Thirty volunteers helped to remove invasive plants in Central Park on Oct. 15.
English ivy and Himalayan blackberry were dug out – 12 cubic metres to be exact.
There was even a competition for who could have the longest weed (the winner had a piece that was 7.6 metres long).
Of the group, 12 had never been to Central Park before, one person walked by and signed up to help, and 16 volunteers had never pulled English ivy before.
“One volunteer got trapped by the tent’s Velcro strap and we had to use a lopper to give her a haircut. Just kidding!” reads an online write-up.
The event was organized by the Lower Mainland Green Team, in partnership with the City of Burnaby.
Way to go, everyone!
New ED
The Down Syndrome Research Foundation (DSRF) has a new executive director.
Wayne Leslie is the Burnaby-based organization’s third ED, following in the footsteps of Dawn McKenna and DSRF founder Josephine Mills.
“It is a privilege to join DSRF, and especially at a time of such meaningful change and renewed promise,” said Leslie in a press release. “It is clear that among the organization’s many strengths are a very dedicated and talented team. I am confident we’ll do amazing things together and with the knowledge that we do now will benefit individuals and families for a lifetime.”
Leslie comes from B.C. Adaptive Snowsports, where as CEO, he led the development of a transformative new strategic plan focused on re-branding, fund development diversification, advocacy and increasing services for participants and volunteers.
The release notes he also helped more than double the organization’s fundraising revenues.
Kids supporting kids
Around 900 children participated in the fourth annual YMCA Walk for Strong Kids on Oct. 20.
Children in the YMCA Kids Club after-school programs braved wet weather to trek two-and-a-half kilometres around Burnaby Lake.
The event was a fundraiser – money that ensures all kids, regardless of financial circumstances, have access to proven YMCA programs and services.
“The kids’ infectious energy and enthusiasm inspires me each and every day,” said the organization’s Cathy Poole. “Our little philanthropists have been hard at work gathering pledges from friends and family who believe in equal opportunity for all children.”
