Surrey RCMP celebrates with the community at Vaisakhi Day Parade

20 April 2017

ON Saturday, April 22, the Surrey RCMP will once again participate in the Surrey Vaisakhi Day Parade, one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world outside of India. Last year, over 500,000 people participated in this fun and safe family event.

“This is my 6^th year at the Surrey Vaisakhi and it is always amazing to see the generosity and spirit of seva celebrated so openly by the South Asian community,” says Constable Charanjit Marjara from the Surrey RCMP Diversity Unit. “This Nagar Kirtan provides an opportunity for everyone, including the Surrey RCMP, to proudly celebrate the rich diversity of Surrey.”

Surrey RCMP’s Diversity Unit will have an information booth on site with resources about programs and initiatives. Many RCMP officers in attendance will be wearing their traditional red serge. RCMP volunteers will also be engaging with children by providing stickers and tattoos at 76A Avenue and 128^th Street.

A number of road closures will be taking place in the City of Surrey this weekend due to the parade. Police ask that members of the public make arrangements to use alternate routes. Road closures will be in place from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of the parade. Increased delays may be expected for travel through and within the area between 72^nd Avenue to 88^th Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard. For a full list of road closures and route details, visit the City of Surrey’s website.

The Surrey RCMP typically responds to dozens of incidents of missing children or elderly persons who have become separated from their parents or group at this large event. Fortunately all missing people are eventually reunited with their families.

“The Surrey RCMP reminds parade participants that it is important to have a plan in place with your family prior to the event to reduce your risk of separation and what to do if in fact this does occurs,” says Marjara.

A plan may include these simple tips:

* Familiarize your family members with their surroundings and have a pre-planned meeting place

* Equip your family members with some form of identification and your contact information

* Make sure everyone in your party is aware of the location of the Surrey RCMP missing person’s tent and the location of emergency personnel

* Keep a current photo of your child on you in case you need to describe them to police

* Keep your children within eyesight at all times

The Surrey RCMP wishes everyone a very safe Vaisakhi Day!

Surrey’s Khalsa Schools students perform exceptionally well in BC Regional Spelling Bee

20 April 2017

Kaden Phi (centre, first in junior category of BC Region 1) flanked by Abhay S. Chahal and Idan Chinnik.

STUDENTS of Khalsa schools in Surrey (Newton Campus, and Old Yale Road Campus) performed exceptionally well in this year’s BC Regional Spelling Bee. There were 163 contestants from 27 schools (public and private) of B.C.

This year, BC was divided into two regions and the competitions were held on April 2 and April 9 for BC Region 1 and BC Region 2, respectively, in Khalsa School’s auditorium. Sponsors, local community leaders, parents, grandparents, teachers and administrators observed the championship on both days. The winners received cash awards, trophies, medals and certificates plus the appreciation from the audience.

Primary Category Champions of BC Region 2 with parents and guests.

The competitions were very tough as the words were very difficult for young children to spell.

The BC Champions (all those in first place in the various categories) will now compete in the Spelling Bee of Canada Championship on May 7 in Toronto.

BC Region 1 (April 2)

Maanyia Dinesh Sadarangani (BC Champion of Junior Category of BC region 2) with Surrey MLA Harry Bains (far right).
Photos submitted

Primary Category:

Simran Kaur Sandhu (Khalsa School, Newton Campus) – BC Champion
Afsana Dosanjh (Guru Angad Dev Elementary School)
Gurnoor K. Turna (Khalsa School, Newton Campus)
Jacob Manky (Hyland Elementary School, Surrey)
Michelle Kucherenko (Vancouver Talmud Torah Elementary School)
Selena Chahal (Khalsa School, Newton Campus)

Junior Category:

Kaden Phi (Sir Mathew Begbie Elementary School, Vancouver) – BC Champion
Abhay S. Chahal (Khalsa School Newton Campus)
Idan Chinnik (Diefenbaker Elementary School, Richmond)
Subhreet Kaur Gill (Guru Angad Dev Elementary School)
Nikita Sequeira (Saint Joseph Elementary School)
Danya K. Sangha (Khalsa School, Newton Campus)

Intermediate Category:

Praneet Singh Arora (Khalsa School, Newton Campus) – BC Champion
Prabhleen Kaur Sandhu (Holly Cross Secondary School, Surrey)
Avi Maru (St. George’s Elementary School, Vancouver)
Harleen K.Khosa (Khalsa School, Newton Campus)
Arsh Sandhu (Ecole Kwantlen Park Secondary School, Surrey)
Harlisha Kaur Virk (Khalsa School, Newton Campus)

BC Region 2 (April 9)

Primary Category:

Veerpartap Singh Grewal (Grade 2, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus) – BC Champion
Armaan Singh Ghai (Grade 2, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)
Japjot Singh (Grade 1, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)
(tie) Hartaj S. Aujla (Grade 3, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)
(tie) Anahad Hundal (Grade 3, Guru Angad Dev Elementary School)
Anna Abraham (Grade 3, Emily Carr Elementary School)

Junior Category:

Maanyia Dinesh Sadarangani (Grade 5, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus) (Joined Khalsa School as an international student from Dubai) – BC Champion
Keerat K. Khanna (Grade 6, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus) (Arrived in Canada last year with her parents as a new immigrant)
Mavneet K.Bhuller (Grade 5, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)
Sumeen Kaur Dhaliwal (Grade 6, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)
Prabhnoor Kaur Grewal (Grade 4, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)
Parleen Kaur Uppal (Grade 4, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)

Intermediate Category:

Mehar Kaur Sahota (Grade 7, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus) (She won the Spelling Bee of Canada Championship in 2015 and was second place in 2016 in Toronto. She is Vice President of her school’s Student Council) – BC Champion
Amrit Kaur (Grade 7, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus) (She is President of her school’s Student Council)
(tie) Anantchahat Kaur Sandhu (Grade 7, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus) (She is Co-Vice President of her school’s Student Council)
(tie) Manraj Kaur Grewal (Grade 9, Khalsa Secondary School)
Jaskirat S. Gill (Grade 7, Guru Angad Dev Elementary School)
Amandeep Kaur Manan (Grade7, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus) (She is Co-Treasurer of her school’s Student Council)

(Information courtesy of Kamalpreet Kaur Baga, BC Chapter President, Spelling Bee of Canada, and Principal, Khalsa School, Old Yale Road Campus)

Surrey – Walk so Kids Can Talk, May 7/17 Holland Park

20 April 2017

What if you always had someone in your corner, someone who was there for you no matter what? Every year more than 10,000 youths from 183 B.C. communities reach out for help and advice from the free professional counsellors at Kids Help Phone.

The Kids Help Phone service is provided across Canada on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. The callers have a full range of mental health issues, from anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings to bullying, harassment and family problems.

The Kids Help Phone is anonymous, confidential, and nonjudgmental. This year the Kids Help Phone has been working with the Surrey Safe Schools, YMCA, Surrey Youth Engagement, & Surrey Board of Trade to raise awareness of these services among local youth.

As a charity, the Kids Help Phone relies on donations and funds raised from the annual Walk so Kids Can Talk presented by BMO to continue to be there for Canada’s youth, whenever they are needed.

This year the first annual Surrey – Walk so Kids Can Talk event will be held on May 7^th, in Holland Park. This will be a fun family oriented event with lots of entertainment including the RCMP Marching Pipe Band, Celtic fiddle guitar duo “even Steven”, and featuring local teen sensations Ava Carich and Richard Tichleman. There will also be mascots, face painting, sports games, photo booths, a bouncy castle, food trucks, a BBQ and much more.

The Chairperson of the Surrey – Walk so Kids Can Talk, Martin Straith notes “Our objectives are to raise awareness so every Surrey youth is aware of these services, raise funds to ensure these services are maintained, and to have a fun family event that the people and businesses of Surrey enjoy and support.”

“Surrey is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada with a growing and diverse youth population. There are many challenges for young people in Surrey and via the Surrey – Walk so Kids Can Talk we are trying to build a supportive community for the Surrey Youth.

Surrey – Walk so Kids Can Talk, Sunday, May 7^th, Holland Park. Registration starts at 10:00 am, Walk starts at 11:00 am

The Kids Help Phone toll-free line is 1-800-668-6868 and the website is http://org.kidshelpphone.ca/. To register for the Walk and/or donate go to https://walksokidscantalk.ca/.

VICTORIA: Take Part in Family Fun at the Royal BC Museum this May

20 April 2017

THE Royal BC Museum’s May activities focus on family matters in anticipation of the exciting new feature exhibition, Family Bonds and Belonging, opening on June 2. The popular companion exhibition, about the young man who inspired the nation, Terry Fox: Running to Heart of Canada is open and runs until October 1.

Have a question that’s been troubling you? Come to a creative conclusion with Museum Sage Mondays. Our facilitators will guide you through this process, using objects in the museum to help you unlock the answer to your question. Take part between 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Monday, May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The program is included with museum admission or membership.

Seniors are invited to take part in Remember When, a drop-in program where participants can discuss, share and learn using objects from the Royal BC Museum’s learning collection. The 45 minute program starts at 10:30 am and is $10 per participant, with no charge for accompanying caregivers; it runs in the Community Room on Wednesday, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

What tools are available to dig into your own family history? Where do you start? Archivist Genevieve Weber will explain at Live @ Lunch: Finding Family in the BC Archives onWednesday, May 3 from noon to 1:00 pm in the Newcombe Conference Hall.

Enjoy the beautiful spring weather with a hike to the top of Mt. Douglas and a walk around the summit to look for insects with Entomology Curator Dr. Joel Gibson. Fieldtrippers: Insects at the Summit is by donation and takes place on Sunday May 7 from 10:30 am to noon. There is no road access to the summit at this time; participants should allow 30 to 60 minutes prior to the start of the program to hike up to the top and meet at the summit parking lot of Pkols.

Delve into DNA with your family; learn about genetic codes and hereditary traits at Wonder Sunday: Family Science. The program is on Sunday, May 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm and is included in museum admission or membership.

Take part in national Science Odyssey week with Surprising Science at the Royal BC Museum. See the documentary film Every Living Thing: Experiencing a Bioblitz on May 12 at 5:00 pm in Newcombe Conference Hall. Entry to see the film is by donation. Get a chance to speak to our experts, stationed throughout the galleries, on Tuesday, May 16 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. This is included in museum admission or membership.

Were you a fan of Un.Expected Conversations? Missing this series and looking for something similar? It’s Complicated, a new participatory discussion series, is for you. The first instalment is on Thursday, May 17 from 5:15 pm to 7:00 pm in Helmcken House. It will tackle legal aspects of family like adoption and divorce. This program is by donation.

On Saturday, May 20 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm enjoy music from the Langley Ukulele Association who is giving a free recital in Clifford Carl Hall.

The monthly series, Stories at Helmcken House, is taking place on Saturday, May 20 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and is by donation. The theme is family so there will be no shortage of stories!

To celebrate Asian Heritage Month, the Royal BC Museum is pleased to present a Distinguished Lecture: Dr Vivienne Poy on Sunday, May 28 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in Newcombe Conference Hall. Dr. Poy will deliver a talk, Heroes & Gamblers: Tales of Survival and Good Fortune of the Poy Family. It is a story illuminating the Chinese diaspora from the perspective of one family.

For more information about any of these events, visit our online calendar at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/visit/calendar.

TransLink trades diesel buses for hybrids to reduce fleet emissions

20 April 2017

TRANSLINK is rolling out 26 new hybrid diesel-electric articulated buses this month, with the first batch arriving in time for Earth Day. These New Flyer XDE60 buses will be based at the Burnaby Transit Centre and serve nearby B-Lines as well as other high-occupancy routes. The buses are replacing diesel models that went into service 17 years ago.

These hybrid buses use 17% less fuel than equivalent diesel-powered models, and join 21 hybrid articulated buses added to the fleet in May 2016. With the new additions, TransLink will now have 252 hybrid buses in service in Metro Vancouver in addition to 262 zero-emission trolley buses.

TransLink strives to be a leader in environmentally responsible transportation:

In 2015, it received Platinum status for sustainability from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), a first for a Canadian transportation agency.

Hamilton Transit Centre, which opened September 2016, is LEED Silver certified thanks to features including LED lighting, radiant in-floor heating, waste water treatment, and a heat-reflective roof.

Its bus wash system uses reclaimed water for the majority of the wash cycle. Fresh water is only used for the final rinse, reducing water used by about 75%.

It has been upgrading its facilities by converting to LED lighting and doing mechanical / control retrofits to make them more energy efficient.

NCCM raises concerns about reports of numerous anti-Muslim hate incidents in Ottawa and Toronto

20 April 2017

THE National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is calling on police services to do all they can to swiftly bring to justice those targeting Muslims and their institutions.

Ibrahim Hindy, a Toronto imam has been the target of violent threats in recent days, linked to a vitriolic anti-Muslim campaign against prayers in the Peel District School Board (PDSB). Other Muslim advocates and students have also been targeted.

In Ottawa, two local institutions have also been the target of hate in recent days.

The Ottawa Muslim Association had several windows broken, as did the Islam Care Centre, last week. A man was charged with two charges of mischief relating to religious property, and one charge of assaulting a police officer.

And overnight on Wednesday, the Islam Care Centre was targeted again when someone left a hateful note and set fire to the building. The incident is being investigated and there are some concerns that the perpetrator may be linked to a white supremacist group.

“The fire could have destroyed the food and clothing that we collect to distribute to the homeless and to the needy,” says Omar Mahfoudhi, executive director of the Islam Care Centre. “It’s troubling that anyone would try to hurt our communities in this way, impacting not just Ottawa Muslim communities, but the most vulnerable people that we serve across the city.”

“Community members are justifiably concerned about their safety and well-being,” says Sehrish Amjad, NCCM’s Human Rights Officer. “Our police services must do everything to assure communities that these issues are being taken seriously and that everything is being done to protect individuals and institutions. Our elected officials also have a role to play in speaking consistently against hatred. ”

Hindy says that police have assured him that there will be increased patrols around his home and the mosque he leads.

“It’s up to all Canadians to stand together against all forms of hatred,” says Hindy.

The NCCM continues to call on police services to provide an annual report detailing hate crimes and hate incidents happening in their communities, as outlined in an open letter following the tragic shootings at a Quebec City mosque.

Communities currently rely on data from Statistics Canada which reports on police-reported hate crimes two years after the fact.

Municipalities, provincial legislatures, and other public institutions and community members, are also being encouraged to endorse NCCM’s Charter for Inclusive Communities. Several municipalities, including the cities of London, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Hamilton, and Toronto, have already signed on.

The NCCM encourages community members to report suspicious activities to police services and to human rights organizations. It documents hate crimes and incidents on its national interactive online map . The NCCM also encourages community members to refer to its Community Safety Guide.

Abbotsford Police Foundation launches 3rd Annual Fundraiser: Breakfast with the Chief – Crime is Toast!

20 April 2017

The Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF) presents its third annual breakfast fundraising event “Crime is Toast” October 25, 2017 to raise funds in support of the Abbotsford Police Department’s community programs. Funds raised will enable the APF to help Abbotsford Police achieve their goal of making Abbotsford the Safest City in BC.

Building on the success from last year’s inaugural event, the APF has set a fundraising goal of $50,000. Every dollar donated to the APF helps ensure APD special initiatives are a success. The funds raised will continue to support:

Project Band-Aid
Uniformed APD Officers visit children in hospital, leaving them with a toy ‘Hector the Protector’.

Abbotsford Police City Basketball Tournament
Over 750 students playing to promote positive choices for youth through basketball.

Abbotsford Police Camp
A week long day camp for kids, interacting with local police and learning new skills.

Youth Making Positive Choices
An initiative to engage youth and empower them to make good life choices. Currently the program focuses on educating youth on the dangers of drug use.

Specialized Equipment
Each year we strive to purchase specialty equipment for the APD, tools that fall outside their annual operating budget that will help them police the community.

The breakfast, with APD Chief Constable Bob Rich, will build awareness of public safety, the work of the APD, and the Abbotsford Police Foundation. APF President Kevin Boonstra invites you to attend and bring along your colleagues, family and friends to show support for the great work of the brave men and women of the Abbotsford Police Department.

To purchase tickets to Crime is Toast and for information on sponsorship opportunities, please visit the APF website: www.abbypf.ca

In accordance with their Donation Policy the APF provides a charitable receipt for every qualified donation over $100. Supporters who purchase a table (8 seats) will receive a tax receipt for 50% of the total.

What’s happening at the George Mackie Library, Delta?

20 April 2017

Teens between the ages of 12 – 19 are invited to Pizza and Games at the George Mackie Library on Tuesday, April 25 from 5 – 7 pm for a fun night of gaming and free pizza. Games and snacks provided by Imperial Hobbies.

Baby teeth influence a child’s health and development, not only assisting with smiling, chewing and speaking, but they guide the placement of permanent teeth as they come in. Start your infant off with good oral care! On Monday, May 1, from 11:30 am – 12 pm, the George Mackie Library presents Baby Oral Health Workshop, a fun, informative and interactive session for parents and young kids to learn how to properly car for teeth at an early age.

Storytimes continue into our Spring/Summer programming, along with a new evening storytime called Wind Down to Bedtime. Children are invited to wear their pajamas, bring their favourite stuffy, and join us every Thursday night beginning May 4 from 7 pm – 7:30 pm for specially chosen bedtime stories, breathing exercises, songs and some sleepy yoga poses.

What else is happening at the George Mackie Library?

CHILDREN

Baby Oral Health Workshop

Monday, May 1, 11:30 am – 12 pm

A fun, informative and interactive session where parents and young kids learn about how to properly care for teeth at an early age.

Storytime

Tuesdays until May 23, July 4 – August 8, 10:30 am – 11 am

Fridays, May 5 – 26, 10:30 am – 11 am

Introduce kids to the love of books and language with Storytime! Children and caregivers will enjoy interactive stories, songs, rhymes and more. Storytime prepares children to learn to read. Suitable for ages 2 – 6 years.

Babytime

Thursdays until 25, July 6 – August 10, 10:30 am – 11 am

Make language fun! Start early with Babytime. Help your baby develop speech and language skills – enjoy bouncing, singing, rhyming and stories. Babytime is a fun, social bonding activity for babies AND caregivers. Suitable for babies 23 months and younger.

Lego® Club

Thursdays until June 22, July 6 – August 10, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Love Lego®? We provide the LEGO®, you bring your imagination! Come play, create, and experiment. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

Wind Down to Bedtime Storytime *NEW*

Thursdays, May 4 – June 29, 7 pm – 7:30 pm

Is your child ready for bed? Not until they wind down at storytime! Join us every Thursday night for specially chosen bedtime stories, breathing exercises, songs and some sleepy yoga poses. Wear your pajamas and bring your favourite stuffy.

Paws 4 Stories

Saturday, May 6, June 17, July 15, August 19, 2 pm – 3 pm

Paws 4 Stories is a St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Community Service that promotes improvement in children’s reading skills. When a child reads with a dog, they start to relax and forget about feeling nervous about reading. Dogs make very supportive listeners! Therapy dogs and their volunteers will listen to children who want to practice reading aloud. This is a free program forages 6 and up. Space is limited! Please register by phone or in person after 10 am on the day of the program for your 15-minute reading session.

TEENS

Teen Night: Pizza and Games

Tuesdays, April 25, May 30, June 27, July 25, August 29, 5 – 7 pm

Do you love to play board games? Are you between 12 and 19 years old? Then come to the library for a fun night of gaming and free pizza. Games and snacks provided by Imperial Hobbies.

ADULT

Intermediate English Conversation

Tuesdays, April 4 – May 30, 1 pm – 3 pm (except May 2)

Intermediate English training for newcomers who want to improve their accent reduction, practice conversation skills and gain confidence with speaking in public. Held in partnership with the Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) with funding from the Delta Literacy Committee.

Settlement Workers – Punjabi/English

Tuesdays, April 25, May 9, 23, June 6, 20, July 4, 18, August 1, 15, 29, 1 pm – 5 pm

Are you a newcomer to Canada who needs help adjusting to your new life? Free and confidential services are offered to help newcomers – with all their needs – during the process of settling into their new community. Settlement and Integration Services are free for immigrants, refugees and their families in BC.

Next Chapter Book Club

Wednesday, May 3 – June 14, 1 – 2 pm

The Next Chapter Book Club offers a weekly opportunity for adults with differing abilities to read and learn together, talk about books, make friends, and have fun in a relaxed community setting.

Knit & Stitch

Fridays until August 25, 2 pm – 4 pm (except April 14)

Pack up your needles and yarn and head to the library. Knitting, crocheting, quilting and weaving are fun ways to connect across the generations. Join members of all ages and abilities to share ideas, techniques, and good conversation.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan pays obeisance at Golden Temple

19 April 2017

Amritsar (PTI): Defence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan on Thursday paid obeisance at the Golden Temple here where he was presented with a robe of honour.

He reached the holy Sikh shrine shortly after 6 a.m. and spent around 15 minutes inside its sanctum sanctorum.

Wearing a grey turban and a white shirt, Sajjan took a round of the Harmandir Sahib’s complex and spent over an hour on its premises.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Kripal Singh was also present when the minister reached the shrine.

(Indian media reported that Sikh “radicals” who wanted to meet Sajjan were not allowed to do so by the SGPC task force. They then protested against the SGPC and raised ‘Khalistan zindabad’ and ‘SGPC murdabad’ slogans.)

Sajjan is a Sikh whose native village, Bambeli, falls in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab.

Sajjan arrived at the holy city of Amritsar from New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

The minister will be in Chandigarh on Friday where he will inaugurate the new office of the Consulate-General of Canada.

Vaisakhi langar at 135A Street in Surrey (Home of the Homeless)

19 April 2017

GLOBAL Village Charitable Foundation (OGV), a non-profit society that has worked with community partners including the City of Surrey, RCMP, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit- BC, Crime Prevention Society, York Centre and Ross Street gurdwaras, Laxmi Narayan Mandir and many other committed societies, are inviting members of the community to join them in celebrating Vaisakhi at 135A Street, the ‘Home of the Homeless.’

OGV notes that they have been regularly serving food and gently used clothes at 135A Street in Surrey. Each time they have served there, they have learnt a little more about the lifestyles and struggles of the homeless guests that live in that locality. Not having access to the government assisted counseling has led many of them to addiction, landing them finally in the state of being homeless.
In the month of April, Sikhs and other humanitarians across the world are celebrating Vaisakhi in their own cities. On this auspicious occasion, they think of the 600+ homeless of Surrey and ask you to please join them with the festivities by serving langar (free food) to “Sangat in Pangat” at 135A Street. Serving without discrimination is the Sikh path to equality and respect.
In the past, they have been able to motivate a few community partnerships to help with the homeless shelters. They are again hoping that with time they will be able to inspire other friends, societies, business owners and more importantly political leaders to take a closer look at the root causes of addition and homelessness.

“We must work toward helping these folks living in tents in the extreme weather conditions to a dignified life. We at OGV believe that only with direct involvement with the impacted folks and working together as a community, we will be able to make a positive and powerful impact on the future of Surrey. We invite you all to volunteer your time in serving food with us from 12 to 2 p.m. on April 23 at 10667 135A Street,” they said.
To accommodate all interested volunteers, either to serve langar or to donate, you are requested to get in touch with them via email at [email protected] or through their Facebook account @ogvfoundation.