Spring is in the air, which means it’s the perfect time to start spring cleaning.
And there’s an easy way to recycle unwanted items that is good for the planet and Burnaby’s children.
The Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion is accepting donations tomorrow (April 20) of used clothing, accessories, bedding and towels in honour of Earth Day on Sunday, April 22.
The items are being accepted at BACI’s Still Creek Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donated items can also be dropped off at BACI donation bins any time.
The donations are then bought by Value Village, with the money going towards BACI’s children’s services.
Quilting for the community
Forest Grove Elementary students have gained a new skill, thanks to a local artist.
During the past six months, the school has worked with mixed-media quilt artist Jennie Johnston to create a queen-sized quilt, Blue Waves.
Each student is also contributing to a nature-inspired art quilt honouring the seasons, according to Johnston.
The project continues until May 17, with the in-progress works being shown on Saturday, April 21 and May 19 at Cameron Community Centre, from noon to 3 p.m.
The school is holding a raffle for Blue Waves, with students selling tickets, and the winner will be drawn at the Intermediate Fine Arts Evening Performance at Forest Grove Elementary on Thursday, May 24. Raffle tickets are also available at the quilt showings at the centre.
The nature-inspired art quilt will be permanently displayed outside the library at the school.
For more on the stories behind the quilts, go to quiltingcommunity.blogspot.ca.
Shredding for a good cause
While Burnaby residents are cleaning out those closets, they can tackle the office, too. The Charlford House Society for Women is holding a fundraising shredathon on Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The fundraiser includes a barbecue, and takes place at Lochdale Community School, 6990 Aubrey St.
Everything is by donation, with funding going toward the recovery house’s general operations, according to Charlford’s executive director, Miranda Vecchio.
The 15-bed recovery house has helped more than 2,000 women overcome addiction.
Burnaby canoe club looking for members
For those looking to get out on the water this year, there is a great opportunity coming. The Beaver Canoe Club is offering its annual Basic Paddling Course, beginning on April 25.
One catch though – participants have to be a member of the club before they can register for the free course.
This isn’t really a catch, as the club offers courses and trip leaders arrange trips for members.
Just keep in mind that joining doesn’t guarantee you a spot in the course.
For more information, go to the club’s website at beavercanoeclub.org
A taste of the Caribbean
South Burnaby residents have the chance to bond over food, fun, music and entertainment at the Burnaby Neighbourhood House community dinner.
The Sharing Cultures Community Dinner theme is Caribbean, according to a press release from the Neighbourhood House.
The event takes place on Wednesday, April 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the south house location, at 4460 Beresford St. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children over three years old.
Tickets should be bought in advance at the south house reception. See www.burnabynh.ca.
