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FAMILY MATTERS Mary McPhedran was the first executive director of Family Services of Greater Vancouver, a social service agency founded by G.F. Strong and peers to support struggling families.
Beginning with a $25 donation, the agency opened its doors in the historic Dominion Building with a single caseworker.
From its humble beginnings, the organization today helps some 10,000 individuals and families annually. Under the radar of many, the firm has been quietly creating brighter tomorrows for generations of families.
The year 2018 marks the agency’s 90th anniversary. To make some noise, celebrate and further raise its profile, the firm hosted its inaugural Speakeasy Soirée. A nod to its beginnings, the Terminal City Club was transformed into a 1920s speakeasy where 300 well-attired flappers and dapper dudes — business and philanthropic leaders — convened for the cocktail-style party.
Hosted by executive director Karin Kirkpatrick and emceed by Pamela Martin, guests imbibed on period drinks and food while supporting fundraising efforts that included a silent and live auction, a raffle and other funding games.
The result would be a $140,000 night for the event 90 years in the making. Proceeds from the merrymaker will support the 90-plus programs delivered by the agency to create more resilient communities, and address the needs of newcomers to Canada, at-risk youth, isolated seniors, victims of domestic violence and families in need.
“We’re incredibly excited to celebrate this important milestone with the community we’ve helped build for 90 years,” says Kirkpatrick. “FSGV has proudly served generations of families in Vancouver, and we hope to continue being the community’s trusted safety net for many years to come.”
PARENTAL GUIDANCE We can all appreciate there is no definitive guide to parenting, and most parents will agree that it is a lot of work and a lot of responsibility. Juggling work, finances, child care, housing and other issues only adds to the stress of parenthood. For single parents without a network of support, it can be even more challenging.
For 45 years, West Side Family Place has been a sanctuary for mothers, fathers and caregivers from all backgrounds to gather and play and support one another as they navigate caring for their young kids. Helping parents be the best they can be, WSFP has been a welcome hub for parents to connect with one another and to community and access programs to support the care and development of their child.
Yours truly emceed the firm’s Ghostly Gala, a yearly Halloween boo-ha-ha in support of the non-profit’s ongoing programs and services.
Fronted by executive director Diane Elliott-Buckley and board chair Christina Martin, the pair welcomed more than 100 costumed revellers, including WSFP alumni, friends and supporters, who filed into Kitsilano Neighbourhood House for the wicked community fundraiser.
Sponsored by Vancity and Loblaws, the Halloween event saw more treats than tricks, with attendees emptying their pockets of $20,000 and change in the auction and paddle raise.
The tally would double when Realtor, philanthropist and longtime Westside resident David Richardson — honoured earlier in the evening with the Community Builder Award — agreed to match every dollar raised, bringing the total funds raised to more than $40,000.
TAKING FLIGHT The aviation industry is not immune to the job shortages plaguing many sectors. With more and more Canadians flying, the need to fly the planes and to maintain them is great. The country is facing a critical shortage of pilots and workers overall, from mechanics and flight instructors to welders and painters, says
Dave Frank, executive director of the B.C. Aviation Council. There is an international shortage, he adds, with women and Indigenous people under represented at all levels.
To raise awareness of the career opportunities and the well-paying jobs available, and to encourage the next generation to enter the aviation industry, the BCAC hosted its yearly Silver Wings Aviation Industry Gala.
More than 250 industry leaders and friends landed at the Vancouver Convention Centre to celebrate its own, fundraise, and distribute more than $50,000 in scholarships to young individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the aviation industry.
Notables in attendance included Craig Richmond, CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority; Daniel Sitnam,
CEO, Helijet; Eric Scott, Harbour Air, VP, flight operations and safety; Pharm Sidhu, general manager, Abbotsford Airport; Heather Bell, chair B.C. Aviation Council; and
Teara Fraser, founder of Iskwew Air, Canada’s first Indigenous airline owned by a woman. Based at the South Terminal of Vancouver International Airport, flights on her eight-seat Piper Navajo twin engine plane will fly to remote Indigenous communities starting next March, said Fraser, a Métis woman with 15 years experience as a pilot.