Thanks to the grants from the feds – see official press release

More details coming soon in 0ur newletter!

My name is Canh, 26 years old, I’m from Vietnam. I’m a participant in the Canada – Vietnam Volunteer Exchange Program with Canada World Youth (CWY) with Ana Maria, 25 years of age, from Columbia and now living in Montreal, Quebec. We came to Powell River for three months with my group. Prior to Powell River we spent three months in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, we lived in a small village in May Ba, and we stayed with 10 host families during that time. One Vietnamese and one Canadian in each family. Each week we had one day for EADs (educational activity day), every week was a different Presentation on history, economy, belief, art, women …, one day to practice dancing, singing, juggling, teaching English in middle school to local youth, and we did a Presentation about safe sex, HIV/AIDS, and other STDs in different high schools in Hoa Binh. We also had some Community activities in the village: soccer tournaments with local youth, May Ba Idol, salsa class, and movies for children.

Now Ana and me are volunteers in the Powell River Brain Injury Society three days per week. This is a place for people of any age living with a brain injury to come and have fun with friends. We do some work, finding Keynote Speaker, translating to Spanish, connecting with others to participate in the “Powell River Brain Injury 101 – A Marathon For Awareness”. We have a lot of exciting activities here, every Wednesday is Art Day, so we draw or paint. Josh, Jimmy, Mellisa are all members and we enjoy our time with them. I’m really excited with drawing for the first time in my life (I can’t believe I can draw)! On Friday, we talk, play games, watch movies, and say “Have a nice weekend to everybody”. With me this is the wonderful place i’ve been.

I and Brendon, my counterpart in this program, live with the Bird familly, Peter and Helena, they are really nice, kind and friendly. They have a huge organic farm with tomato, potato, onion, garlic, cow, chicken, pig and goat, and the babies goats are so cute. Most of foods in my host family are from our farm, so it’s very good, safety and healty. We always play game and talk together after dinner.

Powell River is a beautiful town with fresh air, a lot of forests with trails and beautiful view. There are some helpful Society Centre which not much city have. All the people who i met are really nice and friendly, and i got a lot of helping from local peoples. I feel lucky when i could try the Polar Bear Swim in January First, painting in Youth Centre, talking with Mr.Michael and Ms.Thanh – the Vietnamese family. I love this Town and the people here!!!

On the evening of Sat Dec 18, Brain Injury Society clients, staff & board members were treated to a very special Christmas dinner put on by volunteers of the congregation of the Lighthouse community church.

The room was elegantly & festively decorated with white linen and candles, and each table had a server who took care of our needs for refreshments. Every place setting had special treats of chocolates, candies and a Tim Hortons giftcard.

We were served from a giant buffet that included all things Christmas –  ham, turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings. Nia Winger of Loaves & Fishes donated the use of her catering equipment as well as a large delicious black forest cake with masses of real whipped cream. Dan Erickson,  a local guitar player, provided entertainment for us.

All this was done in the spirit of giving. The church wanted to do something nice for a community group and we are very thankful they chose us.

35 people attended, some who hadn’t seen each other for a long while, & they were happy to catch up on each other’s lives. It was a nice evening for telling stories & reconnecting . We are truly grateful to the church & hope this sparks a reaction of ‘paying it forward”.

Thank You! from The Powell River Brain Injury Society to all who came out to support our fundraising efforts on November 20 2010.

Your continued generosity goes a long way to provide services in our community for persons living with the effects of acquired brain injury and to continue our message of prevention.

Incognito – Doug Rugg – Powell River Showgirlz – Manzanita

Chris McNaughton & Arlette Raaen – Debbie Dee – Lund Hotel & Lund Pacific Tours – Skye Morrison – Milda Karen-Byng – Susan Milligan – 3-Leaf Contracting – Peter Howey – Vancouver Canadians Professional Baseball Club – Jeanette Francis – Rock n Roll Guest Ranch – Donna Newell – Jack Barr

Armitage Mens Wear – Guys Cycle Works – Quality Foods – Save-On Foods Suncoast Cycles – C & J Metal Design – Camerons Costumes Rentals – Josh Freisen – Melissa Tookey – Paperworks Gift Gallery – Shoppers Drugmart Fighting Fit – PR Peak – Fits to a T – Volunteer Powell River – The Chopping Block – Jumpin Jodphurs – Shingle Mill Pub & Bistro – Chris Tookey – Laughing Oyster Restaurant – Westview Vet Hospital – Better Bodies Gym – Moose’n’Eddies Pub & Grill – River City Coffee – Canada Safeway Ltd – Top of the Hill Grocery & Gas Bar – TrendzEssence Fashions – Joyce Carlson – Suzannes

VERY SPECIAL THANKS to all who took the time to come in such fabulous and creative costumes!!

Well done!

Last but not least, heartfelt thanks to our host of volunteers and to our staff and board of directors.

Apologies to anyone we have inadvertently left out…

See you all November 2011 for Retro Boogie – Big Hair & Spandex!