PAWSITIVELY HEARTWARMING: In 1996, Bill and Linda Thornton founded British Columbia Guide Dog Services and then launched Alberta Guide Dog Services as a separate division in 2002. The two organizations would eventually become the BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, breeding, raising and professionally training guide dogs for individuals who are blind/visually-impaired. The couple would also extend their services to provide support dogs to children with autism. An extensive and costly program – roughly $35,000 per puppy – to get the animals ready for service, the outfit relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and businesses to fulfill the wishes of individuals and families seeking a guide dog. The registered charity recently hosted its 12th annual Ties and Tails fundraising dinner at the dog-friendly Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The event brought together approximately 300 new and existing BC & Alberta Guide Dogs supporters to help raise much-needed funds to provide more dogs to kids in need. Always a fun-filled evening, the Saturday night shindig featured a sumptuous dinner, silent and live auctions, and opportunities to meet some of the adorable puppies in training. The scene-stealers helped inspired audience members to open hearts and empty wallets of a reported $50,000.
IMMIGRANT SUCCESS: Syrian-born LGBTQ activist and emerging author Ahmad Danny Ramadan was among 25 people cited in RBC’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2017. A national program celebrating the achievements of inspiring Canadian immigrants, Ramadan was among eight Western Canadians feted at a Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»reception at RBC headquarters. Yours truly served as master of ceremonies of the ninth installment that saw Ramadan feted along with artists, doctors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. Joining Ramadan was celebrated ballerina Chan Hon Goh, Manitoba interim NDP leader Florfina Marcelino, public health clinical scientist Dr. Muhammad Morshed, Calgary coaching executive Miroslav Reljic, certified life coach Dahlia Elshafie-Mostafa, businessman Raghwa Gopal and Coquitlam community builder Trish Mandewo. In addition to picking up their awards, each recipient was given $500 from the national bank to go towards their charity of choice. This year’s recipients are a true testament to the important contributions immigrants make to this great nation of ours, says Margaret Jetelina, editor of Canadian Immigrant Magazine. All 25 winners are profiled in the publication’s current issue.Â
FIELD OF DREAMS: The Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»Canadians Baseball Foundation League believes every child has the right to play ball, which is why for the 7th year in a row it will give children in need the opportunity to play on the same field as the city’s baseball heroes. Once again, 300 kids from the Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC, ages 6 to 11, ran on to Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium for the chance to play, many for the first time, gain self-confidence, develop sporting and life skills and create lifelong memories. The children under the mentorship of local sports personalities and community figures also receive free equipment, meals, and transportation to and from the stadium for the six weeks of league play. From helping a young child onto a baseball diamond perhaps for the first time, right through to helping a bright-minded student find a way to continue their post-secondary education, the foundation is committed to our community and to helping redefine a child's perspective on the game of baseball, says Canadians president and owner Andy Dunn.
TASTE OF INDIA AND BEYOND: The Indian Summer Festival is another sure sign summer has arrived. Celebrating its 7th year, founders Sirish Rao and Laura Byspalko welcomed a stylish set to the Roundhouse Community Centre for the opening gala. Hosted by Vikram Vij, the celebrity chef invited his contemporaries to respond to the festival’s theme of “Tales of War and Peace” for the yearly food and drink extravaganza that launched the ten-day celebration of ideas, diversity and creativity. Glamorous guests enjoyed creations by Café Medina, Blue Water Café, Fairmont Waterfront, Bella Gelateria, Bauhaus, Jamjar, and Cacao. They would save their biggest reviews – and praise – for the gala’s special guests, Tayybeh, a collective of Syrian home cooks making a name for themselves in Vancouver, hosting pop-up dinners for foodies appreciative of their Syrian-style specialties from their hometowns. The six women brought their delicious dishes to the party for all to enjoy.
MEET AND GREET: Chris Meyer entered the hospitality industry by chance. Although he had different career aspirations, he quickly discovered his passion for working with people and never looked back. Starting out as a dishwasher at The Keg, he worked his way up to senior positions with Gotham Steakhouse, Hy's Steakhouse and Ki Modern Japanese & Bar. Now Meyer assumes the role of general manager for one of the city’s venerable restaurants, Joe Fortes, replacing Scott Garett who recently landed at Coast Restaurant after a dozen years at the seafood and chophouse. Meyer, along with executive chef Wayne Sych, welcomed invited guests – foodies, influencers and media – to the company’s iconic rooftop party – a summer tradition – to enjoy the downtown views as well as the classic seafood fare, new cocktails and summer-inspired items on the eatery’s latest menu.
Hear Fred Mondays 8:20 a.m. on CBC Radio’s The Early Edition AM690 and 88.1FM; email: [email protected]; Twitter: @FredAboutTown
