WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
DIGA – Plant and Grow Workshop with GreenWorks
Join us for an engaging workshop led by our Partners at GardenWorks, where participants of all gardening levels will have the opportunity to plant a planter filled with either flavorful Culinary Herbs or vibrant pollinator-friendly flowers. Explore the joys of gardening as you learn valuable tips and tricks, with all seeds and supplies provided.
The event will be led by Alex Johnson. Alex is passionate about growing food and inspiring others to do the same.
FUN FACT: When he’s not in the garden, Alex can be found leading his friends through epic fantasy worlds during Dungeons and Dragons nights!
Please note that, as of February 2025, the pathway from Science World to Creekside Community Centre is closed for repairs. Pedestrians and cyclists will temporarily detour from Creekside via Ontario, Switchmen and Quebec Streets to reconnect with the Seawall and Seaside Greenway Paths north of Science World.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 12th | 1:00PM – 2:00PM
WHERE: Creekside Community Centre, Room 1 (1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC)
COST: Free! Click here to RSVP on Eventbrite
Indigenous Women’s Full Moon Ceremony
All Indigenous women are welcome to join JB for a monthly Women’s Full Moon Ceremony. A safe space for Indigenous women to come together for monthly moon teachings, berry fasting, Indigenous cultural teachings, and an opportunity to take care of self.
Dinner is provided!
For more information or registration, contact Melissa: Mmcneil@reachcentre.bc.ca | 604-251-3000 ext. 241
WHEN: Thursday, March 13th | 5:30PM – 7:30PM
WHERE: MFC Programming Room (217) REACH Community Health Centre (1145 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC)
Real Talk LGBTQ Dinner and Chat
Come join Certified Sexual Health Educators John and Peer Facilitator Alison on Friday, March 14th from 6pm – 8pm for an in-person Real Talk LGBTQ Dinner and Chat.
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?
- How do I come out?
- How do I meet others in the LGBTQ community?
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
WHERE: 336 Columbia St, New Westminster
WHEN: Friday, March 14th | 6:00PM – 8:00PM
COST: Free! You can just show up on the day, or you can click here to register!
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: Toy Story (Hearing Assistance)
Pixar pioneered digital animation technology in the mid 1980s. The world’s first feature length computer movie, Toy Story was based on one of director John Lasseter’s earlier shorts. Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is a cowboy toy and the favourite game in town – until his pal Andy gets a new Buzz Lightyear doll for his birthday and Woody finds himself gathering dust with the rest of Andy’s cast-offs. Consumed with jealousy he tries to get rid of his naïve rival – who still believes he really is a space explorer in some brave new world, and struggles to get to grips with the idea that not everything revolves around him.
Lasseter’s early computer generated animation had a synthetic texture that was well suited to this subject, but also a fluidity and dynamism the old cel style cannot match. But Pixar’s strengths go back to and beyond the drawing board: rich story sense, fresh perspectives, indelible characters. So it is that Tim Allen and Reg Varney find themselves in one of the landmark movies of film history.
WHEN: Monday, March 17th | 2:00 PM
WHERE: VIFF Centre – VIFF Cinema (1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC)
What is happening in Vancouver in March?
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 March
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, March 11: Roasted carrot soup, salad, tuna or chickpea salad sandwich, and chocolate brownie
- Thursday, March 13: Pork or tofu in black bean sauce with noodles, salad, and orange cake
- Tuesday, March 18: Cream of leek and potato soup, salad, beef or veggie quesadilla, and lemon muffin
- Thursday, March 20: Beef or mushroom stew, salad, and peanut butter cookie
- Tuesday, March 25: Borscht, salad, turkey or veggie sandwich, and date square
- Thursday, March 27: Baked chicken or tofu with couscous, salad, and coconut muffin
![[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)
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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: Thursday, March 13th | 10:00AM – 11:30AM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday, March 26th | 10:00AM – 11:45AM
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, March 20th | 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!