In response to surging demand for youth mental health support in the province, London Drugs announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign: BE KIND. On now until and April 1st, 25 cents from Carlton and Papyrus Greeting Cards at London Drugs will go directly to Kids Help Phone.
London Drugs BE KIND Campaign
The BE KIND campaign encourages British Columbians to lift each other up by sending handwritten cards of encouragement, positivity and appreciation to each other. “We are all living in more isolated circumstances,” said Clint Mahlman, London Drugs President and Chief Operating Officer. “Sending uplifting, reassuring and positive handwritten cards to friends, families, and neighbours is one way to improve our overall wellbeing and sense of connection.”
Last year, Kids Help Phone experienced a 102 per cent increase in the number of calls, text and connections from youth in BC. But with many of the charity’s annual donation campaigns impacted by COVID-19, finding new ways to raise funds has been critical amid surging demand for services.
“It takes courage to reach out and it takes a community to stand behind our young people,” said Elena Manica, Director, Community Partnerships, Kids Help Phone. “With thanks to the generous support of London Drugs, Kids Help Phone’s safe and trusted support service is available 24/7 for young people in British Columbia, no matter where they are or what they need, we are here for them.”
For over 31 years, Kids Help Phone has been the only 24/7 mental health support service available to youth in Canada. Young people can text TALK to 686868 any time and receive free and confidential support.
When it comes to COVID-19 restrictions, 34% of British Columbians follow recommendations “nearly all of the time”, which is statistically lower than other provinces, according to a survey by Insights West. “According to Insights West” is a term frequently heard or read in news broadcasts, that’s because people like you and me sign up for surveys and provide valuable input, views and perspectives which allows for research and insightful analysis.
Only 34% of BC residents claim they are following all of the rules all of the time, which is 14 points to 22 points lower than in other regions.
You can now sign up to to be part of the Insights West Feedback Community, a community of BC residents that participate in research on a variety of topics relevant to you. Share your opinions, have a say, and give feedback directly to local businesses, government or other organizations that operate in your community, in BC and across Canada.
A significant number of BC residents are experiencing more worry (62%), stress (60%), anxiety (59%), and boredom (59%), compared to pre-pandemic levels, and those experiencing more loneliness has increased 10 percentage points since September (up to 53%)
Join the Insights West Feedback Community
You can also earn points (that can be exchanged for gift cards) for answering surveys and be rewarded anywhere from $50-$150 worth of gift cards when participating in discussions, focus groups, interviews or taste tests.
Recent studies have included topics like:
Taste test for flavoured sparkling water
Surveys asking for opinions on government initiatives/restrictions relating to COVID-19
Discussion board about wine and wineries
Studies about willingness to get the vaccine
In-depth interviews about public transit
Polling on upcoming election
Earn 100 points (equivalent of $1) for signing up right now or signing up after you take the Miss604 survey! Insights West doesn’t sell any information, and your responses are strictly confidently. To get started, you can provide feedback on the Miss604 survey:
What kind of events are you most looking forward to attending again, post COVID?
Sign up here without completing the survey if you prefer. I’ll share the results of this poll, according to Insights West, with your feedback when they become available.
With hundreds of public releases issued since 2012, Insights West has established itself as an unofficial “pollster of record” in Western Canada, covering public policy issues, consumer and societal trends in BC and Canada and correctly predicting the outcomes of 25 out of the 26 elections and plebiscites they have covered.
Enjoy another drive-thru Easter in the Fraser Valley as two Abbotsford farms, Taves Family Farms and Maan Farms, open their gates to visitors – on wheels – this season.
Drive-Thru Easter at Taves Family Farm
When: April 2, 3 & 4, 2021 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Taves Family Farms at 333 Gladwin Rd, Abbotsford
Tickets: Must be purchased online in advance. Starting at $12 per vehicle followed by child, youth, and adult admissions
Taves has roaming goats, Jelly Bean the donkey, and the official Barnyard Gang (billy goat, gander, rooster, and ram)! Spot these farm friends while you roll up for tasty treats (like mini donuts, waffles and charcuterie), and do an egg hunt from the car. Staff will be in costume and visitors are encouraged to dress up their cars too for the chance to win great prizes. Guests can also purchase soft or hard apple cider.
Tickets: Must be purchased online in advance (starting March 13th). $17.50 per vehicle (treats, food, and wine are an additional cost)
Join a safari audio storytelling about five farm animals, and learn about the animals and farming. Guests can enjoy caramel ice cream, yellow and white twist vanilla soft serve in a chocolate egg filled with caramel and topped with chocolate sprinkles and a wafer straw. You can also snack on home-made deep-fried lemon mini donuts served in an Easter carrot cone, wine, and Mama Maan’s samosas and butter chicken and fries. Plus, the Easter Bunny will be there!
Taves Family Farms and Maan Farms are committed to creating a safe, fun, and loving place for all their guests and staff. Guests are not to leave their vehicles at any time.
The blossoms are popping, the sun is shining, and there is a great selection of things to do in Vancouver this weekend! From films to dance, outdoor installations and festivals, here’s what’s in store for March 12-14, 2021:
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by Rebecca BollwittDisclosure: Sponsored Post — Sponsored by North Van Arts Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.
You can enjoy the wonderful, colourful, and creative world of Vancouver’s North Shore online this season as North Van Arts presents the 11th North Shore Art Crawl. The online art crawl will showcase curated webpages of diverse visual artists, ranging from watercolour, acrylic, oil paint, photography, ceramics, glass, woodworking, fibre art, jewellery and more!
North Shore Art Crawl
When: March 12 to April 12, 2021 Where:Online Admission: Free! All online, all month long
Although we will all miss visiting artists in their studios, this is an opportunity for anyone with internet to explore the work of these creative, passionate artists. It’s not only a unique opportunity for local audiences, the art crawl can now reach beyond our borders so everyone with a connection can meet the talented artists of Vancouver’s North Shore.
With over 60 artists participating in this year’s North Shore Art Crawl, everyone can discover some amazing art. “During this pandemic, artists and creative professionals have been instrumental in generating positive outlets for the community. Artwork can inspire a smile, a conversation, start a dialogue, it can create change. This year, local audiences and beyond can learn more about the talented artists on the North Shore, ” says, Nancy Cottingham Powell, Executive Director at North Van Arts.
Art sales must be arranged with individual artists. Some artist studios are businesses that may be open for in-person viewing. See artist webpages for contact information.
North Van Arts celebrates arts and culture on Vancouver’s North Shore. Through free, contemporary, and diverse exhibitions, public events, arts classes, art rental, and more, we believe the arts have the power to uplift and connect. Their mandate is to enable emerging and professional artists in all disciplines, to bridge cultures, and to build strong and healthy communities through the arts. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest #NorthVanArts #NorthShoreArtCrawl updates
