Katimavik volunteers in Burnaby hosted an open house and final good-bye event on Friday, June 15, now that the government funded program is going to be cancelled.
Katimavik sends groups of 11 volunteers, aged 17 to 21, to work full-time for six months in several communities across Canada. The program has been around for 35 years, and more than 300,000 young Canadians have participated.
The federal government effectively announced the end of the Katimavik program with the release of the latest budget on March 29.
The latest Burnaby group started volunteering in January, and the program officially ends on June 20.
"All of the volunteers have been working for 35 hours a week at local nonprofit organizations," said Erin Pawlikowski, project leader for Burnaby. "Some of them are involved at BACI, Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion; and the Neil Squire Society; Habitat For Humanity ReStore; ForestEthics, which is in Vancouver; and the Burnaby Arts Council and the Burnaby Hospice Society thrift store."
Pawlikowski said the group has made a significant and direct impact on the community, the youth participants and the nonprofits groups that are getting volunteer help.
"I think that alumni, former volunteers, past and present community partner organizations would share the same feelings," she said.
SUNFEST CAMPS
Looking for something fun for your kids this summer? The Heights Neighbourhood Association and parents connected to Gilmore Community School have organized SunFest day camps for kids aged six to 10. The day trips include an excursion to Playland, swimming at Eileen Dailly pool, a trip to the Vancouver Aquarium, an outing to Science World and more. Kids must have completed kindergarten to attend.
The camps are at Rosser Elementary School, 4375 Pandora St. There will be six one-week sessions, from July 3 to Aug. 10, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They cost $137 in total.
Register in person at Gilmore Community School on Monday, June 25, from 2: 30 to 5 p.m.
Come prepared with a payment (cash or cheque made out to "Heights Neighbourhood Association"), an emergency contact number, the family doctor's phone number, your child's B.C. CareCard number and a list of any allergies or medications.
The contact number is 778-873-1988 or hna [email protected].
CAREER HELP
Training Innovations is hosting an open house on Wednesday, June 27, to celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day.
Training Innovations, an employment services company, is also hosting the event to highlight the Skills Connect for Immigrants Program, which helps new immigrants find careers in Canada while using skills learned in their home countries.
The open house is June 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at 140, 4664 Lougheed Hwy. RSVP by emailing asel.temirova@ training-innovations.com.
