WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: MY LIFE
MARCH 28 – APRIL 06, 2025
March 28, 29 at 7:30pm
March 30th at 2:00pm
April 1,2,3,4,5 at 7:30pm
April 6th at 2:00pm
At The Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables Street, Vancouver BC
About the Show
Part fantasy, part reality, with huge dollops of whimsy. Niall McNeil’s Beauty and The Beast: My Life transports audiences into a vibrant realm that references Disney and Cocteau but charts its own unique narrative path through Niall’s experiences and multi-faceted art practice.
With this world premiere, Niall, who identifies as an artist with Down Syndrome, is making his directorial debut and creating the story. He has assembled an incredible team of collaborators and performers, including: Veda Hille, Billy Marchenski, Sophia Wolfe, Kate Franklin, and Peter Anderson—who have come together to centre Niall’s unique approach to art-making.
There is a 2 for 1 ticket offer. If you are purchasing a ticket, you can type in GOOD COMPANY in
the promo code at the checkout. This offer is good for sections A+ A and B. Click here to purchase tickets!
If a person wishes to be accompanied by a support person, please call the Cultch Box office at 604 251-1365 and the support person will be given a complimentary ticket.
Created & Directed by: Niall McNeil
Performers & Collaborators: Billy Marchenski, Sophia Mai Wolfe, Kate Franklin, Peter Anderson
Director Mentor: Debbie Patterson
Composer: Veda Hille
Lighting Designer: Itai Erdal
Costume Designer: Christine Reimer
Sound Designer: Mishelle Cuttler
Set & Props Designer, Technical Director: Paula Viitanen Aldazosa
Pre-Show Projection Design: Candelario Andrade
Dramaturge: Michele Valiquette
Production Manager: Jessica Han
Stage Manager: Jillian Perry
Producers: Joan McNeil, Brian Postalian, John Dippong
SCI BC – Get Wild Dance Class
Get Wild is a seated based exercise class run by Utah-based instructor Sutter. We dance for an hour building up intensity and speed of movements for a great cardiovascular workout. We modify all movements for each individual to challenge balance, strength and endurance in a way that protects the shoulder joint. Come join us on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!
How to Connect to Zoom:
- From your browser: https://utah-health.zoom.us/j/95432957916?pwd=aGJmSFdSbkJObTdselB3VEtTZlBPQT09
- Meeting ID: 954 3295 7916 | Password: 909190
If you have any questions please contact our InfoLine at 1-800-689-2477 or info@sci-bc.ca.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 26th | 3:30PM – 4:30PM
WHERE: Online! Use the Zoom link above.
CQC Queer Movie Night
Connecting Queer Communities is back with our first Queer Movie Night of 2025!
Connecting Queer Communities (CQC) is a social group for folks with cognitive disabilities who are 2SLGBTQIA+, curious, questioning, or who want to hang out with their queer friends.
At this upcoming event, we’ll be hosting our first Queer Movie Night of 2025, watching a short Australian web series called Out of Here.
WHEN: Friday, March 28th, 7 – 9pm
WHERE: 336 Columbia Street, New Westminster (New West BACI Office)
COST: Free!
FOOD: We’ll be providing snacks, like pop and chips, but we recommend eating beforehand if you think you’ll be hungry for a proper meal!
If you register, we’ll send you a reminder the day before the event. If you don’t want to register, that’s ok too – you can just show up on the evening.
If you need help with transport, email kelsey@real-talk.org.
Vancouver Pop-Ups: Spring Market
![Vancouver Pop-Ups: Spring Market [Pop-Up + Local Vendors]](https://img.evbuc.com/https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.evbuc.com%2Fimages%2F950870243%2F1506164743153%2F1%2Foriginal.20250202-225509?w=600&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=75&sharp=10&rect=100%2C0%2C1440%2C720&s=8ecefec4f776eaffde5f52a86e7451f1)
🌸 Vancouver Pop-Ups: Spring Market 🌸
🗓️ Date: Sunday, March 30th, 2025
⏰ Time: 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Location: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St, Vancouver
🐾 Pet-Friendly Event
Spring is here, and we’re celebrating with a vibrant market featuring over 40 incredible vendors! Discover a curated selection of handmade jewelry, artisanal candles, homeware, baked goods, artwork, and more
The first 30 customers in line at 11 AM will receive a $10 voucher to use at the market—so come early!
FREE admission to this event at the Heritage Hall. You don’t need to reserve your ticket on Eventbrite to come!
Bring your friends (and your furry ones!) for a day of shopping, community, and spring vibes.
See you at Heritage Hall!
Check us out here: www.instagram.com/vancouverpopups
Explore March 30th Vendors: https://www.vancouverpopups.ca/march-30-popup-market
Market Highlights
Local Business Showcase: Discover a diverse array of locally crafted goods and unique products from talented artisans and designers. From handmade jewelry and stylish apparel to art pieces and home decor, there’s something for everyone at this vibrant market.
Delicious Food and Refreshments: Treat your taste buds to a culinary journey with a selection of food vendors offering delightful snacks, and refreshing beverages.
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 2 (Hearing Assistance/Closed Captioning)
If Toy Story played on the fear of redundancy and replacement (Buzz is in effect the new baby, supplanting older brother Woody in Andy’s affections), Toy Story 2 allows the new kid to earn his spurs by showing he knows what family means. When Woody is kidnapped by a toy collector, it’s Buzz who leads the troops (in this case, Slinky Dog, Mr Potato Head, Bo-peep, T Rex and a wheezy penguin) to the rescue. Expertly balancing action, humour and emotion, this deepens our relationship with the first film’s characters and introduces a sassy newcomer in the form of cowgirl Jessie (Joan Cusack). It also features another killer Randy Newman song, When She Loved Me, performed by our own Sarah McLachlan.
WHEN: Saturday, March 29th | 1:00 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 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
![[ID: a photo of an open fridge, inside is various fruits and vegetables.]](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1606859191214-25806e8e2423?width=entropy%26cs&optimize=medium)
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
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.
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: Thursday, April 10th | 4:00PM – 5:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday, April 23rd | 4:00PM – 5:45PM
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, April 17th | 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
![[ID: a graphic design with a yellow background. There is a white hanging sign with bold yellow text that reads: 'Employee Referral Program'.]](https://static.vecteezy.com/system/resources/thumbnails/007/558/360/small/employee-referral-program-hanging-sign-on-yellow-background-for-business-marketing-flyers-banners-presentations-and-posters-illustration-vector.jpg)
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!