WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
REACH Community Health Centre – Healthy Heart Pop-Up at the Library!
Healthy Heart Pop-Up at the Library!
February is Heart Month – a time to raise awareness about heart health and what we can do to reduce the risk of heart disease. Come join us at the Vancouver Public Library – Britannia Branch for a fun and informative event all about keeping your heart healthy! Drop-in to about heart-healthy habits, enjoy interactive activities, and get your blood pressure checked! Whether you’re a health nut or just curious about how to improve your heart health, this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about your heart and how to keep it in tip-top shape!
WHEN: Tuesday, Februrary 11th | 2:00PM – 4:00PM
WHERE: Vancouver Public Library – Britannia Branch (1661 Napier St, Vancouver, BC)
COST: Free!
Join the Spectrum Runners and Rollers at the Sun Run 2025
Spectrum is hosting a Sun Run Team again this year! The run takes place on Sunday, April 27th, 2025.
We will pay the registration fee for people we support and people who are supporting the runners and rollers.
The registration link is here: https://event.vansunrun.com/168575/register/?urlcattype=t&zsecure=vsr34213
Our team name is the Spectrum Runners and Rollers.
The code for getting your registration completed is YDCAKO
Let us know if you have any questions!
DIGA Online Workshop – Garden Planning
Join us to learn how to plan your garden by selecting crops, determining the best planting times, and maximizing your space. We will also discuss crop rotation and succession planting to boost your yields this season. Bring your questions for a Q&A session at the end!
Tomas Burns is a passionate gardener dedicated to fostering a greener planet. He shares his gardening knowledge with the next generation, and his enthusiasm and patience make him a favourite garden coach!
WHEN: Wednesday, February 12th | 2:00PM – 3:00PM
WHERE: Online! (Click here to access the Zoom link.)
Real Talk – Valentine’s Day Classic Pizza Party
Please note: due to the popularity of Real Talk Valentine’s Day events, advance registration for this event is required as spaces are limited. Scroll down to register through Curiko by pressing the blue button or through Real Talk by pressing the orange “Going” button.
Come join Certified Sexual Health Educators Kelsey and John on Thursday, February 13th from 11am – 1pm for an in-person Real Talk Classic Pizza Party.
This event will be in-person at 336 Columbia Street, New Westminster. It’s just across from the Columbia Expo Line Skytrain Station. People of all genders and orientations are welcome.
Everybody has questions about dating, love, relationships, and sex. Things like:
- How do I meet a boyfriend / girlfriend / partner?
- How do I let my family know that I want to date?
- How can I make sex safer?
- What is consent?
It’s totally normal. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to get good information. At this event, we’ll watch some Real Talk videos, and have a conversation hosted by a Certified Sexual Health Educator. We’ll talk about where to get good information, who can support us with this stuff, and how to figure out confusing situations. People are welcome to talk about things, or to just listen if they don’t want to talk.
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
This event is for people 19 and over.
Where is the event being held?
The event will be held at the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) New Westminster office, at 336 Columbia Street, New Westminster, just across from Columbia Skytrain Station.
What are my transit / parking options for getting to and from the event?
Public Transit: The event location is half a block away from the Columbia Skytrain Station, in New Westminster. Parking: There is metered street parking out front.
What can I bring into the event?
Bring your questions and your knowledge / experience ! Think of some questions you have about dating, love relationships or sex that you can ask at the event. Or think about some things you’ve learned about this stuff that you could share with others. Or think about some experiences you’ve had that you’d like to discuss. Also think about what you need to help you feel comfortable and relaxed at the event. We’ll ask everyone this before we start on the day.
Will everyone find out I went to this event and / or what I said at the event?
We don’t take names of people who are at the event. We do have some questionnaires, but you don’t put your name on them. At this event we specifically ask participants to not mention to anyone else who they see here or what people say here. Usually everyone respects that, but understand we cannot 100% guarantee they will maintain your confidentiality. It’s best to decide what you feel comfortable to share based on that.
Do I have to take part in the conversation?
We try to make our events a comfortable, encouraging place to talk, and to give everyone the support they need to participate. But no one has to talk. Ever. You’re welcome to just sit and listen. Or to leave at any time if you decide it’s not for you.
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Email john@real-talk.org
WHEN: Thursday, Februrary 13th | 11:00AM – 1:00PM
WHERE: 336 Columbia Street, New Westminster.
COST: Free. Click here to register!
Community Inclusion Fest
This year’s event focuses on aging within diverse populations, particularly for people with disabilities and adult caregivers. Hear from BC’s Seniors Advocate, policy and non-profit leaders, and self-advocates. There will also be activities, resource tables, prizes, and more.
This free event takes place Saturday, March 8th, 11am-2pm, at Creekside Community Centre (1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC)
Email Spencer@bcdisability.com if you have questions.
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: Luther: Never Too Much (Closed Caption Screening)
The dazzling career of legendary singer-songwriter Luther Vandross gets revelatory reappraisal in Dawn Porter’s moving biographical documentary. In addition to making his own beloved hits (Endless Love; Dance with My Father; Here and Now) the trailblazing soul artist was a titanic musical force in the 1980s and 90s, arranging and producing songs for a staggering range of artists: from David Bowie to Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson,Dionne Warwick and Mariah Carey, to name just a few.
Even before his life was cut tragically short at 54, Vandross suffered from media scrutiny about his weight and sexuality, and from pigeonholing within the music industry. Drawn from roughly four decades of interview and performance footage, as well as retrospective assessments by confidantes and artistic contemporaries, Luther is an eye-opening examination of a legacy that we are only now able to fully reckon with, and a long overdue reintroduction to his insatiable sound.
Captioned Screening
The Wednesday, Feb 12 screening is a Captioned Screening. Our Wednesday matinee Captioned Screenings welcome Deaf and hard of hearing audiences, along with anyone who benefits from captions. Films will screen with subtitles or (when available) open captions. This film will screen with open captions.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 12th | 12:00PM
WHERE: VIFF Centre – Lochmaddy Studio Theatre (1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC)
What is happening in Vancouver in February?
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 February
Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for an affordable three-course meal at our Multipurpose Room (5288 Joyce Street) for only $7-$8 from 12:15-1:30pm.
Buy your tickets at Collingwood Neighbourhood House reception!
For questions, email Susanna Chu at schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025: Roasted brussels sprouts w/ white bean soup, salad, beef or veggie taco, orange cake
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025: Fish or potato cake, salad, tiramisu
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025: Tomato soup, salad, ham & cheese or veggie sandwich, banana muffins
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025: BBQ chicken or eggplant w/ cornbread, salad, fruit cobbler
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025: Minestrone soup, salad, BLT or avocado-LT, strawberry cake
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025: Pork sausage or mushroom w/ roast veggies, salad, poached pear
![[ID: Collingwood Neighbourhood House logo.]](https://www.spectrumsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cnh.png)
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 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.
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)
![[ID: a logo on a white background with text that reads: 'Plan Institute for caring citizenship']](https://planinstitute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Plan_Institute_logo_2016_tagline-grey.jpg){kind=logo}
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, February 12th | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday, February 26th | 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, February 20th | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
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!