Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A27

Volunteers Enrich our Community

Thank You Volunteers! Community Volunteer Leadership in Action

Behind every program, facility or working group, is a volunteer helping to shape the direction of the community and willing to serving others. This selfless investment makes West Vancouver a wonderful,

caring and creative place to live. Thank you for your commitment, leadership and loyalty!

West Vancouver 2010 Team, West Vancouver Special Events, Harmony Arts Festival, Kay Meek Performing Arts Centre, West Vancouver Museum, Ferry Building Gallery, West Vancouver Memorial

Library, West Vancouver Community Centre, Seniors’ Activity Centre, West Vancouver Arena, Gleneagles Community Centre, Ambleside Youth Centre

westvancouver.ca

News photo Mike Wakefi eld

A special feature of the

VolunteerVolunteerWEEKWEEK

APRIL 18th to APRIL 24th

Emma: top dog in volunteeringBenjamin Alldrittballdritt@nsnews.com

EMMA never says a word, but she still helps kids learn to read, stirs long-dormant memories for seniors, and even helps teenagers overcome eating disorders.

Emma, a seven-year-old black Labrador retriever, has been a St. John Ambulance therapy dog for four years alongside owner Mary Brown.

“I saw something about it on TV and I said ‘That’s what I want to get into with my dog,’” said Brown. “It seemed like an opportunity for me to volunteer with my dog, which would be the best job in the world. So I went to the fi rst introductory meeting, it seemed to fi t and I pursued it.”

Brown, a North Vancouver special education teacher, fi rst started bringing Emma into extended care facilities like Vancouver GeneralHospital’s Banfi eld Pavilion to meet with seniors.

“I fi nd with the older people, Emma is a starting place for conversation. She’s tactile for them, she tweaks their memory. They might remember they had a dog and his name was Lucky. They may not remember what happened two hours ago but it’s reallyfunny how she triggers those old memories. We visited one lady at Banfi eld for quite a while and as we visited her she became non-verbal. But when she patted Emma, her fi rst language — German — would come out. She would murmur away to Emma in German but otherwise she was non-verbal.”

Emma was also called in to visit a woman in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

“Sure enough, she went into the room and for the fi rst time in six months that woman smiled. Her family were just over the moon. And later when she passed away, the family sent Emma a thank-you card,” said Brown.

Brown has also taken her companion into North Vancouver schools to help kids, improbably, with their reading.

“We go into elementary schools and the West Van library and kids who are reluctant readers or struggling readers read their booksto Emma,” said Brown. “It sounds kind of wacky but when you readto a dog or sit with a dog, studies have shown it brings your bloodpressure down, it brings your heart rate down, your endorphins go up, serotonin levels in the brain rises. So these kids are in the right place to start reading. And besides, Emma is non-judgmental. She just sits there with her big brown eyes and says ‘You’re the best reader I’ve ever heard.’” Brown, who sneaks a little teaching into the sessions, said over the span of a term students working with Emma read more fl uently and expressively.

“I see huge progress. It’s really amazing,” she said.Brown said Emma shows an uncanny knack for adapting to

the needs of the people she visits. She’s calm and still with seniors, energetic and upbeat with teenagers.

“We’ve been asked to work with an autistic boy at one of the North Van schools because he is terrifi ed of dogs. We’re doing gradual habituation. So fi rst of all he looked at Emma through the doorway and he didn’t fl ip out, which is good. When he’s out in the community and he sees a dog he has quite an over-the-top reactioneven when it’s across the street. But Emma became very quiet and wouldn’t even look at him, which is interesting because she usually beams right at a person. Once again, she just knew what to do,”

See Training page 29

A28 - North Shore News - Sunday, April 18, 2010

HEARTFELT THANKS to our 347 compassionate volunteers who gave a combined 13,422 hours to our Agency and Foundation Boards, Palliative Care, Christmas Bureau, I hope family centre, Advisory Committees and Special Events.

FSNS acknowledges the contribution of the Province

of British Columbia, City of North Vancouver, District of

North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver.

artwork by TORA! Design

#101 255 West 1st Street

North Vancouver, BC V7M 3G8

tel 604 988 5281 fax 604 988 3961

www.familyservices.bc.ca

North Shore

Supported by 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of BC, Spirit of BC is a province-wide initiative that promotes community innovation, pride and excellence, and involves British Columbians in the opportunities arising from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

www.northshorespiritofbc.ca

On behalf of the North Shore Municipalities, First Nations and all our partner organizations

Thank you to the over 300

Spirit of BC North Shore volunteers

Together we ignited our communitypride and spirit to make the

North Shore an Olympic experience to remember.

We invite you to celebrate the legacy of volunteerism by joining us at the Volunteer Fair on April 24th held at Capilano Mall, 10am-2pm.

Find out ways YOU can be a volunteer in our community!

Volunteer

IT’S time, once again, to celebrate those among us who give their time and skills freely.

The week of April 18-24 is marked in our calendars to show our gratitude and support for the millions of volunteers who donate their time and energy. This year, the theme of National Volunteer Week is “From Compassion to Action.”

The National voice of volunteers, Volunteer Canada, is leading this year’s Volunteer Week Campaign and ensuring that from coast to coast to coast Canadians have all the tools and support they need to say thank you.

According to the organization, volunteerism has a deep, rich history in Canada and an even more exciting future.

This decade we have seen volunteers represent our communities as fi refi ghters, builders, maintenance keepers, organizers, coaches, and aid workers to name a few.

Not only are volunteers essential to the continued functionality and success of community services, they are a driving force behind progressive change and the overall betterment of Canadian lives.

If you take a moment and picture your life without the help of volunteers one can begin to understand the extent to which volunteerism truly impacts our lives. Our hospitals, schools, community services, shelters and charities would all suffer without the continued and passionate support of volunteer community of Canada.

On the North Shore this year, many of us enjoyed the work of countless volunteers as we celebrated the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and helped welcome the Olympic fl ame into our communities during the torch relay.

Those Olympic volunteers and others who are interested in giving their time are invited to look into a rewarding and important volunteer position.

On April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join the Spirit of B.C. North Shore, Volunteer North Shore, and other community agenciesat Capilano Mall in a celebration of servicemarking the end of National Volunteer Week.

Many local citizens like Emma Henderson had a great experience volunteering with Spirit of B.C. on the North Shore.

“Volunteering requires a lot of effort andcommitment,” said Henderson. “But I forgothow much fun and engaging volunteering canbe. It is something I want to continue doing to stay healthy, active, engaged in my community.” This was the sentiment echoed by many spiritvolunteers.

The event will provide prospective volunteers an opportunity to learn about the many servicesprovided by non-profi t agencies on the NorthShore, how their skills and interests could beused, and what kinds of commitments are required.

The event will celebrate the contributions of current volunteers by offering a chance to win a gift basket for those who drop by. There willbe a special Olympic related guest appearancewhile you consider what you would like tovolunteer for. For more information please contact Volunteer North Shore at 604-982-3311. Everyone is welcome!

If you want to know more about National Volunteer Week, you can visit volunteer.ca/nvw/celebrate. Or, keep up to date daily with the latest information about volunteerism in Canada by following along on Facebook or Twitter.

It’s Volunteer Week!

Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A29

In honour of Volunteer Week, we salute:Wendy, Lee, Gabriela, Mei, Jennifer, Chang, Vicky, Sahar,

Maria, Cole, Paul, Janeth, Terry, Joan, Margaret, Heein, David, Cindy, Elin, Taehoon, Taewoo, Caroline, Shadi, Elisa, Michael,

Suji, Jerico, Ulrike and Czar.

Sunrise of Lynn Valley owes a great deal to its team ofSunrise of Lynn Valley owes a great deal to its team of volunteers who visit regularly and assist with variousvolunteers who visit regularly and assist with various

activities and programs throughout our home.activities and programs throughout our home.

Our “hats off” also to the varied entertainmentOur “hats off” also to the varied entertainment groups, health care professionals and members of ourgroups, health care professionals and members of our worship community who have shared their passionsworship community who have shared their passions

and talents with us.and talents with us.

If you have an hour to spare throughout the week,If you have an hour to spare throughout the week, and would like to become involved in our Sunriseand would like to become involved in our Sunrise home, please contact Sandra at 604-904-1226 forhome, please contact Sandra at 604-904-1226 for

more information and to apply.more information and to apply.

SUNRISUNRISE OF LYNYNN VALLEALLEY

the placeto give back!

northvanrec.com604 987 PLAY (7529)

From Compassion…

To Action!Thank you to all the volunteers

who contribute your time, energy and skills to the programs we

offer. Your gifts of time and talent make an immense difference

in our community.

THANK YOUon behalf of our staff and our

participants at the North Vancouver Recreation Commission.

We appreciate your gift of time and talent!

Now accepting applications forsummer daycamp positions!

Please call 604.983.6417to fi nd out how to get involved.

Thank You

to all of our Volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you.

NORTH SHORE CRISIS SERVICES SOCIETY119 - 255 West 1st Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3G8

604.987.0366 • Fax 604.987.1623

Naomi Yamamoto, M.L.A. (North Vancouver -Lonsdale)

303-126 East 15th Street North Van, BC V7L 2P9

Ph: 604-981-0033

Volunteering is a great way to be a part of our community!

Find your own “blue jacket”

volunteer opportunity at:

www.volweb.ca

Volunteer

Benjamin Alldrittballdritt@nsnews.com

FOUR years ago, John Gilmour was chatting with an old friend, who happened to be District of North Vancouver Mayor Richard Walton, and remarked how he wanted to become more involved with his community.

“He said ‘Lynn Valley Community Association is a good group,’ so I checked it out, seeing as I live there, and I’ve been working hard at it ever since,” recalled Gilmour.

After spending a year and half signing up new members — Gilmour estimates he doubled the association’s rolls — he put his name forward to be president. Now Gilmour divides his time between working full-time as a condo developer and volunteering as the public face and administrative head of the 240-strong group.

“It’s a lot of work juggling that with family time as well,” he said. “I just want to see our community continue to be a

great community and become even a better one in future.”

Gilmour, a former president of the Vancouver Junior Chamber of Commerce and later a president of the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, estimates he puts 10 to 20 hours each week into Lynn Valley community business. Ask him what kinds of things the all-volunteer association does and the answer alone sounds exhausting.

“We get into anything from development planning issues that come up such as the town centre master plan and rezoning applications and so on. There are community events like Lynn Valley Day, the concert series in the summer and any other events we happen to get involved with. We have a toy sale twice a year. We have an annual project to fi x up a trail or remove invasive species. We’re trying to be more active with our relationship with the local community policing offi ce. We have a website and a newsletter and we hold public meetings four times a year,” he said.

Lynn Valley Community Association also took the lead in helping North Vancouver

celebrate the 2010 Olympics by staging ValleyFest, a family-themed party that drew crowds to the valley and praise for the organizers.

“It was a tremendous success,” said Gilmour. “We had rave reviews from everyone we spoke with. We didn’t have any complaints from any of the neighbours. It was just a great time to gel the community. We had teenagers saying how cool Lynn Valley is now, the police

were very pleased with how things went and the district council was pleased. I think it will be a very strong memory for the community.”

Speaking of memories, the association will be marking its 100-year anniversary in 2011.

“I’m sure we’ll be doing something for the centennial,” chuckled Gilmour. “But we have to get through Lynn Valley Day and the concert series fi rst.”

Time spent building community

photo submitted

JOHN Gilmour volunteers his time as president of the Lynn Valley Community Association.

Training comes fi rstBrown said.

Not every canine companion is cut out to be a therapy dog. Applicants go through a rigorous screening process at St. John Ambulance. Dogs are tested for innate personality, unfl appability, gentleness and acceptance. The specifi c testing methods are kept confi dential, so owners can’t train their dog to pass the screen.

Once the pooch is named an offi cial therapy dog and the owner fi nishes their own training, St. John Ambulance gets the owner in touch with a school, hospital or long-term care facility and leaves it to them to work out a schedule. Brown estimates she spends about six hours each week bringing Emma into people’s lives.

“I just keep thinking of new applications for dog-assisted activities,” she said. “I think they are magical creatures.”

If you are interested in volunteering with your dog, contact Sue Ennis at 604-988-1695. For general information on volunteering with St. John Ambulance, call 604-990-1290.

From page 27

A30 - North Shore News - Sunday, April 18, 2010

A Place to Call HomeAlzheimer Society of BC -North Shore Resource CentreCapilano Community Services SocietyCanadian Mental Health Association - North & West Vancouver BranchCity of North VancouverHarvest ProjectKidStartNorth Shore CommunityResources SocietyNorth Shore Crisis Services Society

If you would like to volunteer, call Volunteer North Shore at 604-985-7138

or visit us on-line today at www.nscr.bc.ca

NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY RESOURCESH O S T A G E N C Y O F

VOLUNTEER NORTH SHOREVOLUNTEER NORTH SHORE

THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING FROM:North Shore Multicultural Society

North Shore Neighbourhood House

North Shore Stroke Recovery Centre

North Shore Women’s Center

North Van Rec

Parkgate Community Services

Silver Harbour Centre

Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Coastal Health

West Vancouver Community Services and Cultural Affairs

Celebrating NationalCelebrating National Volunteer WeekVolunteer Week

APRIL 18 – 24, 2010To all the helping hands in our community

Thank Youto our many

Volunteersat

North VancouverDetachment

Until her retirement a few years ago, Maetel Grant, was the Coordinator of the Palliative Care Volunteer Program at Lions Gate Hospital, a program of Family Services of the North Shore. We were truly honoured, last fall, when Maetel asked if we needed volunteers at the I hope family centre. I hope family centre is a multi-service family resource centre working to ensure all North Shore families, and their children under 6 years old, have access to innovative support and prevention programs. As a grandmother, counsellor and loyal friend of FSNS, Maetel has the ideal skill set to volunteer in an early childhood program.

Spotlight on Volunteers

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

MAETEL GRANT - I Hope Family Centre volunteer

Volunteer

Deana Lancasterdlancaster@nsnews.com

WASN’T that a party?Chances are, if you were

in town during the 2010 Olympic Games you took in some of the festivities from one of the North Shore’s many Celebration Sites.

The festivities were just one aspect of the work the North Shore Spirit of B.C. committee undertook to ignite pride and community spirit in those living and working on the North Shore in the build-up to and during the Games.

Supported by 2010 Legacies Now and the Province of B.C., Spirit of B.C. was a province-wide initiative that promoted the values of community innovation, pride and excellence to create unique and lasting legacies for British Columbians.

More than 95 committees were formed in communities throughout the province to help develop benefi ts for local areas.

The committees provided residents with an infl uential and local point-of-contact with the province and 2010 Legacies Now.

It was the North Shore group’s aim to give residents and visitors an experience to remember, and to maximize the benefi ts for the North Shore community.

Its stated mission was to inform and engage the community; facilitate partnership and the identifi cation and realization of

opportunities; and to support business and community organizations in implementing and enhancing strategies related to 2010.

But beyond the Olympics, the legacy of volunteerism continues, as collectively on all the committee’s projects more than 4,000 volunteer hours were logged. The hope is that North Shore residents who volunteered for the many activities will want to continue to volunteer in the

community.On April 24 at Capilano

Mall there will be a volunteer fair for those wishing to continue and fi nd out more information.

As for the North Shore Spirit of B.C. committee: as it winds up its mandate related to the Games, the Spirit Trail committee will continue to support and assist with the North Shore Spirit Trail.

Spirit of B.C. lives on

NEWS photo Paul McGrath

LIVE music, dancing and entertainment were among the many attractions at the Olympic Celebration Sites across the North Shore.

Legacy work and volunteer connections thrive

if you see news happening call our news tips line 604 985 2131

Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A31

1700 Mathers Avenue, West VancouverBox office: 604-913-3634www.kaymeekcentre.com

“The measure of life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” PETER MARSHALL

Thank you to all the Kay Meek Centre

volunteers who give the extraordinary gift of

time and talent.We are privileged to have

you on our team.Coho Society of the North Shore

1846 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, B.B. V7V 1J6

Telephone: 604-926-6956www.cohofestival.com

Thank youThank youto the many volunteers and others who give their time and effort to protect North Shore streams and the natural environment.

Your enthusiasm and commitment are much appreciated.We look forward to your participation and support in the coming year.

MAETEL GRANT - I Hope Family Centre volunteer

During the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics we all revelled in the magic that unfolded when a great and privileged country like Canada opened our doors to the world and shared the very best that we could offer. 25,000 blue-jacketed volunteers humbly and enthusiastically took a risk, giving up their priceless time.

The volunteers came from all parts of Canada (and some from other countries) but the lion’s share were British Columbians who decided to contribute their efforts. Guests from everywhere loved our volunteers, who set a new high bar for every other future Olympics and Paralympics site.

When Maetel was asked why she enjoys volunteering at the I hope family centre, she said: I choose to volunteer for the I hope program because I sincerely believe its presence is vital in our community in a meaningful and healing way.

The philosophy of I hope is brilliant. It is a supportive gathering place for young families who attest to the real and significant impact it has on their parenting journey. As a volunteer, I listen, offer

support and witness parents and their children meeting new friends, learning age and stage appropriate skills, sharing ideas

and having fun.

“The staff at the I hope family centre regard Maetel’s arrival

at the centre a true gift that came at a time when we needed her most”, says I hope family centre Coordinator, Corinna Opitz.

For more information on the I hope family centre visit

www.familyservices.bc.ca

I feel that the contribution I make

as a volunteer is meaningful and

makes a real difference in

my life.

How can we keep the momentum going? What will allow BC to acknowledge its role as a national and international leader, offering the world ways to learn about health, and fitness? Can Whistler and Squamish, also international recreational meccas, share views of healthy living, to lead our nation in its battle against childhood obesity? Can West Vancouver, which showed such innovation in bringing the Canadian Space Agency during the Games, continue to work to pioneer programs in tourism, health, and fitness? Can Sechelt and Gibsons leverage their roles as centres of “liveability”? Can offshore treasures, like

Bowen, Keats, Gambier and other islands in our riding now better promote their magic, now that they have riveted the world’s attention during the Games?

The Games brought us enormous gifts, in terms of business, investment, tourism, foreign students, and incentives to live healthier lives, as a community. If through the lens of the Games we see ourselves as national leaders, with the ability to transform Canada into something even better than it is today, we will realize we have something precious to share with the rest of the world.

VOLUNTEERISM - John Weston, West Vancouver MP

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Spotlight on Volunteers

A32 - North Shore News - Sunday, April 18, 2010

If you would like to offer your hand to help please contact us at Harvest Project201 Bewicke Ave., North Vancouver

www.harvestproject.org604.983.9488 ext 303

Harvest Project lends a hand to individuals and families in need on the North Shore.

Harvest Project would like to thank all of our hard working volunteers.

We acknowledge that it takes many hands to “Extend a Hand Up.”

EXTENDING A HAND UP, NOT A HAND OUT!

0422

9126

_870

_P1

www.metrovancouver.org

SUSTAINABLE REGION INITIATIVE… TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION

April 18th - 24th, 2010Regional Park Partners and Volunteers

Metro Vancouver thanks all volunteers and partners who generously give their time to enhance our region.

Regional park volunteers fi ll valuable roles in support of staff including invasive species removal, habitat enhancement, trail restoration, education programs, special events, visitor centre hosts and managing fi sh hatcheries.

Catching the Spirit Youth Society - Capilano River Regional Park

TERRY BYRNES - Harvest Project volunteer Exexutive Director

KAY MEEK CENTRE - Volunteers bond the community

When Terry Byrnes decided to volunteer at Harvest Project as a board member in January 2009 he had no idea he would also be filling the role of the Executive Director. But that is exactly what happened.

He had just retired from his long tenured position as Coordinator and Faculty in the Adult Special Education Department at Capilano University and was actually looking forward to some R&R time with his wife Linda.

Instead he volunteered the charity further assistance by becoming the Executive

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENTSpotlight on Volunteers

Kay Meek Centre’s success can be measured in many ways, but at the heart of it are the people who contribute the enduring qualities of passion, community, time and talent... they are our volunteers.

These are the people who work the frontline as greeters, ushers and ticket-takers—the people who put the “face” on Kay Meek Centre. They establish the welcoming atmosphere and sense of place creating the

hallmark experiences that are enjoyed by the thousands who visit our theatres.

Through the selfless gift of time, Kay Meek Centre’s volunteers create

a community within Kay Meek Centre and, as our friends and neighbours, they forge the bonds with the community we serve.

By their contributions, our volunteers instil a sense of

pride in their work, in themselves, and in Kay Meek Centre for what it

is and will be. Our volunteers are the vital team who come together, share together, work together and succeed together. During Volunteer Week, Kay Meek Centre offers a loud and sustained “bravo” to our volunteers who have helped to shape the Centre into what it is today.

“Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience. It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a hand in them.”

Look behindthe success of

Kay Meek Centre and you will find our volunteers

Director in May and for the next eight months that meant putting his retirement plans on hold.

He wanted to offer as much support as he could to the day-to-day operations and sometimes that meant volunteering 40 hours of his time per week. He received no remuneration for his time even though his time was often stressful and unrewarding.

He faced making many crucial decisions and carried the financial burdens on his shoulders causing him sleepless nights of worry about the lack of funds coming in to run Harvest Project. He went to countless community

meetings, spoke at special events and met with many community representatives to seek funding support.

However, Terry was not just focused on the big parts of the job, he helped out in little ways too – cooking in the kitchen when another volunteer was away, giving staff rides home, counseling clients about career and education options .

For those eight months Terry became the face and voice of Harvest Project out in the community and in the office. There was no task so great or small that Terry would not take on for his beloved charity.

Sunday, April 18, 2010 - North Shore News - A33

West Vancouver Offi ce: #21-285 17th Street, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3S6 Tel 604.981.1790 Fax 604.981.1794Email Weston.j@parl.gc.ca Web www.johnweston.ca

Thank you to all our volunteers who serve to make their communities

and Canada a better place!

John Weston, MPthanks to the fewwho do so muchfor the many

Supporting Volunteers on the North Shore

RALPH & JOAN TOWNSEND - West Vancouver Olympic volunteers

COHO SOCIETY - Protecting our watersheds

Stewardship is the key to protecting our watersheds. Co-operative effort by government agencies, volunteer organizations, enlightened developers and other partners to protect and revitalize our salmon streams is producing results. However, despite some recent, positive and encouraging developments, pollution from chemicals and construction activity continues to threaten the health of our urban streams.

Coho Society and its partners have made raising public awareness and creating a sense of pride in our watersheds a top

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Spotlight on Volunteers

priority. The challenge is to involve citizens of all ages in a community-wide effort to bring wild salmon back in ever-increasing numbers to North Shore streams and rivers.

The Coho Festivals are a highly successful North Shore community event. Great weather and enthusiastic participation by a record crowd on Coho Festival Sunday cap off the week’s activities.

Many people take part in the Coho Walk down the Capilano River, and turn out for the 14K Coho Run from Kitsilano Park to Ambleside Beach. Celebrity chefs serve over 1400

salmon barbecued meals. In addition to these events, North Shore residents and visitors are treated to a variety of art exhibits, stage presentations, new environmental displays and games for the youngsters.

These results would not be possible without the efforts of many volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors.

To all who participated in making past Festivals a success, your support was appreciated. We look forward to seeing you again at this year’s Coho Festival!

West Vancouver experienced an unprecedented volunteer commitment during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. During the Games, an amazing 6,000 hours were donated by 260 adults and youth as they hosted events and displays, led children’s camps, and greeted visitors at information kiosks.

The party began on February 10th, West Vancouver’s Torch Relay Day, when 15,000 patriotic people greeted the Olympic Flame at the West Vancouver Community Centre. Decked out in their red vests, 130 volunteers worked 650 hours on that day alone. This was the beginning of 38 days of celebrations

in February and March where ‘active citizens’ worked 1,500 shifts, averaging 160 hoursa day.

Joan and Ralph Townsend volunteered together during West Vancouver’s community celebrations. They donated an average of 5 hours a day during the 18 days of celebrations during the Olympics, and made many new friends of all ages. “I was so impressed with the way the families mixed together at the dances and social events,” said Ralph. ”Everyone had a great time asa family.”

Married for 37 years, Joan and Ralph do

many things together including travelling, camping, fishing, dancing, looking after their grandchildren, and helping with social events at the Legion and the West Vancouver Seniors’ Activity Centre. It’s no surprise that they had a great time hosting friends and neighbours at the West Vancouver Community Centre Spirit Square.

“We’ve got to keep it going,” Joan said, while reminiscing about how families enjoyed the music and sports at the Civic Site. “This is a great place to come together!”