Last Saturday’s rain didn’t dampen the spirits of a group of Burnaby children who wanted to raise some money for Fort McMurray residents affected by the wildfire.
The kids of Elm Grove Drive in Greentree Village (behind BCIT) got together and raised $120 for the Red Cross as part of the annual neighbourhood garage sale. Rather than sell lemonade, the youngsters offered a “snack shack,” with hot coffee and chocolate, cupcakes, muffins and candy.
“The children were planning to raise funds for this cause for the last two weeks, and were greatly encouraged when they heard Mr. Trudeau had said that the donations would be matched!” Paola Andrade-Fairey, a mother of two, wrote to the NOW. “The kids want the people of Fort McMurray to know that they support them too.”
Supporting Alzheimer’s
More Burnaby residents experiencing the early stages of memory loss due to dementia will be able to enjoy a fitness and activity program, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Westminster Savings Credit Union. The money supports the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Mind in Motion initiative, which offers dementia patients leisure activities that would not otherwise be available, according to a press release.
The program is specifically designed to suite the individual needs of participants and offers a safe and relaxed environment. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia accounting for almost two-thirds of dementias in Canada today.
Dining for dreams
Burnaby’s very own Aiden Griffin was recognized as a “hero of ability” at the B.C. Centre for Ability’s 17th annual Dining for Dreams Gala held last week.
For more than 47 years, BCCFA has provided community-based services that enhance the quality of life for children, youth and adults with disabilities. Each year, a handful of individuals are given the honorary title for realizing their dreams, despite the challenges they face.
Griffin suffers from an atypical brain development which affects his ability to control his emotions and behaviours. Even though he had a rough start to the school year, with numerous suspensions and having to switch schools three times in three years, the Grade 3’er is no longer being controlled by his emotions.
The elementary student got the support he needed through a boys group, which ultimately led him to being a junior leader at a camp program and reignited his love of learning.
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