The community rallied together on Aug. 26 and helped raise more than $9,000 for youth affected by mental health challenges and addictions.
The second annual Dan’s Legacy fundraising dinner was held at the Burnaby Winter Club. The charity supports at-risk youth in the Greater Vancouver area.
“We’re so thrilled with the support we received from the community,” said executive director Barbara Coates in a press release. “There are many, many more young people out there asking for our help, which takes an incredible amount of courage to do. Our supporters not only help us turn lives around, they literally save lives.”
“We believe that harm prevention is the most effective and sustainable solution to the opioid health crisis,” said Tom Littlewood, psychologist and program director at Dan’s Legacy. “We help these kids find the insight and empowerment needed to learn to self-regulate, deal with the past trauma that is the root cause of their self-harm behaviour, and work towards meeting their education, housing and life goals.”
Dan’s Legacy was founded in 2006 in memory of Dan Snook, who died of a drug overdose at the age of 19. In the past three years, the charity has helped more than 150 youth overcome obstacles and lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Dinner guests feasted on appetizers, a buffet and desserts. Local sponsors included chef Shay Kelly of The Caterer and Gardenworks.
Heroes recognized
The City of Burnaby has announced the recipients of this year’s Local Hero Awards.
They are: Tazul Nisha Ali, Joe Gallo, Giovanna Lore, Delmer Rens, Daniella Revitt and Bernie Richter. The group will be presented with a certificate during the Oct. 16 council meeting.
Since 1997, Burnaby has identified and recognized individuals who make “outstanding contributions to community well-being,” reads a staff report.
To date, 255 local heroes have been named. A maximum of 12 recipients may be selected in a given year.
The 2017 heroes have done everything from volunteering countless hours at the food bank to visiting isolated seniors in their homes.
City looking for input
The city’s parks and rec department is hosting an open house on Thursday, Sept. 14 to ask the public what they think about the new arena proposed in South Burnaby.
“You are invited to drop by the open house to view a number of displays and tell us what you think about activities, amenities and vision for the new facility,” reads an online write-up.
The city is looking at building a twin arena at the site of 10th Avenue and 18th Street.
The meeting is on from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Edmonds Community Centre, 7433 Edmonds St.
