A shout-out goes to the RBC Foundation, which recently gave $10,000 to the Down Syndrome Research Foundation.
The money will go towards the organization’s adult education programs and one-to-one reading initiatives.
“We are so grateful for their support,” wrote events and community relations coordinator Maria A. Marano in an email to the NOW.
The Down Syndrome Research Foundation’s mandate is to empower people with Down syndrome to reach their full potential throughout life by pioneering and providing educational programs and services, grounded in foundational research, according to a press release.
“Working with researchers, professionals and families, we are a bridge between research and practice not only on the Lower Mainland, but in British Columbia and Canada as well,” Marano said.
Programs offered by the foundation include reading and communication, speech therapy, music in motion and summer school.
A beary good campaign
It looks like B.C. Liquor Stores’ annual Share-a-Bear program had another successful season.
The initiative, which ran in November and December, offered customers a teddy bear for $12.50. Its “twin” was then donated to a local shelter, hospital or worthwhile charity to brighten the holiday season for a child.
Burnaby’s eight B.C. Liquor Store locations sold a combined total of 358 bears. Across the province, 22,000 bears were sold.
The Willingdon and Kingsway store chose Burnaby Family Life as its charity, which gave the stuffed animals to moms in its pre- and post-natal programs.
“This year’s campaign was another success for us,” said Dixon Tam, spokesperson for the B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch.
More than 625,000 of the plush toys have been donated to B.C. non-profits since the Share-a-Bear program started 27 years ago.
Happy birthday, Sudan!
Celebrate the 61st anniversary of Sudan’s Independence Day by attending a cultural show at the Slovenian Society Hall on Jan. 28.
The full-day event, from noon till 9 p.m., will have entertainment, including live music, dancing and drumming. There will also be door prizes, crafts and children’s activities. Vendors will be on site for anyone interested in doing a little shopping.
The evening will feature local politicians and an award ceremony that will recognize the “outstanding contribution” by Sudanese youths to the community, states a press release.
And come hungry. A diverse collection of Sudanese and North American food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Admission is free. The hall is at 5762 Sprott St. For more information, call 778-788-5735.
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