, Rani, serving a thoughtful and nutritious meal for everyone to enjoy.
- May 27, 2025: Stir-fried udon, wonton soup, and mango pudding, hosted by the Reception team’s Jenny and Candice
Vancouver Community Fridge Project
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The Vancouver Community Fridge Project is a decentralized food distribution network and mutual aid initiative created to provide healthy, free food and essential supplies to our communities across lower mainland.
Our mission is to combat food insecurity by encouraging our communities to take part in laterally-directed mutual aid, starting with providing free, safe, non-policed, accessible and nutritious foods through community fridges and pantries.
All fridges and pantries that are apart of the VCFP network will be operating on a strict no policing, no-shame policy. This means, the VCFP does not condone patrolling how fridge users engage with the fridge, gatekeeping, or any exclusionary or harmful behaviours. The fridges should be accessible, welcoming places based on trust and communication of needs, established by and for the community.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
Disability Without Poverty | CDB Overview
Follow these steps:
1. File your tax return.
Need help? There are free tax clinics available to help you.
2. Apply for the Disability Tax Credit
Fill Form T2201 – Download the form from the Canada Revenue Agency website. Fill in Part A.
Find a Medical Practitioner – Take the form to a qualified medical practitioner to certify the impairment by completing Part B.
Submit Your Application to the CRA – Mail the completed form or submit it online. The CRA will review your application and send a notice of determination.
While you wait for the applications to open, see if you qualify for other federal programs like:
- Registered Disability Savings Plan
- Canada Workers Benefit
- Disability Supplement
- Child Disability Benefit
3. Apply for the Canada Disability Benefit
Applications for the Canada Disability Benefit open in June Payments start in July 2025!
STEP ONE: File your taxes for free
STEP TWO: Get help with your DTC application
STEP THREE: Learn more about the CDB
Disability Alliance BC – MY DTC
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a tax benefit from the Government of Canada. It is meant to help people with disabilities and their families reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay. Benefits like the Registered Disability Saving Plan and the new Canada Disability Benefit coming in July 2025 can be accessed when you have the Disability Tax Credit.
My DTC is a free online guide to the Disability Tax Credit created by Disability Alliance BC. It has information on benefits, eligibility and the overall process, as well as tools to help with applying. Please note, My DTC does not allow people to apply for the DTC directly. This is done through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
Visit My DTC here to explore the guide.
Credit Counselling Society
The Credit Counselling Society is an accredited non-profit that helps Canadians solve their money problems. We do this by providing free credit counselling, low-cost debt solutions, and education to help you manage your money better.
Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools for building the financial success that everyone deserves. We’re here to help you through your difficult times and towards a better future.
BC Hydro – Customer Crisis Fund
If you’re a residential customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis, such as a loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expenses, or a death in the family and you’ve fallen behind on your BC Hydro bill, you may be eligible for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service.
Eligibility for a grant
To receive a grant from the Customer Crisis Fund, you need to meet a few criteria:
- Be a residential account holder.
- Be applying for a grant for your primary residence account.
- Your account must have payments overdue by at least 21 days or be facing disconnection. You can apply as early as when you have a balance owing on your account, but your application will be on hold until your payment is 21 days overdue or your account is facing disconnection.
- You must have experienced a life event, within the last 12 months, that caused a temporary financial crisis.
- Have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or less, and have demonstrated some attempt to make payments towards your bill.
You may receive one grant per account holder annually (one per year). If a grant application is denied and your circumstances change, you can apply again in the same year.
Click here for more information and how to apply!
![[ID: logo of BC Hydro Power Smart]](https://ecofitt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/bchydro.jpg)
Inclusion BC Provincial Budget Alert 2024-2025
Spectrum is a member of Inclusion BC and supports their provincial advocacy on behalf of individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
Click here for their report on the provincial budget announced for 2024-2025.
![[ID: logo of Inclusion BC]](https://files.constantcontact.com/5484ef30101/c09a3cee-3809-41f2-964f-ab73cfcb439f.png)
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Plan Institute Webinars
The Plan Institute has FREE upcoming regular webinars on the topics of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Wills, Trusts and Estates Planning.
RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan for those with disabilities to better financially plan for their futures. The Level 1 webinar is meant for those who want to learn about what the RDSP is, who qualifies, and how to apply. The Level 2 webinar is for those who already have a RDSP, or have already taken Level 1.
Next Level 1 Webinar: Wednesday, May 14th | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Tuesday, May 27th | 7:00PM – 8:45PM
Click here to register and for more information
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (BC Only)
This webinar is meant for those who want to become better informed on the process of wills, trusts and estate planning to better secure the future of your relative or loved one with a disability. There is a limit of 60 participants so early registration is encouraged!
Next Webinar: Thursday, May 22nd | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Click here to register and for more information
Community Support for Spectrum
Spectrum is a registered charitable organization that fundraises to provide the extra things that aren’t covered by government funding. We appreciate the support our community provides in these ways:
Donations: We receive donations through our monthly giving program from both community members and our employees.
Different ways you can donate to Spectrum Society
- You can make a donation online through CanadaHelps.org on our secure donation page here.
- You can complete this Donation Form and send a cheque to our office.
- You can join our monthly giving club and provide us with permission to make a monthly deduction from your bank account. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org or mail it to our office.
- As an employee, you can give us permission to make a deduction from your payroll each pay period. Complete this Donation Form and email it to donations@spectrumsociety.org.
- Remember Spectrum Society for Community Living when you are preparing your Will. We have an Endowment Fund that provides us with regular income to assist in providing supports to people with disabilities in the Community. Please call if you have any questions about this.
Click here for more information!
REFERRAL PROGRAM
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Is there anyone you know that is looking for meaningful work?
If you have a friend, family member or meet someone in the community that is interested in joining the team and you refer them to Spectrum, you could be eligible for a referral bonus!
If the person referred is hired and maintains at least 6 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $250 Referral Bonus.
*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org
We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!