A group of youth in a leadership program at the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House is organizing a fundraiser to help sexually exploited trafficking victims.
The teens are holding a fashion show and silent art auction in May, and 100 per cent of the proceeds go to Deborah's Gate, a Salvation Army safe house for women who have been trafficked for prostitution.
The teens are looking for art from students 19 or younger, as the work will be on display during Youth Week, but all designers are welcome to showcase their wares in support of the cause. Contact Marleen Eberding at youth@sbnh. ca to get involved.
The group is also looking for snacks, refreshments, DJs and decorations.
The fundraiser is set for May 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 612 Columbia St. in New Westminster.
FUNDRAISER WITH A DOSE OF LAUGHS
Burnaby comediennes Ardell Brophy Fitzpatrick and LeeAnn Keple are hosting a Laff Riot Girls gig in New Westminster on March 29.
It's called the Pretty, Witty and Gay Show, and it's a fundraiser for the Royal City Pride Society. Amy Wilding will be performing, the comedian who won the 2011 Laff Riot Girls comedy contest.
I was a judge at that show, and I have to say, these women are hilarious, so be sure to check out the fundraiser.
Tickets are $20. For more information, call 604-291-0291.
SAMPLE SOME STUDENT FOODS
Here's a little-known place to find cheap eats on your way home from work Tuesday evenings.
The new Burnaby Central Secondary has a state-of-the-art kitchen for student cooking programs, and on Tuesdays, from 4 to 6 p.m., they open up a "restaurant" for the public.
I haven't tried the food, but I've toured the kitchen, and it's quite an impressive, professional looking operation.
According to principal Garth Errico, the food is good and cheap, and you can order take-out in advance.
For more information, call 604-760-8971.
Make sure to call and confirm they are open, because the hours are somewhat sporadic.
STUDENTS AGAINST CYBER-BULLYING
BCIT journalism students teamed up with Burnaby North Secondary to launch "Stand Up, Speak Out!" an online video campaign against cyber-bullying.
The BCIT students spent Feb. 29 (Pink Shirt Day) interviewing kids from Burnaby North about their experiences of cyber-bullying. Cyber bullying involves harassment or threats using communication technology, such as email, instant messaging or social media sites like Facebook.
To see the initial BCIT video, go to http: //bit.ly/ BCITcyberbullying.
USING MUSIC TO PROTEST PROBLEMS
Two New Westminster residents are lending their musical talents to the teachers' job action.
Marian Lochrie, a teacher and songwriter, created a musical number with her husband Don.
The couple call themselves Kick in the Eye, the song is titled Turned To Machine.
Here is a taste of lyrics: "War on collective bargaining, battles in the streets! Schools are the front lines. Fight for human rights!"
They debuted it at a March 7 Burnaby Teachers' Association rally.
"It went over really well. We are proud to (be) following in the footsteps of music activists like Woody Guthrie and Stompin' Tom Connors," Marian said.
Not only did the couple write a song, but they created a music video to go with it.
To check it out, go to http: //bit.ly/ TurnedToMachine.
Marian plays the part of a teacher, who is clearly frightened by a man in a suit approaching with a sign that says "legislation" - a reference to the government's Bill 22, which will prohibit teachers from striking.
Other songs titles by Kick in the Eye include I Love Trailer Park Boys and Our Canucks, also available on YouTube.
Have an item for Here & Now? Send it reporter Jennifer Moreau at jmoreau@burnabynow. com, and be sure to include contact information. Check out her blog online at www. burnabynow.com, and click on Opinion.
