REMINDER:

Spectrum’s Office will be closed Monday, September 30th

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)

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DIGA Presents: Learning Garden at Vandusen Botanical Garden

Join DIGA at the new Learning Garden at VanDusen Botanical Garden for an interactive and sensory-rich workshop tour of Vandusen’s eight unique themed garden beds with Vandusen Botanical Garden’s Learning Garden Coordinator, Sangeeta Thomas.

Discover creative planting ideas and gardening techniques as you:

• Get hands-on with light gardening activities.

• Taste fresh samples harvested straight from the garden.

• Smell, learn, and make herbal teas from our tea garden

• Learn about which plants work best to attract pollinators and beneficial insects

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to explore the wonders of gardening. Come ready to dig in, taste the freshness, and enjoy the beauty of nature!

About Sangeeta Thomas, Learning Garden Coordinator

Sangeeta’s journey into the world of gardening and environmental education began with her passion for plant science and ecology, which she pursued in university. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her hands-on experience as a gardener at Earthwise Gardens in Tsawwassen, where she deepened her understanding of sustainable gardening practices. After a few years, she transitioned to a role as Senior Environmental Educator at VanDusen Botanical Garden, where she expanded her expertise in environmental education.

In her current position, Sangeeta leads a dedicated team of volunteers, ensuring the garden thrives and continues to be a space for community learning and engagement. She is currently developing programming that brings the Learning Garden’s diverse themes to life. Sangeeta is excited to share her knowledge and love for gardening with participants at the workshop!

WHEN: Tuesday, October 1st | 1:00PM – 2:30PM

WHERE: VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak Street Vancouver, BC)

COST: FREE | Click here to reserve a spot!

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EcoRise Festival

Join us at EcoRise Fest, an exciting community event dedicated to advancing Vancouver’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and Zero Waste 2040. On October 5th, 2024, from 1 PM to 6 PM at Granville and 14th Plaza, this festival will bring together local organizations, artists, and experts to inspire meaningful climate action.

The event will feature a diverse lineup of facilitators and panelists:

• Nika Moeini of Youth Climate Save will facilitate engaging climate justice discussions.
• Caroline and Alois Gallet from Econova Education will lead educational games and discussions, providing tools to make sustainability accessible.
• Vanja from Climafide, Sasha Saksena, and Sayemin from Solastalgia will facilitate workshops, exploring ways to combat climate anxiety.
• Ruchi Khosla of Ora Circle, will guide a breathwork session
• Sadie will be hosting a mending workshop next to the clothing fill a bag sale
• Lucero and other key panelists will dive into the intersection of environmental and social issues, highlighting local climate solutions.

Interactive activities include art-based climate activism, workshops, games, and collaborative art projects. With local photographers Anna from Moonlit Photobooth, Shaq from Make Memories and Emily Cooper capturing the energy of the day. Musical performances by KeAloha facilitated by Rhythm Ensemble will provide an uplifting soundtrack to the festival.

Join community partners like Ritmos Climaticos, Vancouver Donations, MugShare, A Better Life Foundation in celebrating sustainability, creativity, and collaboration. EcoRise Fest is a space for individuals to connect, learn, and take tangible steps toward a more sustainable future.

WHEN: Saturday, October 5th | 1:00PM – 6:00PM

WHERE: Granville Street & West 14th Avenue

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Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch

Community Lunch Program at Renfrew Park Community Centre

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Click Here to Find Your Market!

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Vancouver Community Fridge Project

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.

Click Here to Find A Fridge!

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.

Learn How to Get Involved! 

If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority’s Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).

This program is available year-round. If you apply during the winter and fall, you’ll have your evaluation completed and receive your unit sooner than during warmer months. Homeowners can also choose to self-install their units, which may help in receiving a unit quicker, during the summer.

This offer includes:

1. One portable AC unit: Portable units are on wheels and are installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window. They’re plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.
2. A one-time installation: You’re responsible for ongoing maintenance, take-down and reinstallation. If you own your home, you can opt to self-install your unit.

A portable AC unit is ideal for small, closed-in areas, like a bedroom. It can help create a safe cooling space during extreme heat events during the day and at night. For more information on how to prepare for heat events, see guidance from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

How to apply:

1. Review the eligibility criteria to make sure you qualify.
2. If you rent your home, you’ll need to get your landlord’s consent. Complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB].
3. Apply online for your free portable AC unit.
4. After you apply, our team will reach out to you within a few weeks to let you know if your application is approved.*
5. Approved applications will then be forwarded to our contractors. Our contractor will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule a visit to your home.
6. Customers who own their homes can choose to self-install their units or have the AC installed for you.

There are no fees or shipping costs.

* Please note that air conditioning units are available on a first come, first served basis amongst qualified applicants subject to funding. 

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. 

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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: Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 | 10:00AM – 11:30AM

Next Level 2 Webinar: Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 | 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, October 24th, 2024 | 10:00AM – 11:15AM

Click here to register and 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!