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December 2, 2011
FUTURE IS MINE CELEBRATES 2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY!!
The Holiday Season started with a fabulous gethering of over 80 members from the adult burn community, their families and friends for dinner, entertainment, sharing and receiving gifts from LUSH and Ann Coombs.
Jinnet Buksh and her family organized a delicious buffet, with contributions from SAFEWAY, Cupcakes on Denman and donations from other survivors and friends including Tom Bernard, Skip Mawani and the Brunoro Family.
Face painting by artist Melanie Dawn and entertainment by The Checkerboard Guy along with special visitors - Santa and Harry the Hydrant made this a memorable evening.
Thanks to the BCPFF Burn Fund for their support and a tremendous 2011!
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November 15, 2011
PASTRY EXPERT TELLS ALL!
The sold out holiday baking event was a fantastic success! The pastry experts under the direction of Elizabeth Jang at Vancouver Community College taught the lucky participants the keys to success for tasty gingerbread, vanilla crescents and bird's nest cookies.
Everyone took home their freshly made treats as well as a copy of the recently released "Cookies" generously donated by Wiley Publishers.
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November 12, 2011
BRIGHT NIGHTS SET-UP!
Over 20 volunteers came out (many for the 4th year in a row), to help with the installation of Bright Nights in Stanley Park.
The weather stayed with us, as lights, parcels and houses all got put into place under the direction of Grant Smith and his team of volunteers.
Lunch was enjoyed by everyone who then shared the reasons the BCPFF Burn Fund is important to them. Our thanks to all the volunteers and hope to see you next year!
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October 15, 2011
CAN IT GET BETTER THAN THIS!
Over 100 people from the Adult Burn Community, BCPFF Burn Fund and Township of Langley Fire Fighters Local 4550 attended the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch Event sponsored by ENVISION FINANCIAL.
Perfect weather, and the day included hayrides, petting zoo, pumpkins for everyone and a hot dog lunch. Now we will wait to see who won the $250.00 RESP awards for the Sparky Colouring Contest!!
Photos tell it all! Be sure to join us next year!
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August 14, 2011
SHARE Representatives come together!
Over 15 SHARE Representatives from as far as Victoria and Kamloops joined professional speaking coach Bill Pozzobon to manage the fear of public speaking and strengthen their story in front of an audience.
Tremendous tips and guidance were provided and will be doing this again in March, 2012 so sign up early as this was a sold out event.
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August 10, 2011
Discovery at the Museum of Anthropology
The Fall Season began with a private tour for over 25 members from the adult burn community at this sold out event!
Everyone was treated to the history of ceramics and their uses along with food and drink of the times.
Our terrifc tour guides provided interesting trivia and insights to the use of ceramics and culinary connections.
When the tour was completed, everyone went on to enjoy the wonderful Museum which has been newly renovated and all it offerings.
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August 28, 2011
Perfect Day for over 60 Baseball Fans!
Our 3rd Annual Baseball Event with the Vancouver Canadians at Nat Bailey was a fantastic success! Jesse Dill, SHARE Representative and FIM Ambassador threw the First Pitch to a sold out stadium and Jesse had his own cheering section with members from the Future Is Mine.
Jeff Mooney and Suzanne Bolton warmly greeted all the guests as they were presented with a gift in appreciation of their continued sponsorship. You should have heard the voices singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game"...we have some real talent in this community. See you at The Nat next year!
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August 1, 2011
2nd Annual Gambier Island Weekend!
Once again Rick and Pat Chang hosted this perfect weekend to the delight of those who attended. Weather was the best of the summer and as always our hosts are so generous to open their home on this idilic Island.
Get ready to book for next year as we are going July 1, 2012!
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June 25, 2011
Vancouver Island Wine Tour!
A lucky group of Vancouver Island residents from The Future Is Mine community were treated to a special tour of the wineries in the Cowichan Valley.
Vancouver Island Wine Tours owner, Leslie Goodall provided a private van so everyone could safely enjoy the tastings and Jesse Dill, FIM Ambassador kept the group happily on track throughout the day.
A super success and great time for everyone! Watch for upcoming events on Vancouver Island this Fall.
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May 18, 2011
Movie Night
The Georgia Straight again supported the adult burn community along with their guest by providing movie passes and free popcorn for this lucky group who quickly snapped up the passes and headed out to see "Something Borrowed" with Kate Hudson at the Cineplex Theatre Downtown.
Good time had by all and our thanks always to the Georgia Straight for their generosity!
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May 12, 2011
Bursary Winners 2011
We are proud to announce the winners of our 2011 Busaries!
The Oswald Howell Memorial Bursary $1000 to Lester Wong (pictured);
Dr. Charles Snelling Bursary $500 to Tessa Beauchamp (pictured);
Captain Alex Blake Bursary $500 to Ryan Sa
Congratulations to this year's winners!!
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May 12, 2011
Peer Support Group Session
Another amazing turnout by the adult burn community from as far away as Kamloops! Speakers: Whitney Burnand and Eric Phillips shared their very moving stories in addition to providing everyone with laughter and inspriration.
Jennifer Kadgien and Lisa Alguire from VGH PT/OT Departments shared their latest findings on excercise after a burn. Everyone gave congratulations to the recent Bursary winners: Lester Wong and Tessa Beauchamp!
Looking forward to our Fall Schedule for the next sessions: October 18th
Happy Summer Everyone!!
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April 20, 2011
Firehall Theatre presents "Mambo Italiano"!
A FANTASTIC theatre production was enjoyed by members of the burn community who saw "Mambo Italiano".
Rumoured to be heading for Broadway, the members got to meet the cast as well as tour this heritage building which is a former fire hall. The staff were terrific hosts to The Future Is Mine so thank you FIREHALL THEATRE for a great evening!!!
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March 16, 2011
Peer Support Group
On March 16th, the first Peer Support Group of 2011 was held at the Patient Lounge
at VGH Burn Unit. Over 30 people from as far as Quesnel came to hear guest speakers burn survivor
Brady Tupper and Pamela Haddock from UBC Hospital who spoke on the value of peer support
groups and emotional responses that can surface.
Survivors and their families/ friends went on to share laughter, stories and support while enjoying refreshments as generously provided by the VGH Burn Unit team. No one would leave as new friends and so many new resources were found.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next Peer Support Group on May 12!
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March 12, 2011
Burn Survivors Return to the Kitchen to Cook with Top Vancouver Chef!
On March 12, 2011 a sold out event of 24 participants experienced a first-time opportunity to return to a professional kitchen following their burn to learn from chef David Robertson and his cooking team at this renowned school for a private class.
Our hosts treated us to a Meet and Greet over coffee before heading into the cooking stations. Ann Coombs welcomed everyone and made the introductions to The Dirty Apron cooking team of three amazing cooks!
The menu that was cooked by all the attendees consisted of Arugula Goat Cheese Ravioli and Lemon Panna Cotta for a delicious dessert. Everyone got to enjoy their creations, and left with a generous gift box as provided by both The Dirty Apron and Raincoast Books.
More cooking news being planned in the future!
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January 15, 2011
Bright Nights Tear Down
Volunteers from The Future Is Mine and VGH Burn Unit turned up with smiles and enthusiasm despite the rain, and gave of their time and support to the BCPFF Burn Fund in closing down another year at Bright Nights.
Out thanks to everyone who came! We would especially like to thank: Rick & Pat Chang, Julie McArthur, Tim Bavis and Al Finnbogasen for their continued contribuiton to this event! See you all next year and have a Happy New Year!
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December 3, 2010
1st Annual Holiday Party at VGH Burn Unit
VGH Burn Unit hosted the 1st Annual Holiday Party for The Future Is Mine adult burn community and their freinds and families. Imagine the delight when our surprise guest arrived! Santa Claus and his helper Ann Coombs distributed specially wrapped gifts to all in attendance.
Survivors from Vancouver Island also joined in the fun as the communities continue to connect in spite of the distance. Our appreciation to Jesse Dill the Ambassador for Vancouver Island for this growing relationship.
Deepest thanks goes to Lois Budd and the VGH team who decorated, cooked and hosted the event that connected everyone at this special time of year when the gifts of health, friends, and family are so important.
Happy Holidays everyone and Merry Christmas to all. Photos
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November 16, 2010
Christmas Ceramics at Bella Ceramica
The Future is Mine community had a fabulous evening at Bella Ceramica in West Vancouver with a sold out event of fun, creativity and colour! Christmas gifts were painted that included plates, dragons, mugs, and bowls showing off the talents of all participants.
Members from VGH Burn Unit joined in and connected with long time friends. Everyone enjoyed the music, food and holiday treats making this a must for next year!
Pictures say a thousand words, and you can easily imagine the fun when you see the photos taken by Rick Chang, Treenee Lopez and Ann Coombs.
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November 13, 2010
Bright Nights 3rd Annual Volunteer Day
Members of the adult burn community along with friends and family once again turned out in strong support of the BCPFF Burn Fund to help set-up Bright Nights in Stanley Park.
The good news was the rains stayed away and once again Al Finnbogason went up in the crane with Alex Warner to see the Spaghetti Tree installed with Tom Bernard, Shane Stevens and team supporting on the ground.
Lots of lights put on the houses with the help of Rick and Pat Chang and team and our thanks to Julie McArthur who took on her first job as Volunteer Coordinator. Great fun had by all...thank you!
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November 9, 2010
Peer Support Group
The VGH Burn Unit hosted another great evening of sharing between the members of the adult burn community that was a terrific success!
Two keynote speakers: Shane Stevens and Alex Warner started the evening off with their special stories, and answered questions. Additional sharing took place, and tour of the burn unit was provided to several interested memebers.
Our thanks to the VGH Staff who again provided great refreshments and tasty treats, as well as their enthusiasm and knowledge.
We are looking forward to the 1st Annual Holiday Party on December 3rd hosted again by the VGH Burn Unit and team.
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October 16, 2010
1st Annual Pumpkin Patch Event was a Winner!
A picture perfect Fall day was given to the members of the Adult Burn Community and their families for the 1st Annual Pumpkin Patch at Aldor Acres. Hayrides out to pick up their pumpkins, hot dog lunch, the petting zoo with lots of hugs from Sparky along with the enthusiasm provided by the Township of Langley Fire Department.
Financial awards were given for pumpkin carving in both the adult and children category, along with Cineplex movie passes for the quiz that was created for the day. Big winners of the day for Adult Pumpkin Carving: Murray Griessel and Ian Hutcheson, and the quiz prize went to Jaydon, son of adult burn surivivor, Arlene Panganiban. Children's carving award went to Mason & Jusdia Greissel.
All these amazing prizes and day were sponsored by ENVISION FINANCIAL. The Township of Langley Fire Department also collected donations for the BCPFF Burn Fund during the day. Look for details for next year's event and join in!
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October 13, 2010
Sharing Peer Support at VGH
The Adult Burn Community came together to share at VGH Burn Unit with longtime and new burn survivors packing the Patient Lounge. Stories were shared that brought inspiration and laughter to everyone. The team at VGH provided endless treats and support as the standing room only group enjoyed key presentations from Tom Bernard and Treenee Lopez. Sharad Mohan and Brady Tupper also spoke, and gave hope to the new survivors in attendance. A Christmas Party is also planned as the sessions expand into Spring 2011 given the growing interest from the burn community. Our thanks to Lois Budd and her team for the terrific support! Next session: November 9, 2010 at 7:00pm at VGH.
Photo: Tom Bernard key speaker
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September 19, 2010
Health and Fitness on the Go
We felt energized and revitalized after this session with the excellent trainers at Fitness on the Go!
Thanks to all our Sponsors & Volunteers for making this such a terrific event!
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August 11, 2010
Lavender Tea and Tour
Guests were greeted by Heather Fair who conducted a garden tour of the Spa-Quality Organic Tuscan Lavender Farm, in Langley. Tea and a sweets followed and included a wee lavender gift. What a beautiful day for a garden tour!
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August 1, 2010
Long Weekend Camping on Gambier Island
Gambier Island played host to members of the Adult Burn Survivor group for a weekend of camping.
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July 10, 2010
Take Me Out to the Ball Game!
Baseball at Nat Bailey Stadium - we sure had a great time!
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May 15, 2010
Gardeners and Walkers Treat
Spring has sprung! Our walk through Van Dusen Gardens was beautiful!
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May 13, 2010
Burn Survivor Shares Experience at VGH Burn Unit
Philip O'Driscoll recently returned to Canada and to the VGH Burn Unit to courageously share his story of survival.
A capacity group of caregivers, doctors and adult burn survivors were deeply moved as the most intimate details of how his life had been changed by his major burn, and the long dark road he has walked, and continues to walk to recovery.
The impact on members of the burn community was exceptionally powerful.
A reception followed Philip's presentation and more exchanges took place.
See Philip's story
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March 12, 2010
Night on the Town
Everyone met the stars of 'America' and had a fabulous time!
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January 23, 2010
Walking the Labyrinth
An extraordinary morning with members of the adult burn community who walked the Labyrinth with Ann Coombs at the only indoor Labyrinth in Western Canada.
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