The annual Benefits of Bocce fundraising tournament is fast approaching, and this year's proceeds will go to Burnaby's Down Syndrome Research Foundation.
The foundation runs programs for people with developmental disabilities and has an MEG (magnetoencephalography) brain scanner for researchers.
To help the cause, draft a team of four to enter the tournament, donate silent auction items or spread the word. There are also sponsorship opportunities.
The tournament takes place on Aug. 20, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the North Vancouver bocce pits in Boulevard Park, at 13th Street East and Grand Boulevard West.
Registration for a team of four is $240 (lunch included), and spectator tickets are $25 each.
There will also be a bar, a silent auction, a raffle prize and a 50/50 draw.
Last year, the bocce tournament raised $30,000 for the B.C. Lung Association. For more information go to dsrf. kintera.org/bob. For tickets, email wendy.zackery@ sunlife.com.
DOCUMENTARY AWARD
SFU's teaching and learning centre nabbed a Leo award for C to C: Chinese Canadian Stories of Migration.
The film, by Jordan Paterson, features 20 interviews exploring how the Head Tax and Exclusion Act affected Chinese immigrants between 1923 and 1947.
Paterson worked with SUCCESS, a settlement services group, to create a learning guide and website where people can upload their stories of migration. There's also a historical timeline, where people can view more than 60 video interviews.
"This project . connected us to many communities committed to social change in Canada and China," Paterson said. "These stories will now reach today's youth and the community at large. It was a real privilege."
The annual Leo awards are for B.C.'s film and TV industry.
MOVIE IN THE PARK
The City of Burnaby is hosting a screening of Rio at Swangard Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 14.
Rio is a family-friendly animated film about some birds on their way to Rio de Janeiro.
The gates open at 7: 30 p.m., the movie starts at dusk, and admission is by donation, with proceeds going to KidSport Burnaby. It's general admission seating, so the earlier you go, the better spot you'll get. Bring a blanket and snacks, but no dogs, alcohol or umbrellas. There will also be food and drinks on sale. Parking is limited, however, so moviegoers are encouraged to take transit.
Call 604-297-4848 to make sure there is no weather-related cancellation.
PROJECT WAS A SUCCESS
Burnaby NOW readers helped a group of SFU students double their goal for collecting used sports equipment for needy families.
Following a front-page July 20 story on the project, our readers donated in droves. Jethro Rocillo, one of the student organizers, sent us an email about the turnout.
"Thanks to the exposure, about half of our donations came from families who saw our story on the cover. In large part to the media exposure, we surpassed our goal of collecting 500 pieces of equipment and doubled it. We raised over 1,000 items and have already transported all the items to a facility for our charity to collect. It was so successful the Burnaby parks and recreation is planning on making it an annual event."
The students organized Project Gearing Up as part of a class assignment in project management. For more on the drive, or to see photos, go to www. projectgearingup.ca.
YET ANOTHER COMMUNITY FAIR
If you missed the summer spate of festivals and fairs, there's one more coming up on Aug.
18. From 5: 30 to 8 p.m., Willingdon Community Centre will host a fair featuring live entertainment, carnival games, a barbecue, raffles, a bike obstacle course and decorating station, a marital arts demo and more. The Willingdon Community Centre is at 1491 Carleton Ave. For information, call 604-297-4526.
Send Here & Now items to jmoreau@burnaby now. com.
