Community Links Bulletin - May to June 2009

April 14, 2009

Updates from Libby

COMMUNITY LINKS BULLETIN
May to June 2009

Dear Friends,

I’m pleased to present to you the latest issue of the Community Links Bulletin. I really appreciate your feedbacks and submissions for inclusion in our Community Links Bulletin – please keep it coming as I learn so much from it, and it helps me represent our community in Ottawa.

East Van is a terrific place. There is so much happening in our community – people and activities we can all be proud of – and motivated by. I want to give special mention to 4 amazing young people – Keegan Balcom, Gopinath Supramaniam, Ashkan Azizi and Stewart Lee who are participating in a 2-day cycling trip to Seattle to raise funds for cancer research. I wish them the best of luck in their endeavour.

On June 20, they will be embarking on a 2-day cycling trip from Vancouver to Seattle. They are joining many others in the ride to "Conquer Cancer". All funds raised will go directly to research and enhancement of care with the BC Cancer Foundation. If you are interested to donate or participate in any of their fundraising activities, please visit their website at www.conquercancer.ca/goto/KeeganBalcom or email Keegan at thelxepeia_123@hotmail.com.

Thank you to all who make East Van so special.

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The next deadline for submission to the Community Links Bulletin is Friday, May 29 for the July / August 2009 edition. Listings must be under 40 words and include event, date and time, location, sponsoring agency and contact name and number. Information can be emailed to daviel1@parl.gc.ca, faxed to 604-775-5811 or mailed postage-free to 2412 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E2. Disclaimer: Information in the Community Links Bulletin is subject to change without notice. Please check with the contacts provided to ensure accuracy.

EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

 Sunday, May 3 - Got Craft?
Time: 11 am – 5 pm; Location: Grandview Legion (2205 Commercial Drive, at E. 6th Avenue)
Vancouver's largest indie craft fair featuring over 50 local and handmade vendors from clothing to jewellery to children’s accessories to bath and body products. Admission: $2.00 (kids 10 and under are FREE). For information, visit: www.gotcraft.com or contact Andrea at 778-371-9781 or email to info@lotusevents.ca.

 Thursday, May 7 - Workshop # 1 (Basic Training - Personal Emergency Preparedness)
Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm; Location: Hastings Community Centre (3096 East Hastings)
Emergencies and disasters can happen with little or no warning. Being prepared could save your life or the lives of others and significantly improve your quality of living in the aftermath. This session will teach you to be prepared for any type of emergency or disaster you may be faced with. For more information, contact 604-718-6222 or email to hastingscc@vancouver.ca.

 Friday May 8 to Sunday May 10 - EPIC: The Vancouver Sustainable Living Expo
Location: Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre (999 Canada Place)
EPIC: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo is Vancouver's largest green consumer show and eco-marketplace. Visit EPIC to learn about environmentally-friendly products and companies that mix style. For more information, visit http://www.epicvancouver.com/ or contact Chris Livingstone at 604-775-7300

 Saturday May 9 - Celebrating Vancouver's Countdown to the 2010 Winter Games
Time: 11 am – 1 pm; Location: Ray-Cam Community Centre (920 East Hastings)
 Saturday May 30 - Celebrating Vancouver's Countdown to the 2010 Winter Games
Time: 1 pm – 3 pm; Location: Thunderbird Community Centre (2311 Cassiar Street)
- The Vancouver Park Board is organizing a series of free, family-focused one-day events to build 2010 Winter Games spirit in local communities. Each event will follow a similar format with the goal of presenting Olympic and Paralympics values through fun and festive inspiring activities.

 June is Bike Month in BC & Bike to Work Month
Bike Month is your chance to discover quiet, safe, beautiful routes for excursions or everyday trips. Feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Get fit. Save money. Bike Month events include the Stanley Park Bike Festival, BEST Pancake Breakfast, the Sapperton Street Festival, the Bike Fest in Surrey, Island City by Bike in Richmond, the Car-free Commercial Drive Festival, Bike Movie Night, the Giant Critical Mass and much, much more. For more information, visit BEST (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) at www.best.bc.ca.

 Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7 - In the House Festival
In the House Festival is back! Live performances of all kinds are happening right on Commercial Drive. Come celebrate Vancouver’s rich variety of cultures, artistic disciplines, and communities all in a heart-warming weekend of mind-boggingly great talent. Come fill your hearts with joy and laughter, music and dance, theatre and magic over 2 days, 15 shows, and over 50 acts. For more information, contact Myriam Steinberg at info@inthehousefestival.com or visit www.inthehousefestival.com. Tickets are available from May 1st, on-line or at Highlife Records on Commercial Drive.

 Sunday June 14 - Retro Design & Antiques Fair
Time: 10 am – 3 pm; Location: Croatian Cultural Centre (3250 Commercial Drive)
With 175 tables and booths of mid-century Modernist decor, vintage and estate jewellery, pop culture classics, French country collectibles, old toys & dolls, retro glam accessories, decorative art pottery & glass, funky 50's kitsch, Art Deco & Art Nouveau, ephemera, paintings & prints, antiquarian books, textiles & linens, memorabilia, period lighting & fixtures, and more. For more information, visit www.21cpromotions.com/antiques_fair/index.html or contact Renee Lafontaine at 604-980-3159 or email to 21cpro@telus.net.

 Saturday June 20 - World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day celebrates the lives and contributions of refugees everywhere. Canadians’ celebration of World Refugee Day is not only an occasion to recognize the incredible tenacity and strength of the world's refugees, but also an opportunity to thank all the agencies and NGO community who protect refugees and provide them with a chance to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. For information, visit the United Nations Canadian website at www.unhcr.ca/wrd.

 June 20 to 21 - National Aboriginal Day 2009
Time: 10 am – 7 pm; Location: Vancouver Art Gallery
National Aboriginal Day is a Canadian day of recognition of the diverse cultures and outstanding contributions to Canada of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. It is an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal people and their contribution to Canada. The First Nations people will gather to celebrate and share with spectacular food, song and cultural performances. For more information, contact 604-646-4944 or email to specialevents@tsamiks.com.

COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT SERVICES

 Aboriginal Head Start
Aboriginal Head Start programs are free for Aboriginal children between 3 to 5 years of age. There are 2 sites accepting registrations and all AHS site programs are based on a holistic approach to early childhood experiences which emphasize the needs of the child within the family, school and community through the following six components: Culture; Education; Health Promotion; Nutrition; Social Support Programming; and Parent Involvement. For more information, please call Julie at 604-253-3354.

 ARA Mental Health Action Research and Advocacy Association
ARA Mental Health offers advocacy services for mental health consumers living in the Greater Vancouver area. Advocacy or intervention includes: locating resources, accessing food, health and safety issues, medical/dental, substance abuse, child apprehension, appeals and tribunals, safe and affordable housing, legal referrals, counselling and one-on-one support. Hours are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and a drop-in safe space with accessible computers is offered to mental health consumers. Address #423-119 West Pender Street, Vancouver. Phone 604-689-7938.

 Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland helps vulnerable girls in our community by matching them with a female volunteer “champion” – a mentor who is there to listen to them, cheer them on, and tell them they can do it through the Big & Litter Sister program (mentoring) and the Study Buddy program (tutoring). Programs are free for girls ages 7 to17. Spread the word about Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland! Refer a girl or become a volunteer! For more information, please visit www.bigsisters.bc.ca or call 604-873-4525.

 Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing Program helps you with your financing needs. Under the program, the Government of Canada makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing risks with lenders. The program’s main objectives are: to help small businesses get started and established firms make improvements and expand; to improve access to loans that would not otherwise be available to small businesses; and to stimulate economic growth and create jobs for Canadians. For more information, visit strategis.gc.ca/csbfa or call toll-free 1-866-959-1699 or email csbfa-lfpec@ic.gc.ca.

 ERA - Electronic Recycling Association
ERA collects, refurbishes and donates computer equipment to organizations across Canada. It is in urgent need of old computers, laptops and electronic equipment because of the increase in donation requests. If your company has any used computers or laptops for donation, please contact ERA at 604-215-4438 for drop-off or pick-up. For more information, please visit www.era.ca or email to joanna@era.ca.

 Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)
If you have a complaint or feel you have been treated unfairly by a collection agency, you should contact the head of the collection agency, the agency’s ombudsman, the financial institution where you borrowed money, or your provincial regulator. The FCAC can help you determine whom to contact. The agency also informs Canadians of their rights and responsibilities when dealing with financial institutions and makes sure that banks and federally regulated trust, loan and insurance companies respect the laws and agreements that protect consumers. To reach the FCAC, call toll-free 1-866-914-6097 or visit www.fcac.gc.ca.

 Learning Disabilities Association of Canada
The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada launched a new website for students with learning disabilities. The site is fully accessible and offers support such as Browse Aloud, which features a real person reading the contents of each webpage. Developed by young people themselves coping with learning disabilities, the site is geared toward youth and focuses on completing high school, getting to and succeeding in a post secondary environment, and successfully transitioning into a career path after completing their degree. For more information, visit: www.youth2youth.ca.

 Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS)
PICS administers a federally-funded Wage Subsidy Program that serves individuals who are unemployed, legally entitled to work in Canada and meet program requirements. The program connects employees to employers in a wide array of industries for paid-on-the-job full time (minimum 30 hours per week) work experience. The program also subsidizes employers a portion of wages for hiring eligible individuals who are ready and willing to work. For more information on PICS Wage Subsidy Program, please contact 604-324-7733.

 Vancouver East Employment Resource Centre - Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Our Employment Resource Centre offers free information, counselling, and referral services for employment and career options, education and training opportunities, community resources, and job search tools to those who are unemployed or under-employed (working less than 20 hours a week) and legally entitled to work in Canada. Address: #300 – 1638 East Broadway, Vancouver. Phone: 604-434-0367, press 4. Web: www.fsgv.ca/programpages/employmentskillenhancement/

 VEEES Community Service
newSTART Bridging Employment Program
newSTART Bridging Employment Program for Women offers an individualized 6-month program for any woman dealing with violence and abuse issues, whether she is currently on income assistance or not. Program components include counselling, employment-related skills workshops, a work experience placement, educational assistance and certification for First Aid and SuperHost. newSTART now provides continuous intake.
newSTART: 1691 East Pender Street 604-215-4344

newCHAPTER and newCHAPTER2 Community Employment Resource Centres
The centres offer free services to all job seekers, providing internet access, fax, phone, photocopying, one-on-one resume and job search assistance, and Service Canada Case Management services, including: development of Return to Work Action Plans and assistance with and submission of SDEB (skills training financial assistance) applications.
newCHAPTER: 2106 Commercial Drive 604-254-3353
newCHAPTER2: 835 East Hastings Street 604-215-2295

FUNDING $OURCE$ / AWARD$

 Canon Canada - Nurture Nature Award
Deadline: September 1, 2009
Canon Canada announced the launch of the 2009 Canon Canada Nurture Nature Awards. The Nurture Nature Awards is an environmental program that encourages Canadians to help protect or improve the natural habitat of an endangered or threatened species in their community. Individuals can submit a proposal consisting of a short video and a brief written plan on how they intend to impact a threatened habitat in their area. For information, visit www.canon.ca.

 Canadian Wildlife Foundation
Deadline: September 1, 2009
The Canadian Wildlife Foundation (CWF) is now accepting funding applications for conservation and educational programs related to wildlife and research. The CWF distributes funding to registered charitable nonprofit organizations for wildlife and habitat conservation initiatives. Priority is given to Canadian-based programs and research. For more information, visit www.cwf-fcf.org.

 City of Vancouver - Transit Shelter Advertising Program
Deadline: May 22, 2009
The City of Vancouver's Transit Shelter Advertising Program offers free access to transit shelter advertising space to not for profit arts, culture and community service organizations based in the City of Vancouver. The intent of the program is to provide opportunities for the organizations to
promote events and services in Vancouver that are open to the public. For more information, visit http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/oca/grants/transitad/index.htm.

 City of Vancouver - Theatre Rental (Operating)Grants
Deadline: June 1, 2009
Civic Theatre Rental (Operating) grants are designed for professional Vancouver-based arts organizations with a history of regular performances in a Civic Theatre: Vancouver Playhouse, Orpheum or Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For more information, please visit http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/oca/Grants/cultgrants.htm#TheatreOperating

 Community Investment Grants
Community Investment Grants supports non-profit organizations in their efforts to help families achieve economic success. The grant will focus on projects that help low-income individuals and families, new Canadians and youth, and that clearly support one or more of the focus areas: Youth leadership; Economic revitalization; and Access and inclusion. Grants can be used for project initiatives that support or provide services for individuals, families, and communities; organizational development: processes such as strategic or business planning that are designed to increase a non-profit organization's effectiveness; and learning events: conferences and seminars that contribute to a strengthened and knowledgably non-profit sector. For more information, please email to email to: communityinvestment.fund@coastcapitalsavings.com or visit https://www.coastcapitalsavings.com/About_Coast_Capital_Savings/Helping_Communities/Funding_Programs/Community_Investment_Grants/.

 Columbia Institute - Lifelong Learning Scholarship Program
Deadline: June 20, 2009
The Columbia Institute - Lifelong Learning Scholarship Program is one of the few scholarship programs designed to support the financial needs of adult learners interested in re-training and skills development. To be eligible, you must be: 24 or older; BC resident; Canadian citizen or landed immigrant; and not currently enrolled in a training or academic program (pre-requisite courses do not count as enrolment). For more information, please contact Lisa Stewart, Awards Administrator, by email to awards@columbiainstitute.ca or by phone 604-408-2500, or visit http://www.columbiainstitute.ca/scholarships.

 EcoAction Community Funding Program Deadline: November 1, 2009
EcoAction encourages project submissions that will protect, rehabilitate or enhance the natural environment, and build the capacity of communities to sustain these activities into the future. Projects require matching funds or in-kind support from other sponsors. EcoAction supports projects that address the following themes: Climate Change; Clean Water; Nature; and, Clean Air. Non-profit groups are eligible to apply to the program. For more information, visit http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction/what_is_e.html.

 Enabling Accessibility Fund
Deadline: May 4, 2009
The Enabling Accessibility Fund supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility, reduce barriers and enable Canadians, regardless of physical ability, to participate in and contribute to their community and the economy. A call for proposals for small projects enabling accessibility is now open. Approved projects will have strong ties to and support from their communities. For more information, visit: www.hrsdc.gc.ca.

 The Keg Spirit Foundation
The Keg Spirit Foundation will consider funding for both new and established projects based on the following criteria: the organization must hold, in good standing, a current charity registration number; the project must relate to children or youth in some way; the project must have relevancy to the past and the future of the community; and the project must be a fundamental part of the community. Grants are expected to be in the $5,000 range. For more information on how to apply, visit http://en.kegsteakhouse.com/kegspirit/grant.

 Face The World Foundation
Deadline: September 30, 2009
Face The World Foundation is dedicated to helping Vancouver's less fortunate. We look to alleviate the pain caused by hunger, sickness, homelessness, mental illness and drug, alcohol and physical abuse. For more information about funding criteria and eligibility, please visit http://www.facetheworldfoundation.com/recipients.htm. Contact information: Suite 400, 1681 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 4M6, Tel: 604-731-3455, Fax: 604-731-3499; Email: info@facetheworldfoundation.com.

 Margaret Mitchell Fund for Women
The Margaret Mitchell Fund supports programs and initiatives that promote economic and social justice for women in Vancouver East. Priority will be given to projects that alleviate poverty, promote equality and help women to gain confidence and power. For more information about the Margaret Mitchell Fund, please contact the VanCity Community Foundation at 604-877-7241.

 Metropolis at Metrotown
Registered non-profit organizations can now apply for cash donations made possible by the Metropolis Express, a trackless train that runs through the corridors of Metropolis. The Metropolis Express is funded by Metropolis at Metrotown and rides are offered by donation to charity. To be eligible, organizations must be located in the Burnaby, New Westminster, or the East Vancouver area, and should be a grassroots program. For more information, and to submit an application, visit: metropolis.shopping.ca.

 New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)
Deadlines: June 12, 2009
Seniors have a wealth of talents, experiences and goodwill that, when shared with others, can help build the foundation for vibrant and inclusive communities. The Government of Canada regularly issues NHSP calls for proposals, inviting a wide variety of interested organizations to submit their project proposals. Since its implementation in 2004, the Program has grown to include three funding streams—Community Participation and Leadership, Capital Assistance and Elder Abuse Awareness—and supports a wide range of community-based projects right across Canada to help ensure that our seniors are actively contributing to and benefiting from their communities. Proposals are now being accepted under the Community Participation and Leadership component. For more information on the NHSP and calls for proposals, please visit the following: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.

 The Real Estate Foundation
Next deadlines: June 12, September 4, and November 30
We are looking for proposals that has a strong compatibility between the applicant's and the Foundation's mission and goals. There is a two-stage grant application process: Letter of Inquiry and Grant Application. For information on the foundation's mandate, concepts, funding criteria, please visit http://www.realestatefoundation.com/howtoapply/howtoapply.html. The Foundation responds to letters of inquiry (LOI) quarterly – please note deadlines above.

 Vancity - Community Branch Grants
Community branch grants - Each Vancity branch makes small grants of up to $500 to support local initiatives that meet our community leadership goals in the communities our branches serve. If you're interested in applying for a branch grant, contact your local branch for details.

 Vancity - Community Project Grants
Next deadlines: June 15 and September 30
Community project grants provide grants for projects that focus on acting on climate change, facing poverty and growing the social economy. Applications that demonstrate work in two or more of these areas are preferred, as are those that focus resources specifically at marginalized people, including Aboriginal people, immigrants, refugees and people with low incomes. For more information on funding guidelines and criteria, please visit
https://www.vancity.com/MyCommunity/NotForProfit/Grants/CommunityProject....

 Staples Business Depot - Community@Work Program
Staples Business Depot's new Community@Work Program supports organizations and initiatives that focus on education, environment and entrepreneurship. The program will focus charitable efforts in these areas: Entrepreneurship; Education; and Environment. For more information, visit http://www.staplesinthecommunity.ca/donation/Default.aspx. Applications will be responded to in 30 days.

GOVERNMENT & OTHER REPORTS … RECEIVED RECENTLY and only ONE copy. Availability is on a first come first served basis. To obtain it, please contact my office at 604-775 5800

1. The Almanac of Women and Minorities in World Politics. By Mart Martin.

2. Atlas of Child Development (BC). By Paul Kershaw et al.

3. Broken Wings. A Flight Attendant's Journey. By Nattanya Andersen.

4. Bullies and Denial Kill. Let Us Teach Our Children Not To Be Abusive While We Teach Them To Survive. By Elaine J. Barbeau

5. The Canadian General Election of 2004. By Jon Pammett and Christopher Dornan.

6. Collective Bargaining in Canada. Human Right or Canadian Illusion? By the National Union of Public and Employees and United Food and Commercial Workers Canada.

7. The Colour of Justice. Policing Race in Canada. By David M.Tanovich.

8. Conversations with Champions of Medicare. By Ann Silversides.

9. Dead But Not Forgotten - Monuments to Workers. By Ed Thomas.

10. Independent Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan. By the Independent Panel on Canada's Future Role in Afghanistan.

11. Lock Me Up or Let Me Go. By Betty Krawczyk

12. No Laughing Matter. By Margaret Mitchell.

13. One World or None. How Canadians Can Take the Lead to Abolish War and Democratize the UN. By Ross Smyth.

14. Rolling in the Grass Roots. By Les Benjamin with John Warren.

15. Short History of the Macedonian People. By Chris Stefou.

16. Three Wishes. Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak. By Deborah Ellis.

17. Tiger Dreams (novel). By Almeda Glenn Miller.

18. Treading Water (novel). By Anne DeGrace.