(These are FREE listings. Email: EditorVoice@gmail.com)
Sonu Nigam Concert: Klose To My Soul
Sonu Nigam performs at Vancouver’s PNE Coliseum on Saturday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m. organized by KVP Entertainers & Kamal’s Video Palace. Singing classics from Mohammad Rafi, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Hemant Kumar, Talat and ghazal legends like Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan, Sonu promises an unforgettable experience of 3.5 hours. Tickets at $35, $45, $55, $65, $75 & $100 can be purchased from Kamal’s Video Palace at (604) 592-9777 or (604) 833-1977 or bought online at www.ticketleader.
South Asian Mental Health Community Forum
Saturday, May 24 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, May 25 at 3:15 p.m. at Princess Margaret Secondary, 12870 72 Avenue, Surrey. Doors open at 9 a.m. Featuring: Workshops on wellness: – Meditation and Mindfulness – Yoga – Myths & Medication – Counselling & Therapy – Nutrition & Exercise. Presentations on the most prevalent mental illnesses: – Depression & Bipolar Disorder – Anxiety Disorder – Substance Use / Addiction / Alcoholism – ADHD and more. Resources and information in English, Punjabi, Hindi & Urdu. Free event, open to the whole family. Lunch and refreshments provided. Speakers include Dr. Gulzar Cheema, Dr. Dharm Hayre, Dr. Jas Bhopal, Dr. Ramanjot Mangat, Dr. Bali Sohi, Tejinder Gill, Karol Ghuman, Manpreet K. Kohli, Gary Thandi, Rodrick Lal & Deshpal Grewal.
BC Quran Memorization Competition
The Muslim Association of Canada invites you to attend the 12th Annual BC Quran Memorization Competition final phases and the award ceremony and reception on Saturday, May 24, 10 .am.-8 p.m. Award ceremony & reception at 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the event. This year a total of 182 registrations was received in 9 categories from all over the Greater Vancouver Area. Location: Islamic Information Center, 3127 Kingsway, Vancouver.
Akal Academy Surrey
Invites you to the Akal University Fundraising Dinner on Saturday, May 24, 6-9 p.m., at Grand Taj Banquet Hall, 8388 128th Street, Surrey. For tickets & more info: 604-780-7200. www.akalacademy.ca
Surrey International Children’s Festival
The Surrey International Children’s Festival is celebrating their 10th Anniversary. Saturday, May 24. 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at Surrey Art’s Centre box office. The Arts Centre Box Office can be contacted at 604-501-5566.
Help Hunger Disappear
Save-On-Foods and Campbell Canada kick off seventh annual Help Hunger Disappear program in support of local food banks. On Saturday, May 24, Surrey residents are invited to visit the South Point Save-On-Foods, 3033-152 Street, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to fill donation bins with non-perishable foods in support of the Surrey Food Bank and Sources Food Bank. The event will feature: * a large-scale display featuring a fork and spoon built from more than 1,500 Campbell’s soup cans * Cram the van food drive – Help us fill a van with non-perishable food items in support of the Surrey Food Bank. * Spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes in support of the Surrey Food Bank.
Support Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society
Vancouver Whitecaps FC are partnering with Purolator and the Purolator Tackle Hunger program to support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society (GVFBS) who provide accessible, healthy, and sustainable food for individuals in our communities. By bringing a non-perishable food item or by making a cash donation at the match on Saturday, May 24, ‘Caps fans will be able to help people in need within our community. Last year they raised 6,200 pounds of food. Purolator will be donating 250 pounds of food for every corner kick taken during the match, and the first 400 fans to make a donation will receive an autographed ‘Caps banner.
GVHBA Spring Home Renovation Show
Planning a home renovation? Head over to VanDusen Gardens, 5251 Oak Street in Vancouver, on Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association’s (GVHBA) free Spring Home Renovation Show. First 50 people to attend receive free ticket to VanDusen Gardens. * Book a free, one-on-one appointment with an “Ask-a-Pro” consultant and review your renovation plans * Sit in on free, 15-minute seminars, presented by award-winning industry leaders. Speakers will be on hand after each seminar for Q&A. * Renovators and suppliers will be available in the expo area to provide ideas and expert advice. Admission to the GVHBA Spring Renovation Show is free (Garden entry is $10.75 + GST.) Public transit is nearby and there is ample onsite parking. Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.
Indo Caribbean Arrival Day Dinner & Dance
The Indo Caribbean Canadian Cultural Society of British Columbia holds a celebration of Indian culture in the Caribbean on Saturday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at Canadian Auto Workers Hall, 707 – 12th Street, New Westminster. Tickets: $16 per person. Children under five years: Free. Children from 6 to 12 years: $8. Authentic and delicious Indo Caribbean food; dancing; music and songs; and special guest speakers; 50/50 draw / door prizes / open dance floor after dinner – dance to DJ music after dinner. For tickets and information, contact: James Prasad at 604-278-1704 / 604-644-3751, Annette Bacchus: 604-529-9079, Ram Ramsaroop: 604-581 -590 / 604-722-5892, Sheila Omaid: 604-438-9158, Hari Singh: 604-731-4354 / 604-790-0920, Shama Ramnarine: 604-936-3194, Molly Sharma: 604-434-3807.
World Partnership Walk
Sunday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at Lumbermen’s Arch, Stanley Park, Vancouver. The World Partnership Walk is Canada’s largest annual event dedicated to raising funds and increasing awareness to fight global poverty. It is a family and dog-friendly event with an easy 5 km walk, live multicultural entertainment, fun activities, kids world, great food and lots more.
Registration is free. Get involved at www.worldpartnershipwalk.com. Participants can follow the Walk on Twitter at @WPWVancouver and #WPWalk and on Facebook at facebook.com/wpwalk. Initiative of Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network.
Book Launch
“Personal Storytelling – Discover the Extraordinary in the Ordinary.” At Goldcorp Centre for the Arts (SFU Woodwards Campus), 149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, on May 27. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Event runs 6:30-8:30 p.m., followed by a reception. Tickets: $20 – Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/here-2-there-tickets-7147587627. Sam Thiara has written and published a book about personal storytelling and the individual journey. What does a book about personal storytelling and a documentary about an expedition deep into the Himalayas of Nepal have anything to do with each other? It is the journey about two individuals who embraced and took their dreams from here to there and how each discovered the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The Dance Centre
Presents Discover Dance! Flamenco Rosario + Mandala Arts and Culture on Thursday, May 29 at 12 noon at Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie Street (at Granville), Vancouver. Tickets $12 / $10 students, seniors and children from Tickets Tonight at 604-684-2787 www.ticketstonight.ca Info: 604-606-6400. www.thedancecentre.ca. Presented as part of explorASIAN – Vancouver Asian Heritage Month. www.mandalarts.ca. www.flamencorosario.org
Blood Donation in Memory of Sri Lankan Deaths
In May of 2009, thousands of innocent civilians were needlessly killed in the last days of the civil conflict in Sri Lanka. To honour the memories of those lives lost a blood donation camp is being organized Friday, May 30 & Saturday, May 31, 12:30-4 p.m. at 4750 Oak Street, Vancouver. If you are between the ages of 16 and 70, you can book an appointment to donate. Contact: Piriya at 604-724-3561 or m_piriya@hotmail.com.
Pandit Jasraj School of Music Foundation
Presents the Gundecha Brothers, India’s leading performers of the ancient classical style of Dhrupad, the oldest and most serene form of Indian classical music, on Saturday May 31 at 7 p.m. at Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre, Douglas College, New Westminster. General Admission: $28. Free underground parking. Tickets: PJSOM Office: 14 East Broadway 604- 879-8319; Kamal’s Video (Surrey): 604- 592-9777; Zubeida Rattansi (North Vancouver): 604-988-1708. Contact us by Email: alohia@telus.net or sujata@shaw.ca. Stay updated on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjsomf
Doors Open Richmond 2014
The seventh annual Doors Open offers Richmond residents and visitors exclusive access to numerous arts, culture and heritage sites in the city free of cost on Saturday, June 7 & Sunday, June 8 at over 40 sites in Richmond, with an opening celebration on Friday evening, June 6 at 7 p.m. Places of interest include religious and spiritual temples, artist studios, civic facilities and more. Many of the sites will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days and visitors are highly encouraged to check the brochures and the website to confirm the hours of each site. During the weekend, the themes of nature, faith, family and history are explored through four bus trips that will visit various Doors Open sites. Seats are $5 per person and buses will leave at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the Richmond Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate). As space is limited to 20 people per bus trip, those interested are recommended to register at 604-276-4300 or www.richmond.ca/register before Sunday, June 1. Use the following program numbers for tour registration: Nature: #643308, Faith: #643208, Family: #643258 and History: #643358. Doors Open map brochures are available at City facilities, including pools, arenas, community centres, and heritage sites, Richmond Nature Park, Richmond Cultural Centre and Richmond City Hall. A PDF map and complete listing of participating sites can also be downloaded at www.richmond.ca/doorsopen.
Subsidized Housing Workshop
Free workshop at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, 6470 Victoria Drive, Vancouver. Contents: Affordable housing or rent supplement for low income families, seniors, or persons with disabilities. Rental Assistance Program. Who is eligible to apply? How to apply. On June 10 (Tuesday), 1-2:30 p.m. in English and Punjabi. Bus tickets (for eligible clients only), free child minding and refreshment will be provided at the workshop. Bring your PR card number with you. For more information and registration, call: 604-324-6212 ext. 134.
Special: BC Victims of Homicide
Are you living with the traumatic loss of a loved one? Are you in need of support? The BC Victims of Homicide, an initiative of the BC Bereavement Helpline, is hosting an eight week traumatic loss grief support group for the South Asian community in Surrey in partnership with Valley View Funeral Home. When: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., from now until June 25. Cost: Free – but registration is required. Space is limited. Languages: Punjabi, Hindi and English. Facilitators: Jas Cheema and Manjeet Singh. To register or for more information, contact Jas Cheema by phone at 604-561-2700 or by email at: jascheema@shaw.ca. Please refer this group to your network or to anyone who may benefit from it.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
Richmond Public Library will be hosting the six-week program “Chronic Disease Self-Management” in English on Mondays from now until June 16 from 1-3:30 p.m. The program will take place at the Brighouse (Main) Branch in the 2nd floor community place, 7700 Minoru Gate. To register, visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6413 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events. This workshop is designed for people with one or more chronic conditions. It will teach you to better manage your health, discover useful tips to maintain an active lifestyle, and communicate effectively with your health care team. Family members and friends can also attend.
7th Uganda Medical Mission
Indo-Africa Charitable Society (Canada). Venue: Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited – Lugazi: medical, dental & eye camp from August 4-15 to provide primary examinations and treatments to needy Ugandans. Donation: US$650 (non-refundable) or equivalent in other currencies per person. Register by May 31 by contacting Vasant Lakhaniv (H) (604) 987-1925, vasantlakhani@gmail.com, www.indoafricacharity.com,www.vasantlakhani.com. All participants arrive by August 3 committed fully till the end of the mission.
Samarpan Meditation
You can heal your life with meditation. Free of charge. www.samarpanmeditation.org. June 5-12, 7-9 p.m. daily. Call 604-812-7628, 604-505-2100 or 778-882-5448 and register to confirm your spot. Inside Laxmi Narayan Temple Plaza in Shanti Niketan Hall, 8321 140th Street, Surrey.
Canada India Education Council
Presents “The Business of Education” dinner event at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, on Friday, June 6, 5-9 p.m. Learn about BC’s new education quality assurance standards (EQA) and examine the confluence of ‘business’ with education. How do we measure ‘ROI’? BC is committed to increasing international students by 50% by 2016. Interesting in attending / sponsoring? To view the agenda / speaker profiles, visit: http://canadaindiaeducation.com/bc/
Chinese Cultural Centre Museum
Opening Reception of Exhibition: Rare Historical Artifacts of Overseas Chinese & Historical Figures of the Ing Clan. Opening reception: Saturday, June 14, 11 a.m. (Free event). Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, 555 Columbia Street, Vancouver. Exhibition dates: June 14 – July 14, 2014, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., closed on Mondays and holidays. Free admission on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Admission on Wednesday, Thursday: $3/adult, $2/senior (65+), student. Inquiries: eventbrite.com, 1 (604) 658-8880, museum@cccvan.com, www.cccvan.com
Indo-Africa Chairtable Society
Invites all to Shivpuran Katha by Shree Giri Bapu in Hindi at All Saints Parish Church, 1405 Como Lake, Coquitlam, from June 30 to July 8, starting at 6:30 p.m. Pooja: 6:30 p.m. by Shree Sharadbhai Shastri. Maha Shivpuran Katha: 7 p.m. Priti Bhojan from 5:30 to 7 p.m.Shri Mukeshgiribapu is known as ‘Giribapu’ among his followers. Along his Shivkatha, Shri Giribapu inspires and motivates for free plantation, literacy, giving up addiction, preventing dowry, preventing infanticide, protecting animals and birds, and being vegetarian. For more info, contact Vasant Lakhani, President, Indo-Africa Charitable Society, at (604) 987-1925.