The Burnaby Neighbourhood House's annual fundraiser pulled in more than $40,000 to help pay for local community programs.
The annual Diamond Ball was held on Saturday, Feb. 28, and approximately 240 people attended.
"What was most important was the support we had in that room, from business sponsors, the city politicians, people that are there to support the work we're doing in the community," said Antonia Beck, executive director of the Burnaby Neighbourhood House.
"I'm very pleased we raised over $40,000," she added. "We need the funding so badly. There are so many needs in our operating costs, so we have to fund ourselves."
The evening featured a plated dinner, music from a Beatles tribute band, and live and silent auctions.
Trio Diamond and Gold Jewellery donated a diamond for the prize draw, along with a $500 gift certificate to have it made into a piece of jewelry. (Congrats to Lisa Lacamel, who won the diamond.) Money raised from the annual gala will help pay for neighbourhood house lunch program for seniors, community dinners and the youth leaderships programs.
Documentary on debt
The McGill library branch is hosting a screening of Payback on Thursday, March 26 from 7 to 8:45 p.m.
The documentary is based on Margaret Atwood's book Payback, debt and the shadow side of wealth. It explores the mental construct of debt in its various forms. Local councillor Anne Kang will introduce the film and talk about the environmental and social responsibilities in Burnaby. Admission is free, but space is limited, so save a seat by registering online at or by calling 604-299-8955. McGill is at 4595 Albert St.
Italian diaspora
When it comes to being Italian, third-generations descendants feel more ties to the bel paese than their parents, according to new study from SFU.
The university's Institute for Diaspora Research and Engagement partnered with the Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver to conduct an online survey of third-generation Italians, asking questions about how they related to their Italian identity.
"This was interesting, because many of them reported their parents had not taught them Italian, and some indicated their parents had been reluctant to instill in them a strong sense of culture," said Eva Sajoo, the institute's researcher who designed the survey, in a press release.
While second generation Italians tried assimilating into Canadian culture, their children were more likely to show interest in their Italian identity, according to the study.
