Virtual walk for Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is holding province-wide walks on Sunday, May 1 to help raise funds; but those who cannot make it to an organized event can participate in their own community, and at their own pace, by taking part in the Investors Group Virtual Walk for Alzheimer’s. The fund-raiser for the non-profit society allows people to sign up for a virtual walk at www.walkforalzheimers.ca, then take a stroll with family and friends on May 1 and collect pledges or make a donation. Money raised goes to support programs and services in the community that improve the quality of life for people living with dementia and their caregivers, and support activities such as education and public awareness.
Gold Country AGM
The Gold Country Communities Society is holding its annual general meeting at the Lillooet Legion on Tuesday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The society is always on the lookout for new members who are passionate about tourism in the Gold Country area. Anyone who owns or operates a tourism-related business, or is part of local government or a Chamber of Commerce, and who would like to help shape and direct the region’s tourism industry, is invited to attend. For more information contact goldcountry@telus.net.
4th annual Geocaching event
The Gold Country Communities Society is now planning its 2016 Geocaching event, which is fun for the whole family and features games, vendors, food, prizes, and of course geocaching. This year’s event starts in Lillooet on Sept. 2, and then proceeds to Loon Lake and Clinton before finishing in Cache Creek on Sept. 5. All-new geocaches will be released throughout the Gold Country region, and it’s expected that hundreds of people will travel to the area to take part. The past three events have drawn 1,500 unique participants, 90 per cent of whom travel from outside the Gold Country region to participate.
Wellbriety celebration
The Kamloops Indian Band is holding its 1st annual Wellbriety celebration from May 13–15. The event is to celebrate “becoming sober and well in a Native American cultural way”, and will feature keynote speakers, wellbriety meetings, Elders’ storytelling, a family feast and dance, and door prizes. All are welcome to attend, with registration open until May 10. For more information contact Dave Manuel at (250) 828-9704, or dave.manuel@kib.ca.
Online vaccine challenge
By taking an online quiz about vaccination, B.C. residents can provide up to 100,000 vaccines for children in need. The quiz, sponsored by the immunization advocacy program I Boost Immunity, donates one vaccine for each correct answer to the five-question quiz. The spread of misinformation about vaccination has led to some parents choosing to skip certain vaccines or avoid immunizations altogether, resulting in one in three children in B.C. under the age of two not being fully up-to-date with their vaccinations. The quiz coincides with National Immunization Awareness Week (April 23 to 30), and the goal is to reach 100,000 vaccines by April 30.
Job grant helps skills training
The governments of Canada and B.C. have announced that $7 million will be available under the new Canada–BC Job Grant to help businesses provide new or current employees with skills training and training upgrades. Employers are now able to apply for funding for training that will start before Sept. 30, 2016. Some of the funding will be allocated for employers to train and hire individuals who are under-represented in B.C.’s workforce, such as Aboriginal peoples, youth, and persons with disabilities. Information on eligibility criteria and the application process is available at https://www.workbc.ca/canadabcjobgrant.
