The Star Online - Spring 2012
Events & News | Information & Resources | Stories | Opinion
Events & News
Holiday Options
Speculate Before You Donate
Leisure Fair 2012
Operation Cereal Box
Jobs West Success Story: Korrine Quast
Hello Travellers! It is that time of the year again. Are you ready for a vacation? Holidays Options is and we want to advise you on a few changes this year.
- We will not send travelers a questionnaire to determine trips. You will only receive a registration package that will outline all trips available for this summer.
- Day trips will be offered in June and extended trips, ranging from three to seven nights, will be available in July and August. Trips will be filled on a first come first serve basis for all travelers.
If this is your first time joining us on our excursions, there are a few things to note:
- You must be 18 years or older to join.
- Day trips take place within Vancouver and Lower Mainland.
- Variety of extended trips including Victoria and Harrison Springs as well as farther adventures to Alaska and Hawaii.
- You must be a DDA member to participate (annual $15 membership fee).
Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have any questions at holidayoptions@develop.bc.ca.
Speculate Before You Donate
By Deanna Barlow
In late January, CBC News ran a story on how for-profit clothing bin providers are disguising themselves as local charities to generate donations. It was revealed that these for-profit clothing bin providers pay a small percentage of their profits to local charities in exchange for using their name on bins to camouflage their intentions. These charities are not involved with the business operations. In addition to this guise, for-profit clothing bin providers often ship their donations overseas, instead of redirecting back to the local community, as it generates a higher return.
The story was based in Ontario, however the same situation is regrettably happening here in BC. DDA has been affected by this, and struggled with this issue for many years, specifically with for-profit bin provider, Trans Continental Textile Recycling.
The bins to DDA are life lines as they fund our programs and services provided at DDA. Without these donations, we would not be able to adequately support 1,500 individuals and families each year. We are proud that all our bins are owned and operated by DDA (managed by a volunteer Advisory Board). For those who wonder what happens to our donations, they are re-directed back to the local community with the assistance of our business partner, Value Village, a relationship which we strongly value.
DDA is appreciative and thanks all our donors for their continued support. We look forward to keeping our donors informed of our situation. As part of our marketing initiatives, we will be placing a red seal on all our bins, envelopes, and bags, to reassure donors that 100% of their donations benefit a registered local charity. Stay tuned.
DATE: April 3, 2012
TIME: 6:00 to 8:30pm
LOCATION: Trout Lake Community Centre
CONTACT: Tina at 604.301.2831 or tpardiwala@develop.bc.ca
Annual event co-sponsored by the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children, Vancouver Parks and Recreation and the Developmental Disabilities Association.
Operation Cereal Box
By Tanya Cheung
Starworks was excited to partner with BC Hydro on their Operation Cereal Box project during the holiday season. Through this initiative, thousands of Safeway's healthy Open Nature granola cereal boxes were donated to several food banks. What made these cereal boxes special was that they included a sticker that informed consumers on how to get a free BC Hydro Energy Savings Kit (contains energy-efficient lighting, a low-flow showerhead, weather-stripping, and an energy-saving nightlight). These environmentally friendly kits can save customers up to $100 on their power bill each year. Before these 4,000 boxes of cereal were delivered to food banks, Starworks was responsible for adhering the stickers to every single cereal box. Starworks has been working with BC Hydro for over 30 years providing assembly of hot-line insulator tie wires and were thrilled to be part of this initiative to support low-income consumers.
Jobs West Success Story: Korrine Quast
By Delia Meinhardt
In June 2011, after a successful work experience and support from Jobs West, Korrine Quast was hired at Mt. Pleasant Community Center as a Parent-Tot Gym Worker. Korrine's prime responsibilities are to set up and take down the adventure playground equipment and wipe mats after being used by the tots. Angela Thomson, Recreational Programmer, finds Korrine to be a very good employee and tells us "We are very happy with Korrine. She is an excellent fit to our team! Korrine is great to work with and contributes positively to the team." Korrine has been noted for her excellent attendance, punctuality, flexibility, and work quality. The staff at Jobs West congratulates Korrine and Mt. Pleasant Community Centre for being an inclusive employer.
