OBITUARY
SARDAR BIR SINGH JHOOTI
Sardar Bir Singh Jhooti, 102, passed away on March 31, 2015. He was born on January 20, 1913. He was a resident of Surrey, having immigrated to Canada in the 1970s. He was previously a resident of Vancouver. Bir Singh was born and raised in Mehna village in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. He returned to his hometown for a visit this past winter, and was expected to return to Canada in early April. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in his childhood home.
Bir Singh is preceded in death by his wife Pritam Kaur Jhooti. He is survived by his five children: Simro Kaur, Baldeesh Kaur, Satnam Singh, Manjit Kaur and Iqbal Singh. He will be remembered as a fun-loving, generous, and cheerful man. Bir Singh spent many years of his life as the sarpanch of his village, and as a banker.
There will be a ceremony at Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Temple (located at Scott Road) at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 11. All his loved ones, friends and family are invited to attend. Anyone wanting to speak to a family member, may call 604-599-6489.
Iqbal Singh Jhooti (604-599-6489).
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B.C. EVENTS
(These are FREE listings. Email: EditorVoice@gmail.com)
MP Jinn Sims: Advocacy into Action
The issues of mental health and suicide prevention are incredibly important in our society. Advocacy into Action will be held on Saturday, April 11, 1-4:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Bear Creek Church, 8383 140th Street, Surrey. The agenda afternoon includes time to visit booths set up by community groups; a panel on suicide prevention and mental health with time for audience questions; and small group strategy discussions around important questions. We will be collecting signatures on petitions that will be presented in the House of Commons and using the small group discussions to create strategies to pressure all levels of government to improve mental health care and suicide prevention programs. We are asking stakeholders, community groups and concerned individuals to join us in order to share your experiences and knowledge. If you have any questions, call Laurie at 604-598-2202 or Harj at 604-590-5868.
Pakistan-Canada Association
Interested in becoming a director or trustee of Pakistan-Canada Association. The deadline for nominations is Sunday, April 12 at 6 p.m. Election Chairperson Mumtaz Rana (604-218-0213) will be available at Vancouver Jamia Masjid between 4 and 6 p.m. on April 12 to accept nomination forms. Please contact him at the number listed to obtain a nomination form.
Free Eye Health Clinic
Canadian Eyesight Global has partnered with the Canadian National Institute of Blind (CNIB) and is organizing a free eye health clinic on Sunday, April 12, 1-4 p.m., at Richmond’s Nanak Niwas Sikh Temple, 8600 No.5 Road. A dedicated team of eminent eye surgeons including Dr. David R.S. Neima, Vice President, Canadian Eyesight Global, will participate in the free eye health clinic. Patients with serious eye problems will be referred to the specialists for further investigation and treatment. Free eye drops will be given to needy patients. www.CanadianEyesight.org. Phone: 604-582-0579 for more information.
MOSAIC: Free Community Workshops
Canadian Citizenship Preparation: April 13 & 14, 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Bob Prittie Metrotown Burnaby Public Library, 6100 Willingdon Avenue. Phone: 604-438-8214, ext 114. * Ways for Newcomers to Improve Job Search Skills: April 14: Creating a powerful résumé. April 21: Tips for writing various types of cover letters. April 29: Developing effective interview skills and improving your confidence level – 2–4 p.m. at MOSAIC Language Centre, 304–2730 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. Phone: 604-254-9626, ext. 227.
Know Your Legal Rights
As part of 2015 Law Week, Surrey Libraries is providing free information sessions to keep you informed of your legal rights. Get answers to any questions you may have. Registration required. In partnership with People’s Law School, the Canadian Bar Association, the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC), and the Residential Tenancy Office. *Wills and Estates: Have children? Getting married? Divorced? Learn about the functions of a will, who can make one, and how to revoke it. Monday, April 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cloverdale Library; 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Ocean Park Library * Power of Attorney & Being an Executor: Learn about what it means to be an Executor or Power of Attorney, and how to get one for yourself. An executor is the person named in a will to carry out directions contained in the will. A Power of Attorney is someone you entrust to take care of your financial and legal matters in case of illness, death, or if you’re out of the country and want someone else to be able to pay your bills. Learn about the limitations, and the many useful ways having an executor and Power of Attorney can help. Tuesday, April 14, 6:45 – 8:15 p.m. at Fleetwood Library; 6-8 p.m. at Semiahmoo Library. * Law for Tenants: Learn about your rights as a tenant and the legalities around rent increases, deposits, illegal entry, repairs, pets, evictions and more. Wednesday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Guildford Library. * Tenant Law for Landlords: As a landlord, know the legalities around rent increases, deposits, illegal entry, repairs, pets, evictions and more. Thursday, April 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Centre Library. www.surreylibraries.ca
MOSAIC’s 4th Annual Vancouver Job & Career Fair
On Tuesday, April 14, MOSAIC will once again host this free event at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive, Vancouver. Doors open at 10 a.m. Over 50 employers are registered and looking for candidates to fill positions in many sectors including engineering, business, IT, healthcare, hospitality and more. Come prepared to meet recruiters from companies big and small as well as corporations like Avigilon, UPS, Foritnet, ICBC, Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards, City of Vancouver and much more.
Vancouver Sun Run
The 2015 Vancouver Sun Run presented by BlueShore Financial takes place Sunday, April 19 at 9 a.m. in downtown Vancouver. The 2.5K Shaw Mini Sun Run starts at 8 a.m. Individual registrations are being accepted until the final registration deadline of Saturday, April 18. Online registration deadline is midnight, Tuesday, April 14. Register for the Individual 10K and The Shaw Mini Sun Run in person only April 16, 17 and 18 at The Sun Run Fair at BC Place Stadium. This is also the location for this year’s race package pick-up and Sunday’s Wrap Party. Race package pick-up at The Sun Run Fair is for Individual 10K or Shaw Mini Sun Run registrants only. The times of The Sun Run Fair are: * Thursday, April 16 – 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. * Friday, April 17 – 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. * Saturday, April 18 – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. There is no race day registration. Registration Fees: Individual 10K – $54.00 (plus GST) up to midnight, Tuesday, April 14. $60 (inclusive of taxes and fee) at The Sun Run Fair. 2.5K Shaw Mini Sun Run – $28 (Under 18 years), $38 (18 years and older). Adults or escorts must accompany the children in The Shaw Mini Sun Run – all adult escorts or parents must register. There is no fee for adult escorts or parents unless a t-shirt is requested. All entry fees include a souvenir t-shirt. For more information, visit www.vancouversunrun.com or call 604-689-9441
Delhi-ites of B.C. Meet
Delhi-ites of B.C. are getting together again on Sunday, April 19 at Vancouver’s Fraserview Hall to celebrate Vaisakhi. Tombola, karaoke, musical chairs and many door prizes are the major attraction and like last time, the cost is $25 for adults & $15 for children and can be purchased in advance from Kamal’s Video Palace (604-592-9777) or from Delhi-ite volunteers.
Seva Canada
An Evening of Sight – exclusive pre-release screening of Highway to Dhampus in support of Seva Canada. Local innovative social justice film society, Reel Causes, is teaming up with international eye health organization Seva Canada to present An Evening of Sight on Wednesday, April 22 at SFU Woodward’s Djavad Mowafaghian Theatre, 149 West Hastings Street. Attendees will connect in person with the filmmaker as well as representatives from Seva Canada, and come away with practical ideas how they, personally, can make a positive difference. Director Rick McFarland, Executive Producer Kathy McFarland and the Executive Director of Seva Canada, Penny Lyons, will join in the conversation. Doors open 6:30 p.m.; event starts 7:15 p.m. Tickets: $10 / $15 in advance through www.reelcauses.org or at the door.
Update on Surrey’s Crime Reduction Activities
On Friday, April 24, the Surrey Board of Trade will host Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy, Officer-in-Charge of the Surrey RCMP, in his annual luncheon address. He will provide an update on crime in Surrey, his plans for Surrey under his leadership of the Surrey RCMP and the relationship between the RCMP and Surrey’s business community. The event will also feature an update on the results of Surrey’s Crime Reduction Strategy by the City of Surrey. In addition, MLA Darryl Plecas, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General for Crime Reduction will provide an overview of the recommendations of the BC Government’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Crime Reduction. Location: Eaglequest Golf Course (7778-152 Street, Surrey). Lunch and Registration at 11:30 a.m. Program 12-1:30 p.m. Admission: $45 + GST each (member) or $55+ GST each (non-member). For further information, contact Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade, at anita@businessinsurrey.com or at 604-634-0342.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Career Start Program
Free three-week workshop in English from April 25 to May 9: Career Start Program (Mentorship Program) on Saturdays (April 25, May 2 and May 9), (;30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 28 West Pender Street, Vancouver. Who should participate: Been in Canada for less than 5 years; intermediate to advanced English level; interested in building interview and resume writing skills to explore IT and business careers. Presented by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. in partnership with Accenture. Questions or RSVP: email your resume to careerstart@success.bc.ca, or contact Dingying Tang at 604-558-4909, ext. 127.
Pakistan-Canada Association AGM
2015 AGM will be held on Sunday, April 26 at Vancouver Jamia Masjid (655 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver) starting at 11 a.m. Minutes from previous AGM along with financial statements for fiscal year 2014-2015 will be presented. For more information, contact Haroon Khan at 604-720-8054.
Earth Day Pilgrimage
Burns Bog Conservation Society on April 26, to celebrate Earth Day, has planned “Pilgrimage Walk” in Burns Bog, Delta Nature Reserve, 10388 Nordel Court. Pilgrimage will begin at 1:35 p.m. It will be a cross-cultural family event. For further information, call 604-572-0373 or Acharya Dwivedi at 604-507-3099. For info on Burns Bog, visit: www.burnsbog.org.
Disposal in Surrey: Spring-Summer
No Dumping: For large items disposal, FREE pickup. Call City of Surrey at 604-590-7289 (then, option 3). Mattresses should be in a plastic bag, or shrink / saran wrapped. Collection carts: To request a larger or extra FREE recycling bins, call City of Surrey at 604-590-7289.
Need Help for Tax Return?
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) would like to remind Canadians with low or modest incomes that volunteers are available in the community to assist with the preparation of tax returns. Each year, through its Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, the CRA links with community organizations to train volunteers to complete basic tax returns. The community organizations hold tax-preparation clinics where the volunteers donate their time to help people with simple-tax filing situations complete their income tax and benefit returns, free of charge. To determine if you are eligible for this service call CRA toll-free at 1-800-959-8281, or visit www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer for a complete listing of volunteer tax preparation clinic locations.
MOSAIC: Free Multilingual Tax Clinics
For low income individuals and families filing basic 2014 tax returns. Service languages include: English, Cantonese, Farsi, Hindi, Hungarian, Japanese, Malay, Mandarin and Spanish. By appointment only. Visit www.mosaicbc.com/settlement-services for more information. Burnaby (Permanent Residents only): 778-3215406. Vancouver (Permanent Residents, Naturalized Citizens and Work Permit Holders): 604-254-9626.
PICS Society: Volunteer Income Tax Clinic
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society in partnership with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Clinic Program of CRA is offering free income tax filing services until the end of April. This program helps individuals who have low incomes to electronically file their income tax returns. To be eligible to avail this free service, your income must be as follows: * Single Person: $30,000 or less * Single parent with child: $35,000 or less * Each additional child: $ 2,500 * Couples: $40,000 or less * Investment income under: $ 1,000 * You have a simple tax return (no self-employment, no bankruptcy, no forms for deceased, no capital gains/losses and no rental income). * You must attend in person. Income Tax Clinics are located at the following locations: * PICS Head Office, #205—12725—80 Avenue, Surrey. * PICS White Rock Office 9by appointment only), #206—1461 Johnston Road, White Rock * PICS Vancouver Office (by appointment only), #200—8153 Main Street, Vancouver. For more details, contact: Deshpal Grewal (deshpal.grewal@pics.bc.ca) or Manjinder Thandi (manjinder.thandi@pics.bc.ca) Phone: 604-596-7722.
South Asian Seniors: Filing Income Tax Returns Free
Vedic Seniors Parivar Centre of Vedic Hindu Cultural Society Surrey informs South Asian seniors that during the tax filing period we can help you to file your income tax returns for the year 2014 free of cost, through the community volunteer Program of Canada Revenue Agency from now to April 20 if you are living in Surrey / Delta. The eligibility criteria are as follows: 1. Single individual with annual income limit up to $30,000. 2. Couples with annual income up to $40,000. 3. Adult with one child annual income up to $35,000, add the income limit by $2,500 for each dependent child. Interest income not over $ 1,000 and this income will be included as total eligibility. With no investment income, no rental income and no partnership income, sin# card and photo identity will be required as proof. If you are eligible, contact Surendra Handa, Coordinator, at 604-507-9945 for further information.
Talk on Reducing Violence in Pakistan
“Reducing Sectarian-Religious Violence in Pakistan: Role of the Diaspora” at Room 120, Surrey City Centre Library, 10350 University Drive, Surrey, on Saturday, May 2. Doors open at 1 p.m. to meet / greet. Talk begins at 2 p.m. Aden Dur-e-Aden, Emilia Valsta, and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. Co-sponsored by South Asian Network for Secularism and Democracy, and the Committee of Progressive Pakistani Canadians.
Indo-Africa Charitable Society
Indo-Africa Charitable Society (IACS) will be holding its 4th Annual Mother’s Day Fundraising Gala Event on Friday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Riverside Signature Banquet Hall, 13030 – 76 Avenue, Surrey. Tickets – Adults: $30 per person; Table of 10: $275. Funds raised at the gala will assist the organization to continue in their efforts to relieve poverty in developing nations by means of promoting, providing and supporting public health, safe drinking water and advancement of education. For more information, contact Vasant Lakhani at (604) 987-1925.
Historic C.P.R Locomotive 374
128th Anniversary Celebration (374 Pavilion is part of the West Coast Railway Association) on Sunday, May 17, 12- 3 p.m. with live music, cake, and arts & crafts. Free fun for the whole family at Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Yaletown (at the corner of Davie Street & Pacific Boulevard, Vancouver).
Canada India Education Council (CIEC)
ScholarSHIP 2015 Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, May 31, 6:30-10 p.m. in Vancouver. ‘ScholarSHIP 2015’ will take place on board a cruise ship in Vancouver Harbour. Participants will enjoy networking opportunities with dignitaries, education ministers and policy makers, academic champions and key stakeholders, as well as on-board Bollywood entertainment. It will serve as a great way to highlight emerging issues and areas of possible co-operation between Canada and India, as well as governments’ programs and policies in the education sector. info@canadaindiaeducation.com
