WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Reel Causes Society | A Place Where I Belong
Reel Causes Society: Join us for a special screening of A Place Where I Belong that includes a drag performance from Nixon and panel discussion with the filmmaker, Rheanna Toy, and participants from the film: Alison Klein, Lyle Lexier, and John Woods, moderated by Robert Kuang.
A Place Where I Belong follows six 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities as they navigate identity, love, and systemic barriers through an innovative non-profit program called Connecting Queer Communities (CQC). As the participants find safety and solidarity within CQC, their stories—ranging from self-advocacy and family rejection to the joy of coming out—highlight the urgent need for inclusive spaces.
But with CQC at risk of disappearing, the film asks: what happens to a community when the only safe place they’ve ever known might be taken away?
A Place Where I Belong is closed captioned and there will be an ASL interpreter present.
WHEN: Thursday, April 9th | 7:00PM
WHERE: SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (149 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC)
COST: Click here to purchase a ticket!
Reel Causes offers sliding scale pricing. Contact us at info@reelcauses.org for a discounted ticket.
Still Moon Arts | Slocan Park Community Wetland Planting
Still Moon Arts:
Help plant a new wetland at Slocan Park! Join Still Moon for a community planting party with free music, snacks, and face painting.
The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation are creating a new wetland at Slocan Park. It will restore some of the natural benefits of the wetlands once common in the neighbourhood, reducing flooding and drought, providing habitat for pollinators and birds, cooking the hot summer air, and filtering pollution from Still Creek.
Still Moon is hosting a community planting party to help to create the wetland by planting water-loving plants at the site. There will be live music and snacks to enjoy, too!
We’re aiming to plant 800 plants, so the more the merrier… Bring your friends and family!
Registration to appreciated to help us plan, but drop-in participants are welcome too.
Click here for more information and to register!
WHEN: Saturday, April 11th, 2026 | 10:00AM – 1:00PM
WHERE: Slocan Park (2750 E 29th Ave, Vancouver, BC)
COST: Free
Indigenous Lead Workshop
Join us for a powerful and heart-opening experience led by local Indigenous educators Tara Belcourt and Brionne Asham.
Join us for a powerful and heart-opening experience led by local Indigenous educator Tara Belcourt. This workshop invites participants to engage with Indigenous teachings through a lens of respect, cultural understanding, and allyship.
WHERE: HI Jericho Beach Hostel — Meet in the lobby (1515 Discovery St, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Saturday, April 11th | 3:00 PM
Click here for more information!
Together, we’ll explore traditional knowledge, stories, and protocols that deepen our connection to the land and its original peoples. This is a welcoming space for learning, reflection, and growth — open to all who come with an open heart and a willingness to listen.
Learn about the culture by trying some tasty freshly made bannock and healing tea!
Whether you’re a traveler or a local, this is an opportunity to take part in a meaningful exchange that supports reconciliation and community building.
All are welcome!
Vancouver Pop-Ups | Spring Market
Join us for a beautiful spring day celebrating local makers, small businesses, and community!
Date: Sunday, April 12th, 2025
Time: 11 AM – 5 PM
Location: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St, Vancouver
Pet-Friendly Event
Spring is the perfect time to discover something new! Explore a thoughtfully curated market featuring 40+ talented local vendors offering everything from jewelry and candles to baked treats, art, home goods, and unique gifts.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself, finding the perfect gift, or simply enjoying a day out, this market is the perfect place to support local creators and small businesses.
Bonus: The first 30 visitors at 11 AM will receive a $10 market voucher to spend with a vendor of their choice, come early!
Free Admission
Bring your friends, family, and even your furry companions for a fun day of shopping, community, and spring vibes.
We can’t wait to see you there!
CNH | Income Tax Clinic
Collingwood Neighbourhood House has their annual income tax clinic opening from February 28th, 2026, to May 2nd, 2026. Book an appointment today and their volunteers will be able to assist you with your taxes! Services are free but donations are always appreciated.
Click here for more info/to book an appointment!
Note: this year’s tax deadline is Wednesday, April 30, 2026.
| Day of the Week | Time | Location |
| Saturdays | 10-3 pm | In-person. CNH Joyce (5288 Joyce St, Vancouver) |
| Fridays | 1-6 pm | Drop-off & in-person. CNH Annex (3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver) |
VIFF Centre | Accessible Movie Experiences
“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”
What is happening in Vancouver in April?
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
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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
Telus Exclusive Partner Program – EPP
Here’s a reminder for all Spectrum staff that we have access to the Telus Exclusive Partner Program – EPP. There are good rates on phones and very good rates on plans.
Register here:
https://www.telus.com/en/mobility/epp-corporate-plan/eligibility?campaign_id=EPPDigitalHubFAQ.
You have to use your @spectrumsociety.org email address.
More information and answers to questions here:
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: Tuesday June 2nd | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Tuesday, May 19th | 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 16th | 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!