Keep this Saturday free to mix and mingle with your neighbours from Africa and Canada.
The Africa Ekassa Cultural Festival is at Swangard Stadium Aug. 11, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be music, dance performances, international food, arts, storytelling, drumming, crafts, games and information booths and displays.
"(The festival) has always been a cultural event that enables Canadians to enjoy and learn about different cultures from different parts of the world," said organizer Osakue Ukponrefe.
This will be the third year for the festival, which started in Queensborough but moved to Burnaby's Swangard Stadium to accommodate a larger crowd. Ukponrefe is expecting roughly 2,000 people to attend this year.
"Definitely, you're going to have a lot of African music and dances, lots of culture," he said. "Some people are going to dress African. You're also going to see the different varieties of culture in different parts of Africa."
Ukponrefe said it's also an opportunity to meet people from Africa and ask questions about where they came from, chill out and enjoy the food and music. There is no admission fee, but the organizers welcome donations.
Money raised goes to the hosting organization: Edo Friends of British Columbia Association, which helps new immigrants with settlement services.
ELDER ABUSE
The Burnaby Multicultural Society is hosting a workshop on elder abuse on Aug. 20 from 2: 30 to 4 p.m. The focus is on ways to keep the elderly safe from abuse, and there will be information on resources that can help. The workshop is free and open to everyone, especially seniors over 55 and caregivers. To register, or for more information, call the society at 604-431-4131 ext. 29. The workshop will be held at 6255 Nelson Ave.
PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP
There's also help for people struggling with Parkinson's disease at an event on Aug. 13 at Confederation Seniors Centre. The Burnaby Parkinson's support group is for people who have Parkinson's or suspect they may have it. Caregivers are also welcome to attend.
The meeting will feature guest speaker Robbin Jeffereys from the Parkinson's Society of B.C. Refreshments will be served. Confederation Seniors Centre is at 4585 Albert St. The costs to attend is $2, and the meeting starts at 1 p.m.
HELP FOR THE HOMELESS
The Burnaby Task Force on Homelessness will be at the Kensington community fair on Saturday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The task force will be offering free children's books and information on homelessness. For more on the fair, see our Top 5 feature on page 14.
Do you have an item to share with your neighbours? Send details to jmoreau@ burnabynow.com.
