REMINDER:
Spectrum’s office will be closed on Tuesday, July 1st!
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Please join us for Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!
WHEN:
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025
TIME:
2:00PM – 5:00PM
WHERE:
JOHN HENDRY PARK – TROUT LAKE – PICNIC GAZEBO
Closest parking and gazebo entry:
2105 E 19th Ave, Vancouver
(very close to the concession building)
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone for a fun, relaxing day of socializing, good food, and sunshine! Come on by and enjoy a burger, hot dog and other picnic treats with everyone 😊
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
Still Moon Arts – Restore and Learn: Plants and Pollinators at Renfrew Community Park
Join us at this hands-on stewardship session at Renfrew Community Park. We’ll be removing invasive species like blackberry, buttercup, and bindweed to prepare the site for future native plantings. This work helps create space for a more diverse and resilient ecosystem to flourish. No experience is needed—just a willingness to get your hands dirty and contribute to local habitat restoration.
As we work, we’ll also take time to learn about one of the park’s important visitors: bumblebees. You’ll get an introduction to local species, how to identify them, and insights into their nesting habits, life cycles, and the key role they play in pollination. This is a fun opportunity to connect with nature, support biodiversity, and leave with new knowledge about our bumbling friends. All tools and materials will be provided.
Summary of Logistics:
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Time: From 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Location: Meet at the parking lot by dog off-leash enclosure north of E 22nd Ave on Renfrew Street (Google Map Location) (Coordinates: 49.251783, -123.043884)
- If you arrive late, we’ll be working west of the community center, down the stairs from the dog park parking lot, where Still Creek emerges. (Google Map Location) (Coordinates: 49.251172, -123.043707)
- 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 is accessed by a set of stairs, but has flat and sloped spaces to work once you reach the site. If you need help getting to the site or have other questions about accessibility, please email connelly@stillmoonarts.ca.
Getting There
- The north end of Renfrew Community Park is a 10-minute walk from 29th Avenue Skytrain Station. Some parking is available at the dog park parking lot.
- Washrooms are available on site at Renfew Community Centre.
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 information and to register!
Real Talk – CQC Banner & T-Shirt Decorating Night
Connecting Queer Communities is getting ready for Pride 2025 with our banner & t-shirt decorating night!
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 decorating our CQC T-Shirts and the CQC Pride booth banner with all of our amazing art skills! Let’s draw what queer community means to us, what our pride flags are, or just whatever is in our soul. No previous art experience is necessary, just come and have fun with markers. If you don’t have a CQC T-Shirt from last year, e-mail Kelsey at kelsey@real-talk.org with your shirt size!
When: 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Friday, July 4th, 2025.
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!
DIGA – Gardening Plots
Gardening plots are available at GF Strong, Pandora, Kerrisdale, and Brewery Creek community gardens.
For more details contact: Shareen Pasco (spasco@disabilityfoundation.org) or Bryden Veinot (bveinot@VAMS.org)
Collingwood Days 2025 (July 11-19)
Celebrate Collingwood Days this July!
From July 11-19, 2025, join us for a vibrant week filled with art, festivities, and performances.
Experience the rich cultural diversity of Renfrew-Collingwood as local artists and performers showcase their talents through art exhibitions, storytelling, and historical-cultural presentations.
Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of community and creativity!
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.
What is happening in Vancouver in July?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events/
![[ID: logo of Vancouver Farmers Markets.]](https://eatlocal.org/assets/themes/VFM-2018/img/header_vfm_logo.png){kind=logo}
Click here to find your market!
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
Plan Institute – Canada Disability Benefit (CBD)
Applications are now open!
After months and years of advocacy (and a whole lot of waiting), the moment is finally here – applications for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) are now open!
Applications opened on June 20, 2025 and are available on the Government of Canada website. You can submit your application via the online application portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.
You may have already received a letter from the government inviting you to apply for the CDB. The letter includes a unique application code and instructions on how to apply. If you did not receive a letter from the government and think you are eligible for the CDB, you can still apply.
It may be helpful to gather some key information before you complete the application, including:
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Mailing address
- Direct deposit information
- Optional: your net income (line 23600) from your 2024 notice of assessment. Providing this information will speed up your application, but it is not required.
If you are a legal guardian or representative for someone with a disability and you are applying for the CDB on their behalf, you will also need to provide proof that you are authorized to act as the beneficiary’s legal representative.
Click here to learn more about the application process
When will I receive my payment?
The first payments of the CDB will begin in July 2025 for applications received and approved by June 30, 2025. If your application is approved in July or later, you will receive your first payment in the month after your application is approved.
How much can I receive?
The maximum benefit amount is $2,400 per year, or $200 per month. The amount you receive will depend on your income (and the income of your spouse or partner, if relevant).
Learn more about how your benefit is calculated
How do I know if I’m eligible for the CDB?
To qualify for the CDB, you must be aged between 18-64 and be currently approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). You must also have filed your taxes for the previous tax year.
Find out more about the eligibility criteria
Where can I get support?
Plan Institute’s Disability Planning Helpline can offer support with the CDB, including understanding the application process and finding out whether you are eligible. Our advisors can also support you to apply for the DTC.
You can contact the Helpline by calling 1-844-311-7526 or emailing helpline@planinstitute.ca.
You can also talk to Service Canada directly about the CDB on their designated CDB call center telephone line: 1-833-486-3007 or by teletypewriter (TTY): 1-833-467-2700.
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: Thursday, July 10th | 4:00PM – 5:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday, July 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, July 17th | 7:00AM – 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!