At a time like this, there are a lot of people who are in vulnerable positions of not being able to feed their family. Lots of communities have been suffering and there are a number of places to support and consider when looking for ways to donate or make contributions to.
One of the biggest areas of need are our local food banks. Whether donating funds or food, there are many ways you can support them in your local community.
Donating to your local food bank is an easy way to support those most in need. If possible, monetary donations make the largest impact. Food banks can often buy food at cost which allows them to make their donations go further and they can select the food that is most in need.
Photo by Scott Warman
Here is a list of food banks across the province to donate to:
Greater Vancouver The Greater Vancouver Food Bank was set up as temporary relief to the hunger crisis in 1983, and now strives towards a model grounded in empowerment, education and food quality. They support over 70 Community Partner Agencies and 8000 + clients with access to quality food every week.
Surrey The Surrey Food Bank provides food to families living in Surrey and North Delta. They pride themselves in supplying nutritious food in a respectful and dignified environment.
Parksville The Food Bank provides supplemental groceries to about 500 families a month, and is the intake site for clients that need to access other crisis supplies.
Sidney – Saanich Peninsula The Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank “Helps those in need through those who care.” They have been operating since 1984 to help those hurt by a downturn in the economy.
Sunshine Coast The Sunshine Coast Food Bank is supported solely through generous financial and food donations from the community, efforts of many supporters who organize food drives and a variety of fund-raising events.
Contact do find out ways to donate: 604-885-5881 ext. 240 [email protected]
Kelowna The Central Okanagan Food Bank is one of the largest Food Banks in the Interior of BC. They rely on donations from community fundraisers, monthly, corporate and one-time contributions.
The Food Banks BC represent 100 food banks all across the province. To find a member food bank in your community click on the map for the locations or check by city.
No food bank in your community? You can check with the nearest location to you – sometimes their rural members have additional depots in nearby communities too. Especially now, food banks need continued financial support.
The Arthritis Patient Advisory Board (APAB) is comprised of volunteer advocates with arthritis who bring personal experience and arthritis knowledge to research decision-making at Arthritis Research Canada. Their goal is to ensure the patient perspective is represented on research matters related to the prevention, treatment and self-management of arthritis.
Individually and collectively, they communicate research information and findings to arthritis patients, professional organizations and the general public. One vehicle utilized to communicate information to the general public is through The Arthritis Newsletter, a quarterly e-newsletter published by APAB. Of the articles published, the arthritis tips for lifestyle management have consistently been very popular. For the convenience of those interested in utilizing these tips, it was decided to compile these into one practical guide.
The Arthritis Lifestyle Management Guide is a compilation of many techniques used by APAB members to cope with the everyday challenges faced by people living with arthritis. The information provided in this publication is only a guide. It is not intended to replace the recommendations of your health care provider(s). This guide seeks to help people with arthritis by providing alternative approaches to performing everyday tasks that can help make life tasks a little easier and help protect the joints affected by arthritis.
At Macdonald Realty, as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 ARThritis Soirée, we understand that #ArthritisIsSerious. We understand that we need to keep talking about this important subject. Over 6 million Canadians are affected by arthritis. Here are some tips that will help make living wiht arthitis and the every day tasks a little easier.
Kitchen In the kitchen, slicing a tomato, for example, can be impossible if you don’t have the right tools when you live with arthritis. Let a food processor do the chopping, slicing, mixing, and shredding. Note: Because of its weight, a food processor is best stored on the counter for easy access.
Bedroom In the bedroom, it can be exhausting and sometimes impossible to manipulate heavy bedding for those suffering from arthritis. Replacing heavy covers and bedspreads with a near-weightless feather, down, silk or microfibre-filled duvets can alleviate this problem. Another solution to heavy bedding is a lightweight electric blanket. If you have a partner who likes a warmer or a cooler bed than you do, buy a blanket with separate temperature controls.
Shopping During a shopping trip, simple tasks can become overwhelming challenges when you live with arthritis. Comfortable shoes are more than important. An occupational therapist can recommend shoe options that will help you deal with your specific needs and advise you if special orthotic inserts are necessary.
Driving Driving a motor vehicle is a basic activity of daily living for many Canadians but it can be more difficult if you have arthritis. Before purchasing/leasing a vehicle, assess your ergonomic needs and physical limitations in order to identify features that would make driving easier. For example, keyless entry systems and push-button starters are useful if you have problems turing keys in doors.
Students Working toward a post-secondary diploma or degree can be a challenge. Paired with arthritis, the challenge multiplies. Make sure that you’re comfortable with your study materials. Heavy 2 inch binders are burdensome and can make it difficult to find a particular set of lecture notes. Instead, organize different sections of each class into small folders. You can create flashcards on your computer and upload them directly to your phone for on-the-go studying.
Traveling As one Arthritis Patient Advisory Board (APAB) member recently observed, “Air travel can be ‘hell’ when you’re dealing with arthritis issues.” Yes, traveling with arthritis takes a little more preparation than normal. If traveling by air, avoid needless questions and possible confiscation by keeping medications in their original, marked containers, or carry a doctor’s note confirming that the prescriptions are for you.
Relaxing You just want to relax a bit but a simple movement can become overwhelming when you live with arthritis. When purchasing chairs, remember that armrests offer support and help you stand from a sitting position. Also, chairs that are too low or too soft can be difficult to get in and out of. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help you choose a chair that is right for you.
Follow #ArthritisIsSerious and help us to spread the word. Arthritis is more serious than you think. For more information visit their website at https://www.arthritisresearch.ca/lifestyle-management-guide/.
Macdonald Realty raises $25,000 for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice with a polar bear swim at their holiday party
VANCOUVER, B.C. – (December 30, 2019) – Realtors and staff from Macdonald Realty took the plunge for a good cause with a polar bear swim during their annual holiday party. They set out with a $10,000 fundraising goal but surpassed all expectations by raising $25,000 for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice.
“Macdonald Realty embraced the idea of raising funds for Canuck Place Children Hospice. In the process of fundraising we more than doubled our original goal, with remarkable support by Realtors and staff.” says Simon Clayton, of Macdonald Realty.
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is BC’s pediatric palliative care provider for children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Their team of physicians, nurses, counsellors, therapists, staff, and volunteers provide medical respite care, pain and symptom management, end-of-life care, and counselling at no cost for the families who need their assistance.
The volunteer swimmers included Macdonald Realty’s Managing Broker Bill Dick and Realtors TJ Almodovar, Simon Clayton, Jason Feinstadt, Danny Nikas, Karley Rice, Jesse Shen, Jennifer West, as well as staff member Aayushi Goyal, Cathy Read and Kylie Waters. Debbie Butt, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice’s Director of Communications, Marketing and Events, also joined the swimmers into the winter water off Kits Beach. Macdonald’s Director of Agent Development, Mark Winter, and Eric Poon of Macdonald Commercial rounded out the group.
With colder weather creeping in, people are starting to pull out their sweaters, winter coats, slippers, and comforters. Not everyone has access to such everyday luxuries, however. That’s why the annual REALTORS Care Blanket Drive is so vital.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the REALTORS Care Blanket Drive collects an enormous amount of warm winter items that supports dozens of local charities, helping about 35,000 people around the Lower Mainland each year.
“The need is real,” says Realtor Ashley Smith, REBGV president. “I’ve lived in Gastown and Chinatown and have seen first-hand some of the impacts of cold weather. It makes you realize how quickly a season can change and how vulnerable some members of our communities are.
“A warm blanket is often the first line of defence, especially for the more than 3,500 homeless people in our region,” she says. “For 25 years now, thousands of Realtors have volunteered to gather and distribute blankets and warm clothing to more than 385,000 people in need, including women and children facing domestic violence and those in supportive housing.”
The annual drive began in 1994 when a group of Realtors observed the homeless situation in Vancouver’s core and simply thought, “We’ve got to do something to help.” They put out a call to colleagues, and the response was enormous and swift: they collected enough blankets and coats to help 3,000 people that year alone.
Thousands of Realtors from Whistler to Hope have participated since, with more than 100 real estate offices that act as collection depots in the Lower Mainland each year.
Anyone can make a donation. The greatest needs are gently used or new blankets or sleeping bags; hats, gloves and scarves; new socks and underwear; and other warm clothes.
“Vancouver is an incredible city to live in, but it comes with its challenges, and one of those challenges is the expensive cost of living,” says Realtor Colette Gerber, REGBV president-elect. “The Blanket Drive is a way of helping those who need it the most. As Realtors, it’s incumbent upon us to look after those who are less fortunate. It’s a way of giving hope.”
Donations are kept in the community from which they’re collected and distributed by local charities.
The 25th annual REALTORS Care Blanket Drive runs from Nov. 18 to 25. To find a drop-off location near you and learn more, visit blanketdrive.ca or contact your local Realtor.
Bill Henderson of Chilliwack setto perform in support of arthritis research
VANCOUVER, Oct. 30, 2019 /CNW/ – Arthritis Research Canada’s signature event, the ARThritis Soirée, will celebrate its eighth year of raising awareness and funds for arthritis research on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at The Roof, Hotel Vancouver.
The ARThritis Soirée each year highlights different forms of art as a way to emphasize the therapeutic role that art plays in helping people cope with chronic disease. Arthritis Research Canada is thrilled to announce that Juno award winner,Bill Henderson, lead singer and guitarist of the legendary Vancouver rock band, Chilliwack – along with an all-star band will take the stage for this year’s music performance.
The Soirée brings together business and community leaders, philanthropists, healthcare professionals, donors, and more. The elegant cocktail reception boasts something for everyone—mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, champagne and popular BC wines, as well as an amazing raffle, live and silent auctions, and of course an up close and personal show by Bill Henderson, that is sure to include some of Chilliwack’s greatest hits.
Arthritis Research Canada is excited to welcome back Macdonald Realty as the 2020 ARThritis Soirée, Presenting Sponsor. “We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the ARThritis Soiree for the second consecutive year, and to continue to highlight the importance of arthritis research for the millions of Canadians who struggle with this disease,” said Dan Scarrow, Macdonald Real Estate Group’s president. “Arthritis affects 1 in 6 Canadians and is the most prevalent chronic disease, yet few people understand the impact it can have on day-to-day activities.”
Macdonald Realty is a British Columbia owned and operated brokerage and celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. More than 1,000 real estate professionals and staff work out of the company’s 20 offices across the province. “Simple activities that people take for granted in their home, workplace, and daily life can become a challenge. In our business, we understand the importance of home and the comfort it provides,” Scarrow said. “We are proud to support Arthritis Research Canada in their continued research to improve the lives of those who suffer with the disease.”
Arthritis now affects 6 million Canadians of ALL ages and 350 million people worldwide. The need to support arthritis research has never been greater!
“Arthritis is more serious than most people think. Arthritis causes much more than aches and pains,” said Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific director. “An arthritis diagnosis changes a person’s life. It is the number one cause of work disability, daily tasks may become difficult or impossible, and the disease can have life-threatening complications. Over the past 20 years, Arthritis Research Canada has made huge advances through research. Only through arthritis research can we find answers and save lives.”
For more information about the ARThritis Soirée and to learn how you can become a sponsor, please visit www.arthritisresearch.ca/savethedate. Please join us in supporting arthritis research.
About ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research centre in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Led by world-renowned rheumatologist, Dr. John Esdaile, Arthritis Research Canada’s scientific team of over 100 are creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Within British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, better treatment, and improved quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada
For further information: Susan Le, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Arthritis Research Canada, 604-207-4010 or [email protected], www.arthritisresearch.ca
February 11, 2019 (Vancouver, BC) – Macdonald Real Estate Group is pleased to announce a three year sponsorship with Arthritis Research Canada as presenting sponsor of their signature event, the ARThritis Soirée. This year’s event will take place at 7 pm on May 22, 2019 at The Roof, Hotel Vancouver. Tickets are on sale now at arthritissoiree.ca.
The Soirée attracts business and community leaders, philanthropists, healthcare professionals, donors, and more and is presented as an elegant cocktail reception. This format allows guests to circulate and network and boasts something for everyone—mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres, champagne and wine, as well as an amazing raffle, and live and silent auctions. Singer Mike Reno will also treat sponsors and guests to an amazing show that will include some of Loverboy’s greatest hits.
“We are proud to highlight the importance of arthritis research for the millions of Canadians who struggle with this disease,” said Lynn Hsu, Macdonald Real Estate Group’s CEO. “Arthritis is the leading cause of workplace disability and affects 1 in 6 Canadians. Research is needed to improve the lives of people living with this disease in Canada and around the world.”
For further information: Susan Le, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Arthritis Research Canada, 604-207-4010 or 
